Our Ingenious Guide to Gift Giving launches this week. One of the main purposes in providing this guide is not to just make readers look like superstars of giving gifts, but it is also a means to show residents the benefits of shopping locally. Not only does it help the economy here in the town of Tolland and the rest of the county, it also supports Connecticut as a whole. Shoppers can buy gifts that are made and sourced right here in our own backyard.

Five great reasons to shop local include:

▪                As what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, the money spent in Connecticut stays in Connecticut.

▪                Shopping local conserves tax dollars.

▪                Local businesses arguably provide better customer service. They take the time to assess shopper's needs and have a genuine interest in helping customers make the best choices for him or her, not necessarily the business owner.

▪                Shopping local preserves Connecticut's quality of life.

▪                Shopping local also reduces environmental impact and transportation costs.

CT-based Edibles Advocate Alliance (EAA) is one network that nurtures local business to build local economies, offering financial incentives to small businesses that raise sustainable food systems, employ sustainable marketing solutions (such as email marketing strategies, social media, online networking platforms, websites and blogging), engage in local agriculture and connect with their communities. The EAA also allows businesses—from local food groceries to wineries, local food restaurants to greenhouses and plant growers—to sign up in their directory for consumers in the area to more easily find them.

A recent search on BuyCTGrown alone revealed over 30 places within 15 minutes of town to buy fruits, vegetables, dairy goods, maple syrup, honey, trees, wildflowers, poultry, seafood, wool and organic goods like tea. According to their website, BuyCTGrown's mission is to bring Connecticut's 4000 farms and their various offerings within a shopper's reach, and in doing so, "support local agricultural enterprises and contribute to the health and viability of Connecticut's rural economy."

Shoppers can buy paintings, pottery and handmade clothing as well, supporting our local artists and crafters. They can visit local restaurants, bike shops and mom-and-pop toy stores. It helps keeps more money in the state and in the local communities from which people can benefit.

This is a big reason why we provide our directory of businesses and organizations on Tolland Patch, free of charge. The more exposure one entity can get, the better for all of us. The more residents become aware of local businesses that fit their needs, the more likely they will use them to do their shopping, banking and other services.  If you find that your business or organization is not yet on the directory, please let us know.

Coming from a more logistical standpoint, according to Buy Local, Think Global, Connecticut businesses are more likely to feed back into the community they serve, utilizing local banks and other services. Local businesses are also more likely contribute more of both their time and money to their community. They also produce jobs for local communities.

If we're thinking about the environmental impact, supporting Connecticut businesses cuts down on fuel consumption. Buying locally produced goods reduces the need to ship goods from thousands of miles away and also cuts down on the distances shoppers travel, which in turns saves shoppers gas—and who can complain about that?

There are a number of unique businesses in Tolland, and in our gift guide we highlight those that can offer the same, if not better, products than the big chain stores. This season, challenge yourself to think outside of the box for your gift ideas. Shop locally and support our economy here in Tolland. It's one of those gifts that keep on giving back, including to the giver.