We are unabashed supporters of neighborhood businesses. Our December magazines, which will begin arriving at your doorsteps after Thanksgiving, feature all kinds of creative neighborhood crafters from whom you can (and should) buy handmade holiday gifts.

The shopping frenzy officially kicks off this Friday (or today, apparently, as national retailers keep inching up sales), and if you already have your track suit laid out and your route mapped, we won’t judge. We will, however, encourage you to hit up locally-owned shops in our neighborhood, which are offering plenty of their own specials on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday (an event created by American Express).

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• Discounts range from 20 to 50 percent off on most items at From the Ends of the Earth on Friday, plus random giveaways and sweets to nibble on while you shop.

• The recently opened Tyler Street Salon will have $5 off spa pedicures (normally $30) on Friday.

• At Cozy Cottage children’s boutique, buy one get one half off on all regular priced clothing both Friday and Saturday.

• On Sunday, the House of MacGregor Millinery above Bolsa will be open and offering 15 percent off all hat gift certificates purchased that day.
• Find out which businesses are participating in Small Business Saturday here.