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The COVID-19 Pandemic has left us all reeling in a multitude of ways, many of us are collectively mourning the loss of momentous once-in-a-lifetime experiences for loved ones including high school and college graduations, traditional wedding gatherings and even birthday parties and Mother and Father’s Days with big family brunches and barbecues. Enduring life’s challenges during this time is even more grueling, as is the experience of a friend who is currently going through her umpteenth round of chemotherapy, only this time for safety reasons, she has to go to each appointment alone, and recover at home without friends by her side.
If you’re looking for ways to bring a little cheer to the lives of those hard hit by the current state of the world, we’ve rounded up nine awesome gifts to give that will bring joy while also supporting local businesses that need us to rally around them.
Purchase a Customized Jewelry from Make Pie
Make Pie offers beautiful customization jewelry like their Word of the Year bracelet that can be hand-stamped with a word of your choice, or their custom-dated rings and necklaces which can be made in honor of a graduation date or other special occasion. Click here to view all available pieces.
When Life Gives You Lemon Necklace
(Image credit: Make Pie)
(Image credit: Make Pie)
Send Farm Fresh, Locally Grown Flowers
Sweet Acres Flower Farm is a locally owned and operated mother-daughter business that will deliver gorgeous seasonal blooms arranged perfectly in a mason jar delivered to the recipient of your choice for as little as $25. Flowers are delivered on Fridays, so get your order in early in the week to ensure delivery. To order, DM them on Instagram!
(Image credit: Sweet Acres Farms)
Order Fresh, Local Stone Fruit
The annual Stone Fruit Jubilee will not be able to take place in person this year, however, local stone fruit farmers are offering a box of wonderful, organic Valley stone fruit for just $20. Place your order online here. Boxes will be ready June 27th. Pick up one for yourself, and one to gift – everyone is sure to love sweet, fresh summer fruit straight from the farm!
Have Cookies Delivered
Crave Cookies continues to delight and is now delivering in more zip codes than ever before. Order their piping hot, crispy on the outside, doughy on the inside giant chocolate chip cookies or their new limited-time sugar cookie with frosting and Fruity Pebble topping delivered to a special someone on any day of your choosing. If they don’t deliver where you need them to just yet, you can always meet them in their delivery range by sending a note with your order (e.g. “Meet in the Target parking lot on Blackstone and Nees, I’ll be in a red Honda.”).
Give the Gift of Wildlife
Our beloved Chaffee Zoo is currently struggling financially as the Zoo has been ordered closed since early in Shelter in Place and has lost all admission revenue during what is typically a very busy season. Support the Chaffee Zoo and delight an animal lover you know in one of three ways:
- Adopt an Animal
- Purchase and gift an annual membership (dates will not begin until the Zoo reopens, so your recipient will benefit from a full year of Zoo access!)
- Make a donation in honor of a loved one
Purchase a Cool Tee, Hat or Mask
KLSD is offering a special apparel collection for men and women featuring hats, tees and face masks that say “Heart for Fresno” or “Be a Good Human” and when you purchase these aesthetically cool pieces, you’ll also be supporting local charities that are providing COVID-19 specific relief right here in the Valley.
(Image Credit: KLSD)
(Image credit: KLSD)
Send a Plant from Foliage
Have a special plant lover in your life? Purchase directly from a locally owned plant shop and have a plant and beautiful pot delivered. Shop Foliage’s inventory and arrange for local drop-off or curbside pick up here.
Purchase or Commission an Art Piece
One of my favorite local artists, Art by Elowyn will create a custom piece including a portraits, pet portraits and even paintings of your wedding bouquet. Or, shop her selection of colorful, joyful ready-made art pieces online here.
Purchase a Gift Certificate
And though it probably goes without saying, it bears being repeated. A great way to support local businesses is to purchase gift cards or certificates from favorite places and send them to your recipient for use once businesses are open. Businesses like Revue coffee, Ampersand Ice Cream and cocktail bars like Modernist and of course your favorite local restaurants all offer gift cards that are sure to delight. Please consider a local gift card purchase over a national chain during this challenging economic time.