I would like to think that I come from a  family lineage which includes lots of great shoppers.  It often has astonished me that NONE of my family members were named “CLEARANCE” or “SALE”.

Seriously, I would be remiss if I didn’t share with you some Black Friday/ Small Business Saturday or Cyber Monday secrets and top picks!   I also encourage you to add your own!

BLACK FRIDAY

Electronics! I must tell you that this is the year of the “i”.…. iPad, iPhone, iMac ,iHOME and more.  Also the MAC AIR has been given a hearty thumbs up by techies around the world.  I for one have loved the applications that can be added to the iPad and iPhone.  So, take advantage of this years’ sales… particulary VERIZON who is rolling out the 4G version of the iPhone with a special plan.

I also am a PC lover, too.  I don’t discriminate.  I own both MACs and PCs.  Electronic stores love me.

Furthermore, great bargains can be snatched up for GPS systems, television sets and Bluetooth devices.  I know that STAPLES, BEST BUY and other box stores are advertising amazing sales for these items.  Just be forwarned- go early to get the best deals.  And if you plan on taking advantage of WALMART and TARGETs sales- be prepared to bring a meal, a line holder (meaning a second person while you escape to “potty”) and warm/comfortable clothing!   Look online before you shop.  Sometimes they offer free shipping and that means you can sleep in on Friday!

And give the gift of learning to your family with one of my favorite choices-ROSETTA STONE.  Consider pairing a Rosetta Stone language set with a surprise trip to another country!    Nothing beats the Winter blues then a trip to Italy or the South of  France!

And…. now for SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY—

Every locale has great stores that are known in the area.  This would be a great time to snatch up an item that you have spied for some time and have  waited for the price to be a bit more to your liking.  Don’t forget that wine stores often have holiday specials during the weekend and are mainly family owned businesses.  Also, outdoor and sporting equipment shops- like bike stores- can be a super choice for gift buying.  Compare and save!

In addition, don’t forget the ONLINE small businesses.  No time is better than the present to look for a very special PRESENT!  Consider perusing online catalogs of well known mom groups.  And if you are one to gander over Craigslist you may find local businesses advertising there , too.  Just buyer beware and please be safe about using online sites such as Craigslist!

I have scoped out several mom and pop shops that are ONLINE- these are some of my new faves:

PEACOCK POTTERY–  http://www.PeacockPottery.com  Check out the great ceramic gifts straight from Poland.  I loved the Christmas Ornaments and must confess did not wait until Small Biz Saturday to order!  They are already in my home and wrapped!

The BOYS STORE– This is a unique store with “stuff” only for the testesterone makers in your home! It is so much fun to peruse this website.  I loved it! Owned by

Suzanne Remington who I interviewed.  Listen to the interview here:  Louise Interviews Boys Store Owner- Suzanne Remington

SEASONS OF MY HEART! ¡Me gustan mucha Susanna Trilling y SEASONS OF MY HEART ! “

This is a company owned by Susanna Trilling who has created an authentic and fun cook book- SEASONS OF MY HEART! This is not a “how to make an easy taco” cookbook, but an authentic read about  Mexican culture juxtapose  with amazing recipes. This is the ultimate coffee table book, too!   If you have a person in your home that LOVES to cook Mexican food (caliente!) then this is the gift for you! Available online at http://www.SeasonsofmyHeart.com

Susanna also offers a destination vacation/cooking class in her very own Oaxaca, Mexico kitchen!   English and Spanish are spoken in her kitchen!

CYBER MONDAY–  Cyber Monday is Black Friday for those who don’t want to move off their desk chairs!  Or for people like me who need to continue the shopping frenzy a few more days!  Best deals can be found on virtually any website- particulary those who are HUGE like AMAZON, EBAY, Overstock.com and more.   Don’t forget other great niche sites too, like SIGNALS.

And when all else fails or the creative juices stop flowing….. there are always gift cards!

Louise Sattler is a “professional shopper” who also finds time to be a psychologist, owner of SIGNING FAMILIES™ and a media personality (HerInsight Media Network).

She too participates as a biz owner in Saturday SMall Business Shopping Day.  Order from SIGNING FAMILIES™ via PAYPAL on Saturday, Nov. 27th with PAYPAL and Louise will rebate you 10%.  Shipping is free, too! (US and Canada only)

FIND LOUISE’s PRODUCTS and many others here at MommyPerks.com: