Now you may or may not have gotten your Valentine’s Day treats, attire, gifts or decor at a consignment, resale, or thrift shop.

But you know what? Those shopkeepers deserve a kiss (or at least a pat on the back!) for being the MOST local of the “Shop Local” businesses in your city, town, village, neighborhood.

Because the goods they sell aren’t shipped cross-country or cross-world. No mile-long tankers steamed across the Pacific to fill a resaler’s store. No tractor-trailer idled upwind from your kids’ playground. Best of all: You don’t have to trek to the mall only to find nothing interesting. Resalers are close to home and offer more locally-popular styles than any “new” retail store could.

Because their eco-footprint is light as can be. Whether your style runs to Birkenstocks or Manolo Blahniks, resalers re-use as much as they can. For example, their counter might be a salvaged door or a “throw-away” from the luxe store over at the mall. Best of all: resale shops offer you the chance to tread lightly on our planet, too!

Because their suppliers aren’t mega corporations. Resalers stock their stores with gently-used goods that have spent a little time in the homes of folks just like you. So all money made stays local. Best of all: You too can Turn Your Cluttered Closets into Cash!

Because 100% of the money you spend stays in your community. Consignment shops pay their consignors (who chances are, live local… or at least spend their cash-in-hand at the cafe next door or the specialty shop two blocks down.) Buy-outright shops create a cash flow that generally flows right back into your local economy. And non-profit thrifts? The money you give them goes directly to your community through their mission, whatever it may be. Best of all: Resale shops are the MOST LOCAL of all Shop Local Shops… and they themselves shop locally with PRIDE! (So ask them the best place to… They’ll know, and they’ll tell you! After all, they’re locals!)

So stop in this week at your local resale shop, say Hi and find something wonderful to treat yourself or your honey or your home with.

Remember that old ad, “A little dab’ll do ya?” Well, a little dab of clear nail polish can do you as a way to keep your wardrobe in shape!

If you coat those round pearl buttons on your favorite dressy blouse, the buttons will stay bright and shiny and the pearlized coating won’t come off in the wash.
A dab of polish on the threads of shirt buttons will help forestall losing them, too.
Covering the tips of satin ribbon bows on lingerie or other girly stuff will prevent fraying and keep these feminine trims looking their best.
Clear nail polish can act as a non-allergenic coating on the backs, clasps and posts of pierced earrings if you’re unsure whether they are surgical steel. Recoat every few wearings to prevent allergic reactions.

This works well too on the metal back and band buckles of watches.

Or go red! Got a dress that needs red earrings, but you can’t find the right shade? Try customizing a white or pearl pair with nail polish! The varieties of red in nail polish are endless, and you’re sure to find just the right hue. Or you could do as a friend did: take a pair of white button earrings and paint “in” on one, “out” on the other. Yup, it’s “in” one ear and “out” the other!

For more thrifty AND nifty eco-gift wrap ideas, see HTC’s Pinterest suggestions!

Okay, you’re really tickled with the gadget, widget, whatcamacall it you bought for __________ [fill in the blank].

But you don’t want him/her/them to guess what it is before they are allowed to open their present.

How to disguise it?

Stick it in a Hershey’s Kiss!

All you need is a funnel of whatever size, a bunch of aluminum foil, and a “flag” of white paper out the top (Use a turquoise marker and ALL CAPS to make it seem like a real Kiss!)

(I’m sure Hershey’s Kiss is a trademark or copyright or whatever; Here’s their site. I am only riffing on the cultural imprint these candies have made on our culture.)

Any case will do; this is from Target. Of course, make sure the lid is safe for little ones.

Is there an imaginative, creative child on your gift list? Here’s a present that not only is fun to give and receive, but

massively enjoyable to SHOP for!

A dress-up trunk!

Find a sturdy and safe trunk, box, or even small dresser, and fill it with:

• Colorful, sparkly, filmy dresses
• Flowy tops
• Elastic-waisted skirts and pants
• Scarves, jewelry
• Gloves, hats
• Vests, ties, belts
• Shoes, shawls, capes
• And all the props you can find, from tiaras and magic wands to pirate maps, spy-glasses and laser lights! A stuffed parrot? Fluffy rabbit to pull out of that hat? (You get extra credit from me, if you include a few books about adventuring!)

All of the above, and some fun stuff you’ll discover along the way, can be found at your friendly, local resale, consignment, and thrift shops. Find yours here.

And don’t forget, most imaginative play takes place with friends… so fill that “trunk” to the brim with multiples.

Who knows? You may be inspiring the next Sir Laurence Olivier or Katharine Hepburn!