The Okotoks and District Chamber of Commerce is encouraging residents to keep their Christmas shopping close to home.

With a variety of new and favourite businesses in Okotoks, the Chamber is hoping residents will keep their spending in town to help strengthen the local economy and support others in the community.

Jayme Hall, Executive Director of the Okotoks Chamber, says with Calgary's proximity it can be appealing to head to the city to look for deals.

"I think in Okotoks we're very tempted to maybe go into the city and buy those products. You might find a one day sale or a last minute deal, but I really encourage you just to assess that and make the decision to buy your products locally here in Okotoks whether it be one of the box stores, a lot of those stores have local franchisee owners, or a local business here in Okotoks."

Residents should remember there's plenty of home based businesses offering unique goods and services that would make for great Christmas gifts as well.

Hall says if you're not sure what to get someone as a tangible gift, you could always support a local group in their name.

"To make a donation to a local group, a local non-profit, in someone's name is always an awesome idea and really just supporting some of the community's initiatives when it comes to Christmas time," he explains. "A lot of those events do have that philanthropic piece to them so supporting those events and donating that way too I think is great, the holidays are all about giving."

For a list of local businesses and organizations to help spur Christmas gift ideas click here and here.

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