Mailing and Shipping Tips for the 2014 Holiday Season

December 19, 2014

Over the last two weeks, we’ve looked at some great local businesses in San Diego, CA and Portland, OR to do your holiday shopping with.  Once you’re finished purchasing gifts, if you still need to get them to out of town family and friends, you only have a few days left to ship in time for Christmas.  However, don’t let the holiday rush cause you to make common packing and shipping mistakes.  Below are some hints to help you get your cards and packages to their destinations in one p

Holiday Shopping In Portland: Give the Gift of Quirky Plants and Home Décor

December 18, 2014

We’re staying in Portland, OR today to take another look at a great local business to do some holiday shopping with.  If you have someone on your gift list who likes unusual and quirky things, hammer + vine is the place to go.  Featuring specialty plants and locally made goods, hammer + vine is filled to the brim with unique gifts that will put a smile on your loved one’s face.  As part specialty nursery, part boutique, hammer + vine is able to offer their customers a wide variety of merchandise that would be difficult to find anywhere else.

Holiday Shopping In Portland: Get Gifts for The Coffee Lover in Your Life at Coava Coffee Roasters

December 16, 2014

This week, we’re staying in the Portland area to take a look at some additional local businesses to do your holiday shopping with.  Today, we’re heading to Coava Coffee Roasters, a Portland coffee roaster that offers premium coffee beans and beverages.  Coava sources beans from around the world, and then roasts them according to their own special method in their Portland roastery.  Those lucky enough to live in the area can stop by one of Coava’s locations: the Brew Bar on SE Grand Ave and the Espresso Bar on SE Hawthorne Blvd.  The Brew Bar is the tasting room to the ro

Holiday Shopping In Portland: Knitting Supplies In Beaverton, OR

December 12, 2014

Today, we’re moving slightly east into Beaverton, OR to take a look at a For Yarn’s Sake, a great local business that offers all-natural needle art supplies.  At For Yarn’s Sake, knitters, crocheters, and spinners will find a variety of luxury fibers, hand-dyed yarn, knitting needles, crochet hooks, bags, notions and more.  Classes are available for all skill levels, and the shop regularly hosts special events so local crafters can easily network and socialize with each other.

Holiday Shopping In Portland: Get Your Christmas Tree From An Aloha, OR Business

December 10, 2014

This week we’re moving on to the Portland area to look at some great small businesses to shop at this holiday season.  Aloha, OR locals and those in surrounding areas who still need to purchase a Christmas tree will want to stop by Bob’z Garden Center to check out the selection of gorgeous trees.  Locally owned and operated by Mike Abbott and his son, Shane, Bob’z has been providing Aloha locals will quality Christmas trees since 1975.  Bob’z has two convenient locations where you can go to purchase a tree: The Tree Farm/U-Cut in Estacada and the Tree Lot in Aloha.  With

Holiday Shopping In San Diego: Finish Your Decorating and Gift Shopping At This Escondido, CA Business

December 5, 2014

Today, we’re going to head all the way up to North County to check out a great local business which is the perfect place to get Christmas ornaments, holiday decorations, and gifts.  Located in an old winery in Escondido, CA, Canterbury Gardens and Gifts has been meeting the Christmas decorating needs of San Diego County since 1983.  No matter what holiday décor you need, the massive inventory at Canterbury Gardens is sure to give you plenty of options to choose from.

Holiday Shopping In San Diego: Shop for All the Children on Your Gift List in Hillcrest

December 3, 2014

Today, we’re moving slightly east into the San Diego, CA neighborhood of Hillcrest to check out a great children’s boutique: Style Child.  Conveniently located on University Ave. in Hillcrest, Style Child specializes clothing, accessories, and gifts for children.  Established in 2006, the shop is owned by a local mom who saw a need in San Diego for a children’s store that offered trendy and fashionable merchandise for children.

Holiday Shopping In San Diego: Stay Local in Point Loma, CA

December 2, 2014

As promised, we’re kicking off the month of December by taking a look at some great small businesses to do your holiday shopping at.  Today, we’re heading to the Point Loma neighborhood of San Diego, CA to check out Cravory Cookies.  A local bakery, the shop is owned by three friends who wanted to share their enthusiasm for cookies with the world.  Established as an Ecommerce business in 2009, Cravory was able to open their first retail location in February 2014.  Those who aren’t lucky enough to live within driving distance of Cravory can still order cookies through the

Shop Local on Black Friday in Wheaton, IL

November 26, 2014

Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and shortly after dining on their delicious holiday feast, many people will head out for Black Friday shopping.  In Wheaton, IL, Pinwheel Toys, an independent, family owned toy store, is participating the shopping festivities.  On Black Friday, Pinwheel Toys will be open from 9am to 9pm and will have great deals on many of the toys, games, and arts and crafts merchandise they carry.  The shop is also all stocked up on Christmas wrapping paper, and free gift wrapping is available on all purchases.  Follow Pinwheel Toys on Facebook and sign up for

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