Shop Local! Today is Small Business Saturday

You might be the type who finds sleeping on a freezing sidewalk for the best Black Friday deals exciting. Or, perhaps you've already started working out your mouse-clicking finger for Cyber Monday.

But, if neither scenario appeals to you, there is an alternative—Small Business Saturday.

Small Business Saturday, conceived by American Express to help spotlight the efforts of local small businesses, comes today, at the beginning of the big holiday shopping sprint, and encourages shoppers not to forsake Main Street for the mega-mall.

Milpitas Patch would love to hear which small businesses you can't live without in town. Tell us in the comments which independently-owned business is a must for shoppers today, and why. Your shout-out could help a sector of our economy that has created 65 percent of the net new jobs over the last 17 years.

So when you must get your nails done just right, discover that perfect bottle of wine, get introduced to a new author, or have a craving for a bite that just hits the spot, where do you, go time and time again?

And, if you're looking for a little shopping inspiration, be sure to read our

Be safe out there!