Small Business Saturday: Shop Los Altos

What sounds more appealing than strolling down Los Altos' streets and shopping courts, finding something you know can't be found just anywhere? Small Business Saturday arrives just in time.

Did you know that the one of the best ways to save and create American jobs is to support small businesses? Did you know that for every $50 you spend in a small business in Los Altos, $34 of that comes back into Los Altos, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration? When you spend the same $50 with a national retailer, approximately $7.50 goes back to the town.

Small Business Saturday, held the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, was created to remind Americans that they can use their holiday spending dollars to support American jobs and businesses. However, supporting your neighbors and your community isn’t the only reason to shop locally. You can find thoughtful, unique gifts without having to brave mall traffic.

Ready to spend your shopping dollars locally, but not sure where to go? Patch found a few Los Altos businesses that were advertising its specials to its newsletter lists and via social media. And we utilized the shout-outs you provided earlier. We chose a few that have reached out to Los Altos Patch or have struck us as particularly interesting.

And don't forget to eat. Los Altos' restaurants will welcome you.

CRANBERRY SCOOP

295 State St., 650-948-2554

You'll find gifts and a line of Vera Bradley products, all with complimentary wrapping.

Searching for the unusual and the witty? Cranberry Scoop is offering a free gift with any purchase of $30 or more, if you find the coupon on its Facebook page, and, of course "Like" it.

This one-of-a-kind shop, with essential oils and healing arts products among other special items, marks its last open day for the year on Small Business Saturday with a 25 percent off moving sale. "We'd love to see you before we close for the big move," owner John Carosella and his family, and promises news of its "grand re-opening" via its email list.

265 State St. / 650-949-3390

Got a hankering for Puff the Magic Dragon, or any of the other titles written by Peter Yarrow? The first of the folksinging trio played his guitar here earlier this month and enchanted kids, some of whom knew the words to the song very well. It's a children's book store, but you'll find adult fare here, including cookbooks

366 State St.,650-949-1148

Looking to get in the holiday swing with a seasonal arrangement? Or want to come to the party with something the hostess will love? Los Altos Patch reader Debra Kirkland said it's so much more then a flower shop. "They have a constant stream of unique gifts that have an artistic touch and at reasonable prices. Last year I actually was under budget buying buying so many hostess gifts."

342 State St. / 650-948-0198

This one got a shout-out from Los Altos Patch reader Vicki Reeder for having unique gifts. And customer Tracy Harris says, "Belinda (the owner) hunts the world for what you see in her store and has a wonderful eye for beauty. You can tell her an idea for something you want and she can find someone who can create it.  It's like going into a little treasure trove."

200 Main Street / 650-948-3300

You can get unusual cakes and desserts to bring home, but we'll bet that you'll want to stay and linger. It's a great place to hang out, says Los Altos Patch Vicki Reeder.

331 1st St. / 650-941-7828

Owner Connie May has an unerring eye for classic, high-end jewelry here, as well as costume jewelry, owing to her years as a buyer for Neiman-Marcus. There are also clothing, shoes and accessories. If you like designer goods, May's shop is a constantly changing venue for those who love to see what they can find on consignment.

220 State St. / 650-917-1648

You may have found the perfect outfit, but Nancy's Tailor can alter it to make it perfect on you. Los Altos Patch Vicki Reeder has praise for the 24-hour-turnaround in her recent shout-out to local businesses.

393 Main St / 650-941-9682

For more than 35 years, Maria's has imported European ceramics, linens, chandeliers, jewelry and more. Italian ceramics, French fabrics and British furniture are their specialty. To spread the good cheer, Maria's is offering generous discounts if you donate to the . If you donate $10 to the HSSV, Maria's will give you a 10 percent discount. Donate $20 and you get a 20 percent discount. Donate $30, you get a 30 percent, up to $3,000. Patch editors here, so we can vouch for your donations dollars doing good.

—Patch contributor Ann Krueger Spivack contributed to this report

Do you have a favorite? We couldn’t list every small business that we love, but you can add to the list in the comment section, below. Feel free to recommend businesses in any of Los Altos' seven shopping districts.