Kick Off Holiday Season by Shopping Locally

Although many people like to congregate around their favorite electronics stores or browse the mall for deals on Black Friday, there are plenty of places to find the perfect gift for friends and family members in your own town.

In addition, keep shopping locally until Saturday. American Express is sponsoring Small Business Saturday for the second year. When you shop locally with your American Express card, you get credit back for your purchases.

Take a look at what will be on sale this weekend:

Clothes

• The Gap will open at 6 a.m. on Black Friday so you can snatch up sweaters, scarves and more before the sun comes up.
• In need of some polo shirts or hot clothes for your teen? American Eagle has what you are looking for. 
• Need something fabulous for the woman in your life? Head to Luanne's in North Merrick. Luanne's also has a great selection of cruelty-free items, so if you are buying for a vegan with great fashion sense, Luanne's is your it spot.
• Max & Ginos will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Black Friday and will be offering a store-wide 25 percent off sale.
• Canteen will open at 10 a.m. Keep an eye on your e-mail for special coupons if you are on their list. 

Accessories

• Newly-opened All Dazzle has a large selection of jewelry for the woman that loves to shine.
• Want something a little more special? Check out Berne Jewelers for a selection of diamonds, rubies and sapphires to make a big impression at Hannukah or Christmas morning.

Beauty and Wellness

• Does your girl love to have her nails done? There are a few nail salons in Merrick that will do the trick. Nab a gift certificate for a manicure/pedicure at Crystal Nail, New Kim's Nail Care or Plaza Nails.
• A massage is a great way to relax after the hectic holiday season. Head to Massage Envy on Merrick Road to see what deals they are having for the Holiday season. 
• Have a fitness buff in your family? There are a lot of places to get fit in Merrick. Get your exercise fiend a trial membership at Xtreme Gym or Synergy Fitness.
• Yoga more their style? Head to Sister's or Jem Yoga to pick out packages for your favorite guru.
• Zumba is all the rage, so grab a few classes at La Mystika for your mover and shaker.
• Want to try something new? Core Ryder will open on Thanksgiving Day. Check out specials to bring home to your favorite exercise experimenter.

Food

• Head to Left Coast Kitchen for a gift certificate for a full night out, including some time at the bar before your meal.
• Have a wine and cheese lover? The Vine-Wine Bar has the perfect pairing. Grab a gift card to make that special someone's season brighter.
• Have a meat-loving man in your life? Check out Brooks and Porter, recently re-named Prime 516, and pick up a gift that will make his mouth water.
• Don't forget La Piazza, George Martin's Grillfire, Nicholas James Bistro or Xaga Sushi. There is something for everyone's palette in Merrick.

Miscellaneous

• GameStop will make sure all of your favorite video games are in stock and ready to go. The video game mecca will open at 5 a.m. and employee Rich told Merrick Patch that there would be some "great sales."
• Have an avid coin or stamp collector? Find the perfect gift at American Coin and Stamp Brokerage.
• Starbucks offers a range of coffee-based gifts. If you have a coffee addict in your life, pick up the new Viva instant coffee gift sets and pair it with a giftcard. 
• Have a friend or family member that loves to go to the movies? Make a basket of movie snacks and add a gift certificate from Merrick Cinemas.
• You don't have to wait until spring to get a great pair of sunglasses. Visit Drs. Landrio and Dorman for a wide selection. 
• Don't forget the holiday spirits! Wine, cordials or other liquors make both a great gift or a perfect addition to any party. Ace's, Merrick Wines and Spirits and Merrick Road Spirits have what you are looking for.

Know of any more great places to shop locally? Add them in the comments section.