Best Small Business Saturday Shopping In Chicago

You know about Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but have you heard of Small Business Saturday? Held the Saturday after Thanksgiving (this year, it's on Nov. 28), the day encourages shoppers to skip the big-box retailers and do some shopping at smaller stores in their own community. The event, which was first held in 2010, encourages shoppers to seek out independent retailers for a change of pace. If you're doing some holiday shopping, then consider taking a look at these five retailers on Small Business Saturday in the Chicago area.

Building Blocks
3306 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 525-6200
www.buildingblockstoys.com

Purchase toys for kids of all ages this holiday season at Building Blocks. The retailer features an assortment of educational toys as well as puzzles, books, games, dolls, outdoor toys and so much more. A number of brands are represented at Building Blocks, too, including Bruder, Crocodile Creek, Galt, Lego and Melissa & Doug. The retailer is also offering a special toy bonus between Nov. 27 and 29; additional details are available on Building Blocks' website. In addition to its Lakeview location, Building Blocks has a store in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood.

Eskell
1509 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 486-0830
eskell.com

Purchase something unique for the fashionista on your list when you shop at Eskell. The boutique store, located in Chicago's West Town neighborhood, offers a wide selection of women's clothing, including jackets, dresses, tops and pants, with some from Eskell's own collection. Accessories are also available, with arm warmers and hats among the collection, while the shop's jewelry selection includes statement necklaces and rings. Fragrances, candles and other home goods are also available for purchase, so you're sure to find something on trend for that special someone.

People Play Games
3268 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL
(773) 883-8813
www.facebook.com/peopleplaygames

Pick up a vintage or hard-to-find game or accessory for the gamer in your life by checking out People Play Games. The Lakeview neighborhood retailer features a wide selection of game consoles, video games and more, with both current and older gaming systems available for purchase. Shoppers can pick up games for PlayStation, Sega, NES and other gaming systems. Special controllers are also available for purchase, so you can add on to someone's current video game setup. Gamers can also wear their hearts on their sleeves, so to speak, by checking out the retailer's selection of shirts and gear from games released in the 1980s and 1990s.

Related: Best Places To Buy Vintage Video Games & Accessories In Chicago

Runners High 'N Tri
121 W. Campbell St.
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
(847) 670-9255
www.runnershigh-n-tri.com

Located in the northwest suburb of Arlington Heights, Runners High 'n Tri offers something for both the casual weekend runner and the triathlete. There are plenty of running shoes, with brands including Asics, Brooks, New Balance and Nike on the shelves. You can also pick up some accessories for the gift recipient's upcoming road races or triathalons with watches, heart rate monitors and other products available for purchase. The shop also offers training programs for 5K, 10K and half-marathons if you're looking for something unique to purchase for the runner in your life — or even for you.

The Beer Temple
3185 N. Elston Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 754-0907
craftbeertemple.com

For true beer aficionados, not just any six-pack of beer will do. If you need to purchase a gift for someone with discerning tastes when it comes to beer, then take a look at the selection available from The Beer Temple. The shop has beer from breweries both near and far for purchase, with brews from Marz, Pipeworks, 4 Hands, Vander Mill, Surly and more available for purchase. If you want to get a fresh perspective on different beers, then take a look at the series of webisodes by The Beer Temple.

Related: Best Boutiques For Back To School Clothes In Chicago

Megan Horst-Hatch is a runner, reader, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She is also the president of Megan Writes, LLC. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.