Local Holiday Shopping Guide for Black Friday and Beyond

It’s that time of year again, when Americans go wild for big “Black Friday” sales and big spending. You don’t actually have to go to the mall, though, to scratch some names off of your gift list and get some good deals at the same time. Shopping locally not only supports local businesses, it also means finding gifts that are special and unique for your loved ones. 

Set out in the right direction with Scotts Valley Patch’s homespun gift guide. These stores are open from Black Friday through Christmas Eve, and they've got some good stuff:

1. Scotts Valley Artisans

This local gift shop is stuffed to the gills with gifts made by Santa Cruz County artists. From bird houses to hair accessories, they have the local crafters dialed in. 

“We are a gift shop, so there is everything and anything in here,” said Dawn Teal of Scotts Valley Artisans.

You can find soaps, jewelry, clay, homemade jams, body lotions and greeting cards galore Starting on Black Friday, the store is featuring a stocking stuffer section, and they are also selling educational kids toys for 25 percent off. 

Scotts Valley Artisans is at 222-I Mount Hermon Rd.

 2.   

Zinnia’s is another great store to add to your holiday shopping excursion list. Their array of locally-made home decor makes for the perfect gift for the newly weds on your list, as does the local art they carry. Quality purses and jewelry by Brighton are another reason to visit Zinnia’s, especially since the sterling silver is double laquered so it won’t tarnish. Zinnia’s also does free gift wrapping. 

Zinnia’s is at 219 Mount Hermon Rd., Scotts Valley, CA.

3. Treasures Fine Jewelry 

This year, Treasures Fine Jewelry features Hershey’s Kisses pendants and bracelets, made of sterling silver. Also popular are handmade redwood tree pendants, and of course, the usual gold and diamond bands. Much of the jewelry you’ll find at Treasures Fine Jewlery is made in the back room by owner Mike Barajas. This year marks the shop’s 12th Anniversary, which Barajas is celebrating with a 20-50 percent off sale on all items (with a few exceptions) now through Dec. 3. 

Treasures Fine Jewelry is at 218 F, Mt. Hermon Rd., Scotts Valley.

4. Chocolate Visions

For the chocolate lovers in your life, check out the local store Chocolate Visions in Scotts Valley. This artisan chocolate is made on sight, and starting on Black Friday, Chocolate Visions will be featuring a dark chocolate Holiday Collection, which includes: a snowman infused with olive oil and fleur de sel, a hazelnut tree, a wreath infused with lemon olive oil, and a holly made with ganache and crème fraiche. A 12-piece box goes for $20. 

Chocolate Visions is at 224C Mt. Hermon Rd., Scotts Valley. 

 5. Homeless Garden Project Gift Shop

Not in Scotts Valley, but worth the drive, is the Homeless Garden Project’s gift shop, which is now on Pacific Avenue through Christmas Eve. Here you will find homemade gifts you can feel good about buying and giving, made by trainees of of the Homeless Garden Project. New this year are the very unique succulent wreaths, which act as a pretty centerpiece for your table or they can be hung on the wall. There are also beautiful-smelling and beautiful-looking flower wreaths, made from organic flowers grown on the HGP’s farm, art by dozens of local artists, and much much more. 

The Homeless Garden Project Gift Shop is located at 110 Cooper St., Santa Cruz.