'Tis the season to support local businesses. The economy is not exactly a festive topic but it's undoubtedly a huge influence on where we decide to purchase holiday gifts. This year, why not consider visiting locally-owned Severna Park shops? Owners are offering holiday deals that will put the jingle back in your bells faster than you can say deck the halls! If chaotic Black Friday is too much for you, worry not! There are plenty of other sales happening throughout the season and the year.

Stacey Cassidy, a Severna Park mom and owner of Savvy Consignment, is an avid supporter of all things local.  Stacey recognized the desire for designer, brand name clothes and accessories and the fact that not everyone's bank accounts were high-fashion friendly. She wanted to find a way to allow more clients to dress the way they would if they had unlimited funds.

She also wanted to show that there were smarter ways to get rid of no-longer-wanted designer items. After all, isn't recycling the hot new trend? Seven months ago, she took a giant leap of faith, decided to work for herself finally and opened her high-end consignment shop. Her gamble paid off, as her shop was named "Best Consignment Shop 2010" by the Capital Gazette Newspaper. "The initial worry and effort turned out to be well worth it," Stacey Said. "We have a great customer base and are doing well. It's so gratifying." To show her appreciation, Stacey offers periodic sales as well as a rewards card. For every $10 spent, the card is punched and when it's full, customers get $20 off any purchase over $50 or more. I

n the world of consignment, most would agree that's a pretty sweet deal. For your convenience, there is a coupon in the Voice holiday guide for $5 off a purchase of $20 or more. Black Friday boasts 15 percent off all day if you're one of the true shopping warriors! In addition, Savvy Consignment hosts a moonlight madness event three times per year. Hours are extended and all merchandise is 20 percent off all day. Tag sales are a great way to snag designer duds for even less. Items are marked down after being in the store for a certain amount of time in hopes of making room for new selections. "Everyone around here knows I support local businesses and I even try to partner with some if I can. Now is the time when we all need to support each other."

Community Landmark, The Cottage, has been in its Park Plaza location for 25 years and owner Susan Gauthier certainly has seen the ups and downs of the economy. This year, a special Black Friday event promises to go easy on the pocketbook while still delivering the unique gift selection

The Cottage is known for. Starting Black Friday at 9am, enjoy 50% off select Halia Charms and Rings, Lindsay Phillips Evie Espadrilles, select TOMS shoes and Cypress Creek platters, plates and accessories. Great pickings for the ladies on your shopping list and with prices like that, get a little something for you, too. You deserve it! Retired Vera Bradley, in-stock Dash & Albert Rugs and retired Brighton jewelry and handbags are all 30 percent off. Bring your comfy shoes because that's not all! At 20 percent off, you'll find Eliza B flip flops and ballet flats, Spartina handbags, Thymes lotions and soaps and Vera Bradley stationary.

If you're a Vera fan, don't miss out! Get a free Vera Bradley holiday tote with your $100 Vera Bradley purchase, while supplies last. If your tryptophan coma is still going strong, recover completely and visit on Saturday, since the sale will still be going strong from 10am – 6pm. Manager For manager Monica Leisure, sometimes her job doesn't feel like work at all. She loves the solid clientele and the fact that she knows many visitors by name. "We love Severna Park and are so appreciative that residents choose to shop locally." She said. "We've also got a lot more going on than just Black Friday."

Holiday Madness is to be held on Dec. 3. In addition to great sales all day, Santa will arrive on his sleigh at 6pm and the store will stay open until 10pm. Dec. 10 is Ladies' Night, during which the ladies will get to browse and make a wish list to bring home to their gentlemen friends. That's right, guys! No thinking required. Mans' week is the following week and runs Monday – Friday. Gather your guy friends and their ladies' lists and make a night of it! Have a burger and a brew and then head over to The Cottage.

For the kiddies on your list (or even those adults who never quite grow up), where better to go than Franklin's Toys? If you want a toy-shop that still holds core values like learning and exploring true, this is the place.

Owner Jeff Franklin believes that toys should provide children not only a fun escape, but an additional way to develop their imaginations. No Barbie and Ken, no video games; just a carefully selected stock of toys and books that can help to enrich a child's life. We don't usually consider why we buy a toy, we just buy it because the child wants it.

Jeff's philosophy goes much deeper than that: the child does more and the toy does less. In other words, the toy or book provides a positive challenge and evokes introspection on top of the having fun part (because yes, fun is important too). So many children these days are glued to the TV or computer screen and although they are technically doing something, it merely scratches the surface.

Come see for yourself! After the mandatory caffeine, pop by on Black Friday as early as 8am. If you've got a Lego-lover in your life, keep Dec. 11 open! All Legos will be 20 percent off from 10am – 6pm.

Get a free Lego Santa keychain with your purchase while supplies last! It's blatantly apparent that Jeff has so much faith in our children and their potential. Who knows? Maybe your little builder will grow up to become a great architect.

For more information on these shops, please visit their websites:

Savvy Consignment - www.savvyconsignment.com

The Cottage - www.shopthecottage.com  

Franklin's Toys - www.franklinstoystore.com