December is all about holiday shopping

Linda’s Children’s Shoppe

Linda’s Children’s Shoppe is a boutique that has been offering charming children’s clothing for boys and girls for more than 25 years. Through December, take advantage of two specials: Bring in a clean, gently used coat to donate and get 20 percent off of a new coat. Or, get 20 percent off any regular priced clothing item with the purchase of a regularly priced holiday outfit. Noble Niches inside Linda’s sells gifts and decorative accessories for children and the home, and is offering 10 percent off purchases throughout the month as well.

•  163 S. Trade St.

Matthews, NC 28105

704-847-3590

www.lindaschildrensshoppe.com.

Blakeney Shopping Center

Santa Claus is making a stop at Blakeney: from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Dec. 7-8. Bring the kids and enjoy cookies and cocoa. Take a ride on the carriage, construct a kids craft and see all of the North Pole buddies. Event is free and open to the public.

•  Blakeney Shopping Center

Rea Road and Ardrey Kell

Charlotte, NC 28277

704-561-5271

www.shopblakeney.com.

Blacklion

There’s lots in store for you Dec. 6. during the Girls Night Out at Blacklion. From 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., enjoy trunk shows, giveaways, door prizes, wine and light appetizers. Check some gifts off your list – and maybe snag something for yourself.

•  Blacklion

1408 East Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28203

704-333-2229

www.blacklion.com.

KK Bloom Boutique

Haute holiday finds can be scored at KK Bloom Boutique on Selwyn Avenue. The boutique, best known for brands like Splendid, Glam, Wink and Ella Moss, is hosting a Holiday Party Dec. 6. Scout out winter wear, which will be on sale. A trunk show features offerings from Mere, earrings and more. Wine, snacks and more will be offered.

•  KK Bloom Boutique

2823 Selwyn Ave.

Charlotte, NC 28209

980-428-6443

www.kkbloomboutique.com.

SouthPark Mall

Festivities abound at SouthPark Mall Dec. 8. From 2 - 4 p.m., Mrs. Claus will be conversing with the children with snacks provided by Auntie Anne’s and Nestle Tollhouse Cookies. Mrs. Claus will also read to the children and all attendees can sit with Santa in Center Court to get a photograph to remember the day. The event is for Simon Kidgit Club members (see www.simon.com for details or to join) and normal package pricing applies to photos with Santa. At 4:30 p.m., the first night of Hanukkah will be honored with a Menorah Lighting.

•  SouthPark Mall

4400 Sharon Road

Charlotte, NC 28211

704-365-3111

www.simon.com.

The Crystal Shoppe

Since 1955, The Crystal Shoppe has helped Charlotteans find personalized gifts for loved ones. Varying in sizes, from traditional round to teardrop ornaments, the classic crystal gifts are an annual staple for many families. Throughout December, the store will offer daily and weekly specials. Save on ornaments with a BOGO special, or save on special kitchen/food items such as a coffee mug complete with the recipient’s name and gift box for just $5, a seven-piece pitcher set for $15 or a snack bowl, personalized and present-ready for $5.

•  The Crystal Shoppe

14200 East Independence Blvd.

PO Box 280

Indian Trail, NC 28079

1-800-852-3111

www.thecrystalshoppe.com.

Discovered Traditions

Celebrate Hanukkah by shopping Discovered Traditions, a gift shop inside Temple Beth El.

To honor the holiday (Dec. 8 - 16), shop the sale where you can spin to win. Get 10 percent to 50 percent off of an item with a spin on their holiday wheel, which you can use on unique pieces including menorah’s, dreidels, candy, candles, games and gifts – some made by local artists, and others imported from Israel. Profits are used to provide scholarships and financial aid to children in the community.

•  Discovered Traditions

5101 Providence Road

Charlotte, NC 28226

704-749-3060

www.beth-el.com.

Shower Me With Love

The boutique that brings some of the best in baby gear has a new addition: A new concept store just opened in the same center in SouthPark. The sister store features a design center complete with two full-time interior designers who can assist in styling and designing your space. From nurseries to big kids, make room for adults as well with well-known lines such as Stanley Young America, Newport Cottages and Miles Talbott. Check out the state-of-the-art, 3,000-square-foot space that is situated next to Scout and Molly’s.

•  Shower Me With Love Furniture Showroom & Design Studio

704-302-1555

www.showermewithlove.com.

The Spa at Ballantyne

Schedule a spa pick-me-up with one of these seasonal specials: Minty-Sweet Holiday Pedicure, including a thick butter brûlée whole milk soak, a hot chocolate truffle serum and a minty massage. Cost is $70. Rejuvenate with a full-body massage complete with cooling effects of peppermint oil; normally priced at $165, just $135 for December.

•  The Spa at Ballantyne

10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.

Charlotte, NC 28277

704-248-4141

www.spaballantyne.com.

Goodness Gracious!

The Goodness Gracious! gift shop at Charlotte’s Myers Park United Methodist Church at 1501 Queens Road is run by volunteers, with proceeds going to outreach projects in Charlotte and around the world. The shop offers Saturday hours during the holiday season – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 8 and 15. It’s also open Sundays until 12:30 p.m. The shop is stuffed with distinctive holiday fare, including devotionals, cards, kitchenware, children’s items and more. Details, including a complete list of hours and contact information, is at www.mpumc.org.

•  Goodness Gracious!

Myers Park United Methodist Church

1501 Queens Road

www.mpumc.org.