Big-box retailers have become popular places to shop, but that doesn't mean we should forget our local small businesses. The Saturday after Thanksgiving is designated as Small Business Saturday each year, and it falls on November 26 this year. It's a great reminder to support small businesses, many of which have been negatively affected by the pandemic. You'll be supporting your local economy and helping preserve unique businesses. And they're the perfect spots to pick up interesting holiday gifts or a treat for yourself.

Our REALTORS® recommend shopping small this holiday season at the following Nassau and Suffolk counties businesses:

• Port Salt Cave - Inspiration Wharf, 403 Main St. #3, Port Washington, NY 11050
  Port Salt Cave, located just around the corner from Port Washington homes for sale, offers products that focus on health and well-being. You'll find items from around the world, including hand-crafted jewelry, natural stones, and Himalayan salt lamps. If you find a gift you'd like to buy, pair it with a gift certificate for a visit to the shop's salt cave, which uses therapeutic salt imported from Poland. 
  
  
• Stony Brook Chocolate - 143 Main St., Stony Brook, NY 11790  
  Most people love chocolate, so you may be able to buy several gifts—as well as some for yourself and for entertaining—at Stony Brook Chocolate. The charming shop is located near Stony Brook homes for sale. Choose from a wide variety of the finest Belgian chocolate creations, including clusters, candies, patties, and turtles in your choice of milk, dark, or white chocolate. If you're looking for something delicious that also makes a beautiful presentation, consider the All-Occasion Gift Box, which comes with 16 assorted truffles and a large chocolate bar, all of which are intricately decorated.
  
  
• The Giftologist - 37 South Park Ave., Rockville Centre, NY 11570  
  The Giftologist has a huge variety of carefully curated gifts, including perfumes inspired by local beaches, adorable Jellycat-branded plush animals, accessories including bags and jewelry, and much more. If you're looking for holiday gifts, you'll probably be able to cross several names off your list at the shop, which is close to Rockville Centre homes for sale. It even carries products it puts in its "funny, snarky, and witty" category, including appropriately designed socks. They're definitely a different gift idea for that sarcastic coworker or eye-rolling teenager.
  
  
• Matty's Toy Shop - 19 Covert Ave., Floral Park, NY 11001, with two additional locations  
  From its modest beginnings in flea markets to its current three independent locations, Matty's Toy Shop has served the area since 1988. Located near Floral Park homes for sale, it's one of the largest independent toy retailers in the country. Reviewers praise its excellent customer service as well as its large selection, which includes educational toys. You'll find everything here, from specialty toys to the hottest toys of the year.
  
  
• The Gift Corner - 157 N. Country Rd., Mount Sinai, NY 11766
  The Gift Corner, located near Mount Sinai homes for sale, will get you in the holiday spirit if you're not there already. The shop carries plenty of festive items to help deck your halls for the holidays or give as gifts, including Christmas signs, ornaments, and Santas and snowmen galore. You can even find gifts for the Fluffies or Fidos on your list.

If you're looking for a home to buy in the area, contact us to see Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale. For over 65 years, our business has helped countless homeowners achieve their dreams, and we look forward to serving you as well.