Three years ago, inspired by the quality and dedication she found at Seacoast farmers’ markets, Karen Lawrence decided on buying “local only” for Christmas. Seeking unique gifts, she found that changing her habits changed her. 

What ages are you buying for?
From my 9-month-old granddaughter right through my mother-in-law. It’s the full range. Last year, my two teenage nieces were the only ones I ended up buying gifts from chains, and even then I went to the Kittery outlets. And I also got them a gift card from Bull Moose Music. The year before, when I tried to stick totally local for them, it kind of fell flat. I tried to buy clothing and accessories, but it’s hard. They live an hour outside Philadelphia and it’s very urban. But I really think you can find something for everyone on your list.

Why did you decide to do this?
I think going to the Farmers’ Market a lot more over the last several years, seeing how people are really trying to deliver quality to the local residents, made me realize we need to support that or it’s going to go away. I’ve lived in the Seacoast, off and on, since the 1970s. I’ve seen rents go up, chains come in. It’s disheartening to see stores go away over time. Until recently, there was a hardware store in South Berwick. But they couldn’t compete. So, now, they’re not there when you need just a simple something. It was a challenge to myself, but retailers count on the holiday season for making or breaking their year. If you can at least do your holiday shopping locally, it’s going to make a difference.

Was this a big change for you?
I always have tried to shop local. I always took my daughter, who’s now a mother, to G. Willikers for things. They’ve been in business for 30 years. Now they’re starting to see the next generation come in. You cannot compare that experience to Wal-Mart. Yes, you have to go to big boxes for some things. You can’t get around it. But, even if people only did half of their holiday shopping locally, it would make huge difference. You get up close and personal with the people who select merchandise for you, they get feedback, and they have more time for customers. It’s a much more pleasant experience.

What did you get your husband last year?
I know I got him a book, and … I can’t remember. As we’ve gotten older, we’ve tried to take up a smaller footprint. A lot of times we buy tickets for something. Part of Christmas is going to see a show at The Music Hall—having an experience versus buying just some thing. He tends to go to the mall … But, he buys jewelry in the local jewelers, and he’s gotten me things from Celtic Crossing and Kaya, books from RiverRun and music from Bull Moose. Even for the Yankee swap at school, I’ve gotten great little things at Serendipity. Now, my thing is not only to shop local, but try to do fair trade as well. Blue Moon in Dover is a great story. Not only does she do fair trade, but she has a table of literature in her shop about some of the different health initiatives and charitable organizations around.

Do you head out the door with a specific list?
Sometimes I don’t even know what I’m going to get until I see it. I have people in mind and I look around at craft fairs, or even back in September at Laudholm Farm Crafts Festival. I got my granddaughter a really adorable sweater made by someone in South Berwick at the Christmas bazaar. It was beautiful. It was handmade, and it was really affordable. Maybe it takes more planning, I guess. Thinking ahead, because you’re not going to get everyone off your list in one trip to the mall. It probably is a bit more time consuming. But, the overall experience is so much more relaxed that it’s better. If you really are just looking for something for Aunt Susan, you’re going to go to the mall and look at the sales racks. But, I know people who want to get a certain sweater and end up going to three malls anyway.

How has shopping local changed you?
I feel like … I’m not buying stuff because I have to buy stuff. It makes you be more thoughtful. You’re taking your time, trying to be creative. It’s just a nicer atmosphere to be walking into small shops, walking outside, not be crushed at the mall. To know that you’re helping—helping lessen the footprint, and helping the merchants thrive so they’re there next year and the year after—people really appreciate it. They know when you’ve found something for them.