I hate Black Friday. I was born on Black Friday, 1987 –probably a precursor to my penchant for purchasing. However, Black Friday sends moms into a frenzy for doorbuster deals and leaves me cold. I’d rather do my holiday shopping somewhere a bit less crowded, a little bit less JCPenney.

What I’m thinking is the Northeast Holiday Boutique Crawl on Saturday. Ten boutiques, from Parc to I Like You, are participating in this day-long event. Register to win a $500 shopping spree, get 20% off purchases, you know the deal. We know we’re supposed to shop as part of our civic duty — so says the president and Anna Wintour. Why not do it locally?

(P.S. Here’s a hint. Follow Parc Boutique on Twitter for more boutique crawl incentives.)