Oakland Grown is challenging Oakland celebrities and all residents to do 100 percent of their holiday shopping with Oakland’s local businesses. The challenge - a program of a local nonprofit organization - is designed to be a fun and inspiring way to discover all of the cool things you can find in Oakland and at the same time, make people feel good about supporting the local economy. Challenge participants sign up here.

To help shoppers find great gifts, the group also created the 2010 Oakland Grown Gift Guide, which features more than 150 Oakland-owned independent businesses and artists offering unique, affordable gift ideas. 

Mayor-Elect Jean Quan is taking the challenge and encouraging others to do the same. 

“I’m challenging the nation and residents to take a fresh look at Oakland," she said. "There are so many diverse neighborhood shopping districts, unique Oakland artists and products. Oakland succeeds when our local businesses succeed. Local businesses create jobs [and] sales tax revenue from purchases made in Oakland funds vital municipal services such as police, fire, libraries, parks and youth programs.”

Bunnywarez is a truly original Oakland business that sells original animal-themed jammies, hoodies and hats. 

“Staying local is critical to our business,” owner M Bunny said. “Our materials are domestically sourced and our production is 100 percent local. The benefits to our local economy as well as the American economy are certainly worth it to us, and we can say with pride that all of our garments are made with love in Oakland, California.”

The message to residents is that to improve local economy, we need to keep our money in Oakland. Spending locally at Oakland Grown businesses and artists can really make a difference. Study after study reveals that the economic multiplier effect is real and that for every $100 spent at a locally-owned independent business, $45 of those dollars stay in the community, instead of only $13 for a chain store.

And Oakland Grown is making it fun and easy with its gift guide. Want a onesie for a little one? Green toys for a toddler? A make-your-own lipstick kit for a tween? Shoppers can find the toys, clothes and gifts they want and support the local economy at the same time. 

And if you don’t find what you are looking for, just ask! Like little invisible elves, Oakland Grown volunteers will scour the city for specific toys, jewelry, games or whatever it is people are looking for. The group said it hopes that a mix of technology and personal relationships will help make shopping easy and connect shoppers to the city’s 50-plus business districts and hundreds of online-based artisans.

Up for the challenge? Sign up online and indicate what your commitment is. Oakland Grown will follow up with participants (including the mayor-elect) and find out how it went.

Join us ...

On Thursday, Dec. 9, Farley’s East Mixer will recognize Oakland Grown as its Nonprofit of the Month. Twenty percent of proceeds from the mixer will benefit Oakland Grown and it's a great opportunity to mingle with OG members and steering committee. 

Event details:

5 to 9 p.m.
Farley's East
33 Grand Ave. in Oakland

Spread the word and RSVP via the Facebook listing for the event - the more people the more benefit to Oakland Grown!


Oakland Grown is a program of the Oakland Merchants' Leadership Forum, a nonprofit organization.  Oakland Grown launched its website of all things local, independent and Oakland last year.  Any local and independently owned business can become a member. Individuals, nonprofit organizations and artists are also welcome to join. Check the website for membership benefits.