I know at Half-Pint we talk a lot about saving money – we are constantly on the look out for a thrifty buy or a good deal.  But of the many reasons buying thrifty is important to us?  It allows us to save enough money to buy other high quality items new.

To us, Just as important as buying green is buying independent and local.   

Each time money is spent at a locally-owned business, the taxes stay in your community, and support needed resources such as schools, parks…and much more.  Local businesses employ local people.  Money spent at these stores and businesses supports your neighbors and friends who own them and are employed by them.

We know, we know – it’s hard to pass up all of the good deals on Black Friday, and we’re not admonishing you for shopping.  But what we’re hoping is that with all of the money you’ve saved being thrifty over the year, you can spend some this holiday season at a local and independent business.  It will be just as good for the community.

Do you know about Small Business Saturday?  You may have seen it advertised:  the idea is – specifically on Saturday of this week, go check-out some great small, independent stores in your community and find a few things for someone special on your list.

So we need your help.  

You live all of our community, and you have favorite independent, local stores.   We’d love to have a “half-pint” list of favorite local, independent stores.  And this is where you come in!

Share with the Half-Pint community your favorite independent, local stores.   Comment on our blog or respond to our facebook post with the following information, and we will pick one person to win a $100 gift certificate to the store in their comment/post.  

Name of Store and website (if they have one), the general location

Why you love it!   What kinds of stuff do you buy there, and for who?

Some small print – 1) if your store doesn’t offer gift cards, we’ll offer the ‘reward’ through a American Express or VISA Gift Card, 2) only independent, local stores are eligible!, 3) You can reply as often as you like, but one ‘entry’ per person.

Deadline:  Monday, November 26th, 11:59pm

To get you started, here are some of our favorites:

LISA

1 –  Fromagination (located on the Capitol Square) – I can put together treat baskets for friends and coworkers that are artisan as well as local.  Wisconsin cheeses, Madison’s own Quince and Apple preserves, some Gail Ambrosius chocolates, and Potter’s Crackers.  Yum.

2 – Iconi Interiors (West Washington, downtown Madison) – It’s an awesome mixture of new and upcycled mid-century modern home decor.  It’s full of treasures, most of which I can’t seem to do without whenever I’m in the store.

ELLEN

1 – Absolutely Art (Atwood Ave)– When I need a gift, I always head there first.  From practical to whimsical, I love buying things that are handmade from a business that is so involved in the community, including supporting our local schools.

2 – La Lingerie Shop (Johnson Street, near east side of Madison) – This gem of a store is someplace you might not consider going- after all, do you need a specialty bra?  The answer is yes, yes you do.  Her amazing fitting tips are invaluable AND she has CHOICES of beautiful bras for every size.  And she has nursing bras!  Make the appointment!  Get the foundation layer right, so everything else can look great!

3 – Happy Bambino (Monona Dr) – I would hope you all know about HB.  What you may not know is how much of their lives the folks who own that place have given up in order to give such a valuable resource to the community.  Their carefully curated selection of goods and their commitment to the community should make this top on your list of places to go for baby needs.

SUSAN

(fabulous Volunteer Co-Coordinator Extra-ordinaire)