Patch Picks: Top 10 Local Holiday Shopping Tips

With the simple flip of the calendar, in comes the holiday season and the beginning of Christmas and Hanukkah shopping. Starting early this year may relieve some of the stress so Montclair Patch has put together a list of local shopping tips to get you started.

Here you go:

1) At at 4 Midland Avenue, you can order your flowers for Thanksgiving and save 10 percent when you give your email address.

2) At at 533 Bloomfield Avenue, check out an expanded shoe department that features Steve Madden, Roxy, Wanted, Restricted, Seycheles, and NoMade.

3) A good gift idea is the $99 introduction program gift card from the at 604 Valley Road.

4) Another great gift idea (I just bought two for my kids for Christmas) are the new wall hangings at at 618 Valley road featuring whimsical designs by the David and Goliath company for $59 each.

5) At at 602 Valley Road, check out the new infant boot from Ugg Australia that can be worn up or cuffed down. The infant Erin features a soft foam insole covering with genuine sheepskin. They're light and flexible and available in sizes 6 to 24 months.

6) At at 20 Church Street, there are new beautiful Amethyst Druzy Crystals from Madagascar—divine and deep purple.

7) at 573 Bloomfield Avenue is hosting a Ladies Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Night Out from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 17. It's your chance to do some holiday shopping. Trunk show by Etcetera Clothing. Accessories, personal shopping, and image consulting by Sonny Rose. Smashbox day & night make-up and personal makeovers (p.m. only).

8) and are hosting Montclair Treasures Giving from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on November 18. Indeed, a Family Treasure Hunt with lots of Thanks & Giving will be brought to you by these two great local businesses.  The treasure hunt map will wind you through a 1/2 mile of stops at organizations such as the Montclair Animal Shelter and The Human Needs Pantry. You will receive a list of common household TREASURES to leave for each organization. For more information and to register call 973-783-6100.

9) For something different go by the at 221 Glenridge Avenue. I was in there the other day and found out that the shop now has thousands of vinyl records in stock. The shop also has some used CDs at prices as low as $2.99 and up. It is by consignment from dealers only. Check it out now in the lower level annex.

10) at 622 Valley Road is still one of my all-time fave stores for gift items. They have a new line of themed kitchen towels (seniors, southern, New York, etc.) that are great for gifts.

What shopping tips do you have? Let us know in the comments section below or email Shelley@patch.com.