The Savvy Shopper

One week and counting until BLACK FRIDAY!

Many are beginning the countdown to the busiest shopping day of the year - BLACK FRIDAY! This is the day all retail merchants look forward to having a profitable day of sales. Some of the Big Box stores have already gotten a jump start on shopping by "leaking" their Black Friday ads to the press and reducing stock items in their store early.

If you're not the "gotta hit the stores at 5:00 am" type, here are some suggestions for a leisurely holiday gift shopping experience.

• Shop the local stores in the downtown areas during non-peak times, such as 10-11:30 am or 1:30 to 4:00 pm. Check with local merchants to see if they have extended hours in the evenings during the holiday season.

• Ask merchants if they have an e-mail or mailing list that they use to notify customers of special sales or discounts.

• Look around your house for items that would be happier in a friend's home - a favorite book or photo, perhaps those candlesticks you've never used, or that extra set of hand-painted fruit plates. More commonly known as re-gifting.

• Scout estate sales, consignment shops or antique shops for one-of-a-kind treasures. We have several antique, thrift and consignment stores in the TriLocal area. It's not only a great way to recycle, but it's also nice to give something with a little history.

• Get crafty. If you are talented in sewing, scrapbooking, woodworking, painting, knitting, crocheting, pottery making, etc., you can turn your talents into treasures that ones on your gift list will appreciate because it's a gift from the heart.

• Good at cooking? Then turn your culinary skills into delicious creations that will be appreciated by any harried hostess.

• If you're not talented in craft making or cooking (or simply lack the time), you can give green by buying products that are locally made. Purchasing gifts created by local craftspeople help support the artisans in our community, boosts the local economy, and help avoid unhealthy carbon emissions caused by shipping. The Rutherford County Visual Arts Guild shop is a great place to look for unique gifts at great prices! The shop is located on Main Street in Rutherfordton a few doors up from Green River Interiors (formerly Blossoms). Another idea is local church bazaars and craft shows.

• If your shopping list includes individuals who really don't need or want more stuff, invite them over for a home-cooked meal, an offer of a night of babysitting or perhaps a donation to a favorite charity in their name.

• Give an experience instead of a gift. Purchase tickets to an upcoming concert, give a DVD of their favorite movie along with a gift basket containing popcorn, candy, etc., or a subscription to one of many great magazines relating to western North Carolina such as WNC, Our State or Southern Living. You can also try treats such as dinners out, an afternoon of horseback riding, a session in a pottery studio, a massage, pedicure or facial, all environmentally friendly ideas and experiences that will last forever in someone's memory.

Remember - gifts make memories, but the best aren't about the newest, the latest or the most expensive!

Now - let's look at some upcoming events for this weekend.

* The 18th Annual Ellenboro Fiddler's Convention will be held Saturday, Nov. 21 at 6:30 pm at the Ellenboro School Gymnasium, 813 Piney Mountain Church Road, Ellenboro. There will many concessions for sale, as well as CD's from the musicians.

Admission is $7 for adults, children $1, those under ten are free.

A BBQ dinner will be served beginning at 4:00 pm. Adults $8, 6-12 yrs $5, and 5 and under - free.

Lots of cash prizes and trophies for various categories. For more information, call 453-7457 or 458-0342. All proceed will benefit Colfax Free Fair Exhibits.

* The Rutherford County Visual Arts Guild will host an open house at their shop in Rutherfordton this weekend. Local artisans have stocked the shop with beautiful items ranging from pottery & paintings to one-of -a-kind jewelry pieces. Be sure to shop by the Main Street location and find that unique gift for that special person on your holiday gift list!

* The Foothills Antique & Artisan Show will be held this Friday and Saturday at the Spindale House located on Main Street in Spindale. Hours for the show are 3-7 pm on Friday and 10am-5pm on Saturday. Admission is $2 per person at the door, but look for BOGO coupons in the local newspapers and at Spindale Drug.

In addition to the show, the Spindale Merchants' Association is holding a Holiday Open House on Friday and Saturday with lots of specials for the holiday season ! Spindale Drug will offer tips on how to accessorize your holiday outfits, make the perfect bow and how make holiday wrapping a snap! Merchants will also offer special discounts on food orders and retail purchases, so check out the Coupon Queen page in last Saturday or this Saturday's Daily Courier for coupon information.

Join the town Friday night for the Lighting of the Christmas Tree on the lawn of the Spindale House at 6:15 pm. The weekend will be filled with special entertainment, a Gingerbread House display, book signing by Robin Lattimore and a visit from the jolly old elf himself, Santa!

* And finally, don't forget to place your orders for Urban Half or Full boxes from Farmers Fresh Market by noon on Monday, Nov. 23. Pick up is Nov. 14 after 12:00. Half boxes are $17.50 and full boxes are $35.00. Great way to due your holiday grocery shopping online, visit http://www.farmersfreshmarket.com/ and click on "Other" in the sidebar.