If you are thinking of buying a book as a holiday gift, please consider doing so at local bookstores this holiday season and support your neighbors instead of giving your money to giant online companies. We’re lucky to have a few really nice bookstores in the area that are offering some great deals, holding special events, and are open extra hours to serve your holiday shopping needs. If you missed our story from earlier this year on why local books are worth buying, click here.

Here are a couple of suggestions.

Penn Book Center (130 S. 34th St.), an independently-owned bookstore serving the University City community since 1962, is offering a special 2 for 1 deal on Everyman’s Library hardbacks and assorted cookbooks. The store is also giving 20 percent off all books in its Art section and assorted coffee table books. If you become a frequent buyer you can get a $10.00 credit every time you spent $100.00. If PBC doesn’t have a book in stock, their staff will be happy to order it for you. For more information visit www.pennbookcenter.com (make sure to check out the poem of the day!).

Bindlestiff Books (4530 Baltimore Ave) is planning on being open every day through December 24 (Noon to 7 except Sundays, when they close at 5). They’ll take special orders for books through 7 p.m. Dec. 19 for delivery through Dec. 21 (new deliveries will be coming in a couple of times a week, including new books, more calendars, and even some new remainder titles). The store has gotten in lots of new children’s and chapter books, several new journals and calendars, and more.

The store is also organizing some special events this month, including Kol Tzedek’s Annual Hanukkah Party on Sunday, Dec. 9, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., and presentation and discussion of Cannabis Chassidis: The Ancient and Emerging Torah of Drugs (Wednesday, Dec. 5, 6 p.m.) by author Joseph Lieb (details and excerpts at www.cannabischassidis.blogspot.com) who will also sign copies in the bookstore’s back room. Finally, Bindlestiff Books will be tabling as part of the holiday bazaar/vegetarian potluck fundraiser at the Calvary Center for Community & Culture (48th & Baltimore) this Saturday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Today is Small Business Saturday. I know, I know it sounds cheesy, but it represents something profoundly important. One of the most basic ways to show your commitment to your neighborhood is to shop at local businesses. Many local businesses rely on the holiday season to get by.

Why shop local? Your money stays here. Local businesses contribute to more local causes. Our friends and neighbors have invested their lives in these businesses. The public benefits outweigh the public costs. More practically, you can avoid the long lines of the big stores and you don’t even have to get in your car.

Here are some special opportunities to show your support for a local business today.

Baltimore Pet Shoppe (45th & Baltimore) – 3-year-anniversary sale, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Refreshments for people and pets as well as tons of awesome 3 year deals.

Earth Cup Coffee (45th & Pine) – a special running for Gift Certificate Special. Buy $10 Gift certificate for $9, $20 for 18. $30 for $27, $40 for $36 and $50 for $45.

Cafe Rue 52 (52nd & Larchwood) – Just Cookies will hold a tasting event for Small Business Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

VIX Emporium (50th & Baltimore) – Open an extra hour today, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (also 12 – 4 p.m. tomorrow). Get a free tote with a purchase of $50.09 or more. Warm cider for all!

Today is a Small Business Saturday and everyone is encouraged to support small businesses by shopping locally.

We have a lot of great businesses in our neighborhood, so please consider supporting them today. Do your grocery shopping at the Farmer’s Market, Mariposa or Milk & Honey. Have a pet? You can buy your pet supplies at Baltimore Pet Shoppe. Want a new book? Stop by Bindlestiff Books (Facebook link). While shopping, don’t forget to refuel at one of many awesome local cafes and restaurants.

Finally, consider buying your holiday gifts at local shops. VIX Emporium has a very nice selection of handcrafted holiday gifts and today you can get a free “West Philly” tee or tote with a $100 purchase. Also, American Express card holders will get a special credit on their account when they use the card at any of thousands of participating small businesses, including VIX. VIX Saturday hours have been extended until 7 p.m. and the store is now also open on Sundays from 12 to 5 p.m. until Christmas.

We know. The easy thing to do is get some kind of worthless small appliance for your uncle or your in-laws. Maybe even two if they are on sale. Stay strong. Help is on the way.

We suggest: one sweet West Philly hoodie from Vix Emporium, two gift sets from Dock Street, three books from Bindlestiff, four meals from Desi Chaat House, five Green Line mugs, six Studio 34 Pilates classes, seven Community Acupunctures, eight Four Worlds loaves, nine Younglove’s purses…

OK, lame. But you get the point. There are lots of great, affordable, unique gift ideas around the neighborhoods. In addition to the shops above and a bunch of others, a couple of holiday fairs are also going on this weekend:

Second Saturday Holiday Craft Sale • Saturday, Dec. 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. • The Rotunda • 4014 Walnut St.

This is a big one. It includes more than 30 local vendors with local goods.

• Holiday Craft Sale • University City Arts League • 4226 Spruce Street • Saturday – 6 p.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Friday, 3 p.m.-9 p.m.

Several local artists will have jewelry, pottery, handwoven clothing, handmade cards and a bunch of other amazing stuff for sale.