Five Small Boutiques With Big Value

It's Black Friday, the traditional start of the holiday season. It's also the day before Small Business Saturday, a new event designed to raise awareness of the power of local shopping at local boutiques.  

Read more about the national Small Business Saturday here.

We've got a couple for you here that we love in the area. They offer everything from succulents to silk scarves. Some are new to the world, some have migrated here from farther up Sunset Boulevard:

, 1825 Echo Park Ave., Suite A, offers vintage inspired clothing, jewelry, totes, shoes and home goods. Focused on handcrafted items, the boutique rotates its treasures regularly and stocks the creations of local artists and designers. The shop also sells their own eco-friendly t-shirts and children’s items. See the boutique's website for gift ideas and more information. Feeding Birds is open Wednesday through Friday 12:30 to 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends.

For something unusual that will be sure to amuse kids as well as kids at heart, the is the place to shop. Set-up like an old time general store stocked with stuff related to the whimsical, magical and wizard-worthy, the store supports and is part of the non-profit student writing center . Posters, t-shirts, books and vials of famous last words can be found on the store’s shelves. Best of all, your dollars spent directly support the tutoring and outreach programs of 826 LA. The travel mart is open daily noon to 6 p.m. and is located at 1714 W Sunset Blvd. 213- 413-3388

Kellygreen, 2149 W Sunset Blvd., recently moved to Echo Park from nearby Sunset Junction. Made-in-the-USA and eco-responsible goods for the home and body, with attention to conscious consumerism, the store’s offerings include plates sporting spider silhouettes, recycled metal octopus cuffs, repurposed lighting and organic cotton sheets. Kellygreen also offers gift cards in case you just can’t decide. Learn more about Kellygreen’s “cradle-to-cradle” philosophy on the store’s website.

The is dedicated to selling the finest creations of independent, local designers. Located at 1712 W. Sunset Blvd., the retail space and gallery offers limited edition clothing and accessories for men and women as well as art. The Co-Op is open daily and stays open until 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. See the website for more information or call 213-483-0260.

has a new home at 1901 Echo Park Avenue after relocating from the same intersection where Kellygreen once resided at Sunset and Santa Monica Boulevards. Tripling as an event space, gallery and shop, Mi Alma is known for handcrafted items, lighting, and awesome succulents and plants. Take a break from a long day with a visit to Mi Alma and you may just encounter drinks, dancers and a DJ along with some cool gift ideas. Mi Alma is open Sundays Noon to 5 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.