Small Business Saturday is coming up on November 29, and Claremont is all about small business. Why not combine holiday shopping with a salute to the mom-and-pop establishments flourishing in the City of Trees?

Stroll through the Village, where you can find a ukulele at the Folk Music Center, an ornament at Barbara Cheatley Antiques, Tibetan prayer flags at Buddhamouse Emporium, tea from the Bamboo Teahouse, Mexican handicrafts from Rio de Ojas or a pair of comfy sandals at Birkenstock.

After you’ve worked up an appetite, make a stop at an eatery like Viva Madrid, the Village Grille, Yianni’s, Espiau’s, Petisco’s, Dr. Grubbs, Pizza ‘N Such, Full of Life, Salad Farm, Taco Factory or Dehli Palace Express.

Got kids or grandkids? You can find toys and stocking stuffers at Boon Companion and something special to wear at Tattle Tails. Moving on to another shopping mecca, the Village West, Heirloom carries children’s books and A Shop Called Quest has kid-friendly comic books, graphic novels. The Green Gypsie has eco-friendly and one-of-a-kind wares and Ilo Collective specializes in natural beauty products.

You can also find clothing in the Village West at Playlist Clothing, Authentix Sneaker & Clothing, Maple, Nectar, American Apparal, Chico’s and The Colony at Loft 204. Vintage are sold at Replay Vintage, The Grove Vintage and, back in the east side of the village, Deelux. Lift your spirits with a stop at a restaurant like Junction, Fifty-50 Fusion, Bua Thai, La Parolaccia Osteria Italiana, Z Pizza, Eureka! or The Back Abbey.

For that friend with a sweet tooth, a gift certificate from Yogurtland, 21 Choices, Bert & Rocky’s, I Like Pie, Crepes de Paris, Cocoa Bakery, A. Klein Chocolatier, Le Pain Quotidien, Some Crust Bakery or Last Drop Café will hit the spot. For the craft lover, yarn and needlework supplies are available at Phebies Needle Art and Colors 91711.

A gift certificate is always a good bet for that hard-to-shop-for person. There are so many choices including Laemmle’s, Rhino Records, the Candlelight Pavilion, Inka Trails and Bucca di Beppo. You can also pick up Claremont Bucks, useable at most Claremont businesses, at the Chamber of Commerce.

Don’t forget Route 66. Put together a basket of tasty foods from Wolfe’s Market or Trader Joe’s, grab a pie from Marie Callendar’s, shop the boutiques in the Old School House, buy some pretty crystals from Kindred Spirits or a shiny new bike from Coates Cyclery.

Or give the gift that arrives every Friday and keeps your loved ones informed. Claremont’s oldest small business, the Claremont COURIER, is offering a special card and greeting with every gift subscription. Look for the mail-in coupon in the latest issue.

A special thanks to Claremont Village Treasures, who provided the snow globe we shot for our cover and which is currently a winter wonderland of holiday décor and gifts.