Shop local, win big

When it comes to the holiday-shopping season, there are two kinds of people in this world: those that jump at the chance to score an insane deal on a Le Creuset fondue pot during a 5 a.m. doorbuster sale, and those that experience soul-numbing anxiety by coming within a half-mile radius of a Best Buy parking lot.

Whichever camp you find yourself in, there's a cheery compromise waiting for you in Midtown: Twelve boutiques—Birkenstock Midtown, Cuffs, French Cuff Consignment, Heart Clothing Boutique, Identity Boutique, Ladybug Ladybug, Marcas Boutique, MARK Vintage, Renee's Shoetique, RIRE, Sugar Shack Boutique and The Moppet Shoppe—are participating in a holiday hunt wherein shoppers who spend at least $15 at more than six of the stores will automatically be entered to win a $50 gift certificate for each store. Not only are the crowds sure to be less massive and aggressive than at your neighborhood Target, but it's also a great way to support local businesses that will be turning on the deals for the season of gifting.

Fittingly, the winner of the holiday hunt will be announced on Small Business Saturday, November 29, so plenty of time for the winner to spend that $600.

And lastly, a word of advice this holiday season: Your 19-year-old niece wants Birkenstocks. No, really. Through November, www.girlsonthegrid.com/1st-annual-midtown-boutique-holiday-hunt.