As we enter this time of giving, I encourage our community to think about our neighbors and friends who work and have businesses here in South Whidbey.

With the economic downturn comes very tight times for all of us, but it is also an opportunity to invest in our local South Whidbey Community by shopping locally. Studies have indicated that shifting as little as 10 percent of purchases from chains to local businesses can play a significant difference in economic activity for a region.

Not only that, but shopping in South Whidbey locations is very pleasant and offers a huge variety of gift giving options. Greenbank, Coupeville, Freeland, Bayview, Langley and Clinton are decorated and festive and stand ready to serve. Locations are easy to get to and free of the stresses of mall shopping. Not to mention that wandering in and out of our local shops often reconnects you with old friends and acquaintances.

There are many interesting gift possibilities in South Whidbey. Being known as an arts community we are blessed with all kinds of options: hand-blown glass, sculptures, paintings, specialty T-shirts with art from local artists, hand-crafted silks and one-of-a-kind jewelry. We’re blessed with oodles of galleries, curio shops and antique stores, all of which offer unique gift ideas. Books are excellent holiday gifts and we have several unique bookstores including collectable books, travel books and best sellers. We even have a puppet/book store!

We also have many local foods and crafts to choose from: local roasted coffees, molded bees wax candles, hand-made soaps, pottery, and the best holiday pies around, just to name a few. This year, the Langley Fire House and old antique store are hosting our local farmer’s market each weekend till Christmas, featuring local foods and crafts, as just one example of activities happening throughout our communities. The kinds of gifts you purchase from our South Whidbey community can be unique and fun to give!

Looking for clothes? You don’t have to go all the way to a mainland mall. Whether you’re looking for a fabulous used clothing deal or brand-new garments, we have excellent stores just waiting to serve you. Local clothing shops throughout South Whidbey have exceptional items that could be just the right piece to wear to your special holiday event.

Buying a local experience is also an extraordinary gift. Tickets to venues throughout South Whidbey, such as WICA, the Children’s Theater or the Clyde are always a treasure. Gift certificates to the wine or chocolate shops, local nurseries and music store or yarn shop are nice too. Massages, pedicures and spa experiences make great stocking stuffers.

Tired of cooking? How about a nice dinner out or a holiday breakfast? Don’t forget our wonderful restaurants. South Whidbey has a variety of food establishments ready to welcome your out-of-town guests or your business’s office party. We also sport some incredible coffee houses scattered all over the south end.

How about a gift that keeps on giving? Purchase a CD from your bank for your grandchild, or donate to a local non-profit in the name of a friend or relative.

Shopping locally saves you gas money and ferry tolls. Before you head out to the other side, try our merchants here in your local community who are eager to serve you and wish you all a happy holiday and good cheer!

The authors, Rene Neff and Russell Sparkman, serve on the Langley City Council.