Shop Springfield Avenue for the Holidays

Springfield Avenue is the site of scores of bargains, events and special deals this season.

Black Friday is just a few days away, on Nov. 23, and Small Business Saturday is the very next day -- both the official kick-start to the holiday shopping season.

(Remember, to take advantage of Small Business Saturday on Nov. 24, you must enroll your eligible American Express® Card to get $25 back one time when you spend $25 or more at a qualifying small business locations. To enroll, visit the website.)

The businesses on Springfield Avenue lost power for over a week after Superstorm Sandy -- so this holiday season, they need local support more than ever.

As KnitKnack owner Meera Kothari Cho put it so eloquently on her website, "We are thankful to our Springfield Avenue neighbors who kept us fed, warm and stylish during a week when our home and business were shuttered." She singled out the Park Wood Diner (which remained open despite a lack of power), Pro Elite Nutrition (who kept churning out protein shakes) and Fringe (whose stylists kept cutting in the dark!) 

Luckily, the folks on the Avenue make it easy for shoppers, with a combination of superb and unique merchandise, friendly shopkeepers and a warm, down-home feeling. Shopping local never felt so good!

Also, don't forget to check out the Gratitude Graffiti Project which is running in shops and restaurants throughout Maplewood until Thanksgiving. 

Here is a sampling of deals and holiday gift ideas on the Avenue:

Shakti Yoga: on Thanksgiving weekend, this yoga studio will offer specials on class cards for new and returning students. Visit the website for more information.

KnitKnack: the cozy and community-conscious knit store is donating 5% of its sales to the Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy relief between now and Thanksgiving. In addition, the shop is launching another food drive, requesting donations of non-perishable food to be distributed to local food pantries. 

Astah's Fine Art Gallery: now through December 8, the gallery will feature handbags for display and purchase by J. Michael Designs, a 25-year-old artist designer originally from South Orange.

"J. won the youth and art show at the gallery when he was a high school senior," said owner Sheila Turner-Cartlidge. "He just came off of a show with Henri Bendel." (Mark your calendars for a champagne reception shopping experience on Friday, Dec. 7 at 7:30pm.)

If you order a gift certificate by Nov. 25, Parteaz is offering free wrapping and delivery. Here are some other offers: book a PJ Party for ages 6-12 and Parteaz will include pizza, an ice cream sundae Bar and cupcakes plus photos, or book a weekday party (Monday- Thursday) and take $100 off any package. Deposits must be received by November 25. Email parteaz4-8@verizon.net or call 973-447-0616.

Piast, the Polish gourmet deli, has a varied selection of delicious meats for Thanksgiving, including Smoked Holiday Turkey. See the complete menu here.

Edo's Cakes will be open on Thanksgiving Day, for last minute dessert purchases.