Cash is tight this year, not just for consumers, but for local businesses, too. Why not give a gift that supports local businesses, and enhances quality of life?
Research shows that money spent at local businesses stays local. When you spend a dollar at a local business, about half of that dollar stays in the local economy, in contrast with the dollar you spend at a national chain, where only about 13 cents of that dollar stays in the nearby economy. Likewise, money spent at independent locally-owned businesses recirculates an average 3.5 times more than money spent at a chain business. When you Christmas shop locally, you're not just keeping businesses open and preventing vacancies, you're helping your neighbors--and isn't that the true spirit of Christmas?
This year, consider giving the gift of a good time. Season tickets or the gift of a membership help defray someone's entertainment costs throughout the year. Experiential gifts like restaurant gift certificates and concert tickets can also help local businesses keep their doors open, since extras like outings and tickets are some of the first items that get scratched off a budget when times are tight. Give an experiential gift, and you give a gift that keeps on giving.
And the Central Business District has a lot of affordable entertainment options, from live music to gym memberships to basketball tickets--so there's something for just about everyone on your list.
Music, film, debates and theater--It's all happening at the Linda, WAMC's Performing Arts Studio at 339 Central Avenue. And with prices ranging from $6 to $25 and up, you can go online and buy a handful of tickets for a year's worth of events. Check out the schedule and buys tickets at http://www.wamcarts.org/ or call at 465-5233 ext. 4.
Know someone who could use a little relaxation or rejuvenation? Think about giving the gift of yoga classes or introducing them to Nia, a new fitness fusion program. The Center for Nia and Yoga at 4 Central Avenue offers a range of yoga, Nia, and meditation classes that reduce stress and promote wellness. You can purchase passes to individual classes or get a season pass through their website: http://www.nia-yoga.com/ or call the center at 463-5145.
Want to give the gift of health? Buy someone you love a gym membership.
Best Fitness at 911 Central Avenue, offers memberships, for fees as low as $19.99 a month. Membership includes access to fitness equipment, a full schedule of classes, childcare, and tanning and steamroom facilities. Check out their website at http://www.bestfitness.us/ or call the gym at 435-2378.
Another option is the the Capital District YMCA with fees starting at $11 a month for youth, and $46 a month for adults. Membership includes access to fitness equipment, a full schedule of classes, child care, camping, and a swimming pool. Check out their website at http://www.cdymca.org/ or call at 869-3500.
Fees to join vary.
Got a culinary enthusiast? Everyone loves a good meal, and Central offers food from around the world. Buy a gift certificate to your favorite restaurant, and you can introduce someone you love to something new! Check out some of the different options at http://www.dinetheavenue.com/
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