Maybe I just haven’t been desperate enough yet, but I can’t imagine ever getting up at 4 a.m. to go shopping, or even going anywhere near a mall Thanksgiving weekend. *shudder* If any of you do, ‘fess up. (“Fess” was an answer in yesterday’s NYT crossword, by the way, in the very context of “‘fess up.”) What do you get out of it? Are you an adrenaline junkie? Highly competitive? I don’t get it.

I do love to shop, though! Allow me to suggest that you make a special effort to shop local as you can. Local First Utah says that even shifting 10% of your gift-buying budget to local businesses can make a big difference for your community. I know that you have lots and lots of books on your shopping list this year, and if you are in Salt Lake you’ve got two very fun chances to get that taken care of. If you are not in Salt Lake, I’m pretty sure that your city has locally-owned business, too, so check them out.

Monday, November 30th – 6 p.m. @ Sam Weller’s (245 S. Main St.)

Weller’s is hosting the City Academy Book Fair reception at the store Monday night. I will be there to sign and chat for an hour or so, as will James Dashner. (Oh, by the way, both James and I have books on the Kirkus Best of 2009 list for YA. Now aren’t you extra excited?) If you are in SLC and have not been to Sam Weller’s, well, I don’t know what to say! It is a great store, and if you plan for some extra time to venture downstairs, you might find an old favorite out of print book, or something rare and perfect for someone on your list. And, if you are looking for a particular hard to find title, you can contact them and they’ll keep an eye out for you. Follow Sam Weller’s on Twitter: www.twitter.com/samwellers

Thursday, December 3rd – 5:30 p.m. @ The King’s English (1500 E./1500 S.)

It’s The King’s English Annual Holiday Party!  There will be a passel of local authors there to sign and chat. Including James and me, and if you’re tired of us, there will also be Jessica Day George, Pat Bagley, Heather Armstrong (aka Dooce), Emily Wing Smith, and a bunch of others. Personally? I am most excited to meet Sister Dottie!  Not only is it a party, it’s also a sale. In honor of Buy Local First week, you get 10% off all week. At the party, you get another 10% off! And TKE staff can wrap and ship while you hobnob. Follow TKE on Twitter: www.twitter.com/kingsenglish

A few more shop local holiday gift ideas…

Slowtrain Records recently introduced a CD of the Month Club. This is not like those clubs you joined through the mail when you were in college, where if you forgot to send in a postcard you’d end up with Loverboy’s Greatest Hits. No. This is Chris and Anna and staff personally selecting music that they know Slowtrain customers will enjoy. Follow Slowtrain on Twitter: www.twitter.com/slowtrain

A membership to the Salt Lake Film Society makes a great gift and supports The Broadway and Tower independent theaters.

Most of your favorite local restaurants sell gift certificates. We just dined out on a Trio gift certificate the other night. Dellllicious. And, there are a growing number of boutique-y shops around town. I was recently at Nailed, for example, and I had no idea that not only is it a great place for a manicure but that it also has some very cute bags and jewelry and things, and a selection of adorable and affordable gloves.

Remember, even 10% of your budget makes a difference! But you can do more, I bet, without much effort. Here, or in a town near you!