Muskego Shoppers Will Find Good Things Come in Small Packages

This is the second year that American Express is looking to support the small businesses that often get overlooked on Black Friday with Small Business Saturday.

However, I'd like to go a step further and say why not keep Black Friday from becoming black-and-blue Friday by skipping the madness of the big boxes and opting for one of many options less than five miles from most homes in Muskego? The parking hassle won't exist, quantities likely won't be limited and the service is more personal and friendly.  Besides, retail experts say the best deals of the Christmas shopping season generally fall in the week prior to Christmas, not Black Friday.

We nosed around a bit, and found a few ideas that might help you check off the items on your Christmas shopping list.

Kurt Fifer at said they will have a Black Friday premier of the newest Pandora Charm, the 'Midnight Heart,' which has yet to be revealed to the public (so sorry, no photos). In addition, they plan on special events in December, like a ladies night, and a promotion that could net buyers free jewelry if New Year's Day sees snow.

The "Jewelry Snowfall Promotion" qualifies any jewelry purchased between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. If it snows three inches or more on New Years day (1/1/2012) between the hours of Midnight and 3:00 AM, you get to keep the jewelry and get your full purchase price refunded (less the sales tax).

For the mechanic, Muskego boasts four different auto stores, including , , and .  Most of these stores feature gift cards as well.

Muskego's got four different fitness facilities as well as dance studios, so whether it's a kid or someone who'd like to move like one again, memberships can be purchased. Starz, and are our dance studios, sprinkled around town, and a few also have gift shops as well.  Accel (located within Starz), and are all fitness centers, but each offers something a little different depending how you like to work out - independently, with supervision or as part of a group.

Got a golfer?  Check out , which offers memberships and supplies for the person in your life that just can't wait to get on the links.

For the coffee-holic, and the have gift cards and great gifts on hand.  In addition, the artwork on the walls of San Laurio is not only eye-catching, it's for sale!  Also, the Gingerbread House is bedecked with crafts that are also for sale, and a boutique resides in its upper level.

While we have three drug stores in town, one in particular is home-grown and is synonymous with Muskego's earliest residents.  ' catalog came out recently and features seasonal decor and other gift ideas. Check them out, and you may be surprised what you find.

Even the furry friends in your life can be checked off the list, with and offering great gifts for your favorite pet.

This list is by no means exhaustive.  We'd love to add more to it throughout the season, so please send us your ideas, and we'll make this list, and your prospects for a successful shopping trip, grow.