Why do we say “Manning, Iowa…It’s Refreshing.”?? Because of our refreshing small businesses!!! Here are more ideas for local gifts but use your own imagination! Give a membership to the Rec Center or golf course. For fun - purchase a family or neighborhood outing at our bowling alley. Ahhh – a massage for a good friend (ok – get one for yourself also!). Or spa and salon services. Give a gift of your time or money to a local charity or organization. For the holidays, how about adopting a local family in need and provide food from our local grocery store??!! Remember, giving - the ability to give - is a gift unto itself. Write-up your own gift certificate to mow a neighbor’s or friend’s lawn, or shovel their sidewalk, clean their rain gutters, wash their car… Pay it forward. Hmmm – ten small gifts. Give 10 hugs to 10 friends. Send someone a personal note telling them how much they mean to you and how much you value their friendship. Promise them a home-made dinner at your house! Purchased locally of course! Purchase unique gently used gifts/clothes from our second hand stores. Replace your mom’s stove or refrigerator even if it is still working.
Read last week’s article for additional reasons! Why do we say “Manning, Iowa…It’s Refreshing.”?? More reasons are highlighted below.