Shopping Small in Malverne-West Hempstead: For Her

You could wake up before the sun rises and swarm the malls and big-box stores on Black Friday with throngs of other crazed shoppers. Or this holiday season you can sleep in and start your shopping on Nov. 26, Small Business Saturday. When you patronize the local merchants in your neighborhood you invest in your community and you'll probably have a less stressful shopping experience.

To help you find what you're looking for nearby in your local business districts, this week Patch has guides for shopping for the special people in your life. Today we focus on the ladies. 

Here's 10 great gift ideas for your mom, wife, aunt, sister, grandmother and other women on your list.

1. Swarovski Crystal: From figurines to beautiful jewelry sets, on Hempstead Avenue in West Hempstead carries a large selection of sparkling crystal gifts by Swarovski. The store also has other collectibles by top brands including Disney, Iladro, Lenox and Department 56 - all at great prices.
2. Charming Crafts: For handmade crafts, home accents, gourmet gift baskets and one-of-kind creations, is the perfect place for finding a gift that has charm and personality. The store, located on Hempstead Avenue in Malverne, can also order items such as personalized signs and the popular Byers' Choice Carolers dolls.
3. Massage: What woman wouldn't love a relaxing massage - especially during this hectic time of the year. There are a number of great local places that specialize in a various types of massage therapy that you can purchase a gift certificate from including in West Hempstead. (If you hurry up, you can take advantage of this great deal they are offering this week exclusively on Patch.) Other local merchants offering massage therapy include
4. Fine Jewelry: Whether you're looking for classic diamond earrings or a trendy cocktail ring, the family-owned , located on Hempstead Avenue in Malverne, will help you find just what you're looking for. They even carry Murano glass bracelets for only $20 and on Nov. 25 and Nov. 26 they will have a special sale - 50 percent off all sterling silver and fine diamond and gold jewelry.
5. Poinsettia Plants: Don't show up to your holiday parties empty handed. Bring your host one of these popular holiday plants, which you can purchase at in West Hempstead. 
6. Sweet Treats: If you're shopping for someone with a sweet tooth, give them a gourmet basket of chocolate or cookies from one of the oldest family-owned bakeries in Long Island, which is located right here in West Hempstead, . You can also pick up a pie or cake to bring to your holiday party. (Get 10 percent off your order with a coupon found in the West Hempstead Community Support newsletter. Extra copies can be found at the )
7. Specialty Teas (and Coffee): If you know someone who's a tea enthusiast, you can put together a gift basket and include some of the delicious teas and coffees from the in West Hempstead. They have more than 85 varieties.
8. Vino: A nice bottle of wine is also a great gift, whether part of basket with perhaps a set of hand-painted glasses, or served a la carte with in some snazzy wrapping. You can find a great vino at in Malverne or Figaros in West Hempstead (across from Pompei.)
9. Floral Finds: Flowers don't just have to go into a vase. In addition to bouquets, on Hempstead Turnpike in West Hempstead also has beautiful floral wreaths and other arrangements that will add some life to any room in the house.
10. Fit Gifts: If you know someone who will enjoy a week of yoga, a session of kick-boxing or Zumba, or some one-on-one personal training, get them a gift certificate for the , or in West Hempstead. (Lady of America is also extending its 8-year anniversary sale throughout November so you can join for only $8.)

What great gifts have you found by shopping the local merchants in your area? Tell us about them in the comments section below.