Small Business Saturday: That's our kind of Saturday!

This post and the first ever Small Business Saturday, November 27, is sponsored by American Express. You can "like" the Small Business Saturday Facebook Page to help generate a $1 donation to Girls Inc., and help spread the word about supporting the kinds of small businesses that Cool Mom Picks know and love.

If there is any day that screams Cool Mom Picks, it's one totally designed to support the small local businesses, boutiques, and hard working mom-and-pops in your neighborhood.

Sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the idea is to support the little guys (and gals!) near you, from the local toy shop with the beautiful European selection, to the boutique featuring accessories from artists, not factories. So we asked a bunch of the Cool Mom Picks team to highlight their favorite local shops around the country this holiday.

[don't miss a ton of fabulous local shops plus super gift ideas after the jump]

 

I'm in love with so many shops in Chelsea Market, which constantly helps me save face with last minute gourmet hostess gifts all in one place. I adore picking up whimsical Eleni's Cookies, jams from Sarabeth's Kitchen, indulgences from Jacques Torres chocolates (the malted milk balls are to die for) and perhaps my favorite--the artisanal, small-batch American made cheeses at Lucy's Whey which now ships gourmet gift boxes all over the country -Liz



My kids and I always make a stop at Little Shop of Stories whenever we're in the East Atlanta 'burbs. Between the amazing book selection for kids and parents and the cool author events -- Mo Willems, hello!--we never leave Little Shop of Stories empty-handed. Their helpful, knowledgeable, and super friendly staff will help you find the perfect holiday gift for every little (or big) person on your list.  -Kristen

The many TV and movie productions that film in New Mexico pull wardrobe from this awesome boutique, which has designer gear for women and kids. The kids' shoes, clothes, and toys are so rock-n-roll cool, Aqui is the first place I go whenever I need a unique, "where'd you get THAT?"  gift for a baby or young kid. -Lexi

One difficult (new baby) winter, when my poor, tired mombrain simply could not think of one more clever gift idea and I was ready to make "I owe you something fun, after I sleep, if I ever sleep again" gift certificates, I stumbled on a wacky idea: Gourmet ice cream. Mission Hill Creamery just opened in my town and it's awesomely delicious. Dave Kumec's passion for the best local ingredients, hand-churned and hand-packed then handed to you, is a great thing to share with someone else.  -Barbara


The Beehive is an eclectic collective of designers and artisans offering locally-made apparel, jewelry (this necklace by Susan Fleming), and home goods in a stylish Atlanta setting. [photo at top] I personally know Etsy jewelry artists and clothing designers who are members-- and they shop there for their own gift-giving needs, too. You can even shop online! -Delilah


One of the best gifts my kid ever received was a Radio Flyer wagon. This iconic red toy has stood the test of time and is still a valued possession in my five year-old's toy arsenal. So the Red Wagon's adorable "Welcome Wagon" filled with baby gifts is the perfect holiday gift to start any newborn's toy collection off on the right foot. Or wheel.  ­- Jeana



Cheeky Monkey is the go-to local store for kid's birthday presents and holiday gifts in my hood, with a great philosophy about FUNdamentals. The toys they carry are the kind that kids love but parents feel good about too. Best yet, moms like myself that shop last minute can get in and out quickly with a beautifully wrapped high quality toy in hand. -Beth


This inspirational and eclectic boutique, in the heart of stroller-ville Brooklyn, has a homey-chic feel that makes me want to pack my bags and move in every time I visit. Inside you will find artwork from local artists, whimsical letterpress stationery and adorable hand-knitted stuffed animals. Shopping Pink Olive's well-edited website is pretty close to experiencing this Park Slope gem in person. - Melissa


This one-of-a-kind shop carries artwork by the Moore College students and alumnae. (Yes, I said alumnAE; it's the only all women's art college in the US). It's one of the best places to support local artists, as the majority of the sales price goes directly to the artist, with the rest supporting the college. I know, I used to work there. And I still shop there whenever I'm visiting Museum Row. -Cecily


Coolness can be found even out in the 'burbs of Denver. English Tealeaves Cafe is my little local secret (or was), with an authentic British menu, dozens of varieties of tea (try the Mojito or Ginger Lime Rooibos), and even holiday tea parties for a special mother-daughter outing. It's the perfect opportunity to recharge during a crazy day of holiday shopping. -Julie

We'd love to hear about your favorite local shops in comments. Give them some love! And don't forget to visit the Small Business Saturday Facebook Page and lend your support.

Find More: Big Brands Doing Cool Things, Websites