Times are tough, and don't we know it! So it's sort of galling that, when the holidays come around, it's not enough that we're exhorted to reach into our pockets and shell out shekels, or we can't walk into a store without hearing that jingle-jingle, we're told it's our patriotic duty to display supreme consumer confidence and support the retail juggernaut for another big year. Well, you know what? We've put together a guide of worthy little shops that will value your business, local creative types who will keep your money in town, or books by authors we should reward for their love of our town, and much more. Read on, and give wisely!