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Shop Local: Gifts friends & family will treasure from neighborhood shops

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Whether you’re looking for something that sparkles, a fun toy for the grand dog or just want to some flowers to bring, our local storefronts have something for everyone.

Shopping locally isn’t just a way to avoid the mall. It’s a way to be part of the community and support local businesses, run by our friends and neighbors.

Located in the Shirley, Eastport, the Mastics and the Moriches areas, here are some local stores to visit for your holiday shopping.

AJ Sunflower Boutique, Center Moriches

Located on Main Street of Center Moriches, this boutique run by Kate Goulding gives Long Islanders a chance to show their pride. Featuring apparel with the names of local Long Island areas, the store also sells jewelry, mugs, and accessories from local vendors.

Cotton Caper, Center Moriches

Cotton Caper located on Main Street of Center Moriches. Photo: Maria Cestero

In business for about 25 years, the store features a variety of women’s clothing, jewelry and accessories. With winter around the corner, customers can find at the fun gloves and soft hats to keep warm.

Inside Cotton Caper. Photo: Maria Cestero

Eastport’s Little Secret, Eastport

Much like its name, this local shop run by Fotini Michaelides is truly a hidden gem. Michaelides originally sold her merchandise at her husband’s pharmacy. Since then the success of the sales drove her to open her own shop in 2009.

Michaelides receives her merchandise from trades. This includes a variety of goods such as apparel, jewelry, home decor and popular items such as the “Elf on the Shelf” book. The store is also selling ornaments, snowman lanterns and more for the upcoming holidays.

Her daughter Christina helps around the store and does clients’ makeup in the store.

Seatuck Stained Glass, Eastport

Located in Eastport, this store features various stained glass pieces. This shop has been a stained glass shop for about 38 years. Current owner George Dalecki took over the store 18 years ago. Dalecki discovered his affinity for stained glass visiting someone else’s home for work.

“My eyes lit up and he asked me if I wanted to learn,” said George Dalecki.

Since then, Dalecki makes his own pieces as shown in the picture below.

Pieces by George Dalecki. Photo: Maria Cestero

Eastport Music Scene, Eastport

Grace VanderWaal’s ukulele. Photo: Maria Cestero

The Eastport Music Scene shop opened in 2001. It was co-managed by Cliff Affigne and his brother-in-law, but after the passing of his brother-in-law in 2015, Affigne and his sister took over.

The store sells instruments and offers classes to learners. The store also features American song-writer and singer and winner of the eleventh season of “America’s Got Talent,” Grace VanderWaal’s signature model ukulele (pictured above and below).

Grace VanderWaal signature modle ukulele. Photo: Maria Cestero

Editor’s Note: This story first claimed the ukulele (pictured above) was signed by Grace VanderWall when it is actually a signature model of the instrument.

Shirley Feed, Shirley

Shirley Feed dog biscuits. Photo:Maria Cestero

Owned by John Colondona’s family for decades, this feed store sells pet food for dogs, cats, chickens, horses and more. They also offer a wide selection of toys, grooming items, leashes and beds.

The shop has a grooming room, located in the back of the store. Pups big and small will love the attention given to them by the friendly staff. Cats can get their mani/pedi on here as well.

Eager to celebrate the holidays, the store will be hosting an event to take pictures with Santa Claus this Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This cash-only event is first-come, first-serve.

The store will also be selling Christmas trees.

A dog being groomed at Shirley Feed. Photo: Maria Cestero

Starlite Jewelry, Shirley

A handmade necklace courtesy of Starlite Jewelry

If you’re in the market from something unique, Starlite Jewelry, run by Nezam Abdool, 44, is the place to go. This shop makes custom jewelry from either either purchased gold or recycle their unwanted gold jewelry to be made into something new.

Abdool moved his shop to Shirley last year after being in Manhattan.

Nezam Abdool showing the jewelry. Photo: Maria Cestero
Scraps of gold to be customized in the future. Photo: Maria Cestero

Bargain Bob, Shirley

Bargain Bob in Shirley. Photo: Maria Cestero

Open for 10 years, this department store features a variety of items for sale such as clothing, electronics, house supplies and more for every budget. The store is selling Christmas decorations, stockings, and trees for the upcoming holidays.

Enrico’s Jewelry, Shirley

Enrico’s Jewelry at 442 William Floyd. Pkwy. Photo: Maria Cestero

In business for over 34 years now, this family owned business features its own collection of watches. Customers can purchase from their wide selection, order custom jewelry, have their jewelry fixed and more.

Lee Anne’s Mastic Flower Shop, Mastic

Bouquet of flowers in Lee Anne’s Flower Shop in Eastport. Photo: Maria Cestero

Not sure what to get? Flowers are a win every time. Opened in 1981 by Lee Anne Nagel, this florist and gift shop sells bouquets and gifts perfect for any occasion. The flowers are bought locally and imported overseas from South America, California, Holland and Canada.

Holiday decorations in Lee Anne’s Mastic Flower Shop. Photo: Maria Cestero

Do you have a favorite local shop you’d like to see on this list? Email us at [email protected].

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