Minnesota 2020 recently released its annual
Made in Minnesota Gift Guide, a wonderful and comprehensive guide chock full of locally grown
gift ideas, from food to clothing to toys to pets and everything
in-between. There are maps to guide your hunt; a list of new items for 2009; and an additional guide to specialty retailers dedicated to local goods. It's a fantastic resource for anyone wanting to buy local this holiday season.
Why is buying local so beneficial? In addition to putting together a comprehensive gift guide, the researchers at
MN 2020 released
Homegrown Holidays, a detailed report outlining the importance of buying local. Not only is it a more environmentally friendly way to shop (greater reduction in processing and shipping, for one thing), but buying Minnesota-made goods ensures that, on average, 68 cents of every dollar spent on locally made goods stays in Minnesota, whereas only 43 cents spent at chain stores stays in Minnesota, the report notes.
Additionally, the report reveals, based on holiday retail projections for 2008, Minnesota could have gained a $2 billion economic stimulus if Minnesotans made 25 percent of their holiday purchases local. The report is a fascinating glimpse at our local economy and important sectors, from apples to cheese to beer, all of which can decorate holiday tables with the proud display of "Made in Minnesota."