Our favorite shops around the country - Making the last-minute holiday rush easy

With the last shopping weekend before Christmas and Hanukkah, we're down to the wire. To save you from the dreaded rush shipping costs, we've asked our editors, contributors and some of our favorite savvy shoppers around the web to offer up their favorite go-to shops in their (and maybe your?) hometowns to help you snag some indie or artisan gifts for those you love best.

NYC- The Union Square Park Holiday Market is always a great source for last minute stocking stuffers and recession-friendly gifts like hand-knit scarves, handmade toys, candles and personalized wooden ornaments from Chiosonne. You're not only supporting a lot of independent craftspeople, you can sneak over to Union Square Café and grab a burger at the bar when you're done. -Liz
Find it: Union Square,14th at Park Ave S through 12/24

NYC burbs- NoKa is where I go to buy everything from baby gifts to cocktail napkins. Owner and mom Jennifer Cook has exquisite taste and a good heart; she donates $1 to one of three local charities for every purchase of $20 or more. -Betsy
Find it: 25 Kotanah Ave, Kotanah, NY

Boston- Save yourself the hassle of searching for a downtown parking space and visit one of three Magic Beans locations in Brookline, Wellesley or Hingham. They're loaded with awesome baby and kids stuff we love like Dado Cubes, Built NY bags and warm Baby Legs, and the stores have a bright, cheery feel that is much appreciated during these last few days of do-or-die shopping.  -Christina
Find it: 312 Harvard Street, Brookline; The Derby St Shoppes, Hingham; 200 Linden Street, Wellesley

Atlanta- Head up to Buckhead for a visit to Beehive Co-op, a mom-owned shop full of gorgeous handmade items from CMP faves like JacQueline Sanchez jewelry, plus a group of other wonderful local artists. Then hop over to Lenox Mall for a visit with the best (and probably most expensive) Santa in Atlanta--or the only one, according to my kids. -Kristen
Find it: 1831 Peachtree Rd NE

Athens, GA- If you're coming into Athens for a game, to chow down at The Grit, or just to hang around, be sure to hit Helix while you're downtown. They have a huge assortment of local artisans' work as well as plenty of perennial CMP faves like Bla Bla Kids and Wry Baby. -Mir
Find it: 146 E. Clayton Street

Chicago- Located in the super funky neighborhood of Roscoe Village, Glam to Go has tons of cool items for moms including clothing, handbags and locally-made jewelry and also a very cute baby section with everything from books to jammies to the ubiquitous Robeez. And best of all, owner and mom of 2 Jenny makes it a point to know the name of every shopper. -Danielle
Find it: 2002 West Roscoe

Denver- There's definitely plenty of shopping in Denver proper, but I'm partial to wandering downtown Boulder myself.  Fortunately, Real Baby has set up shop in both locations, and they carry all sorts of CMP faves like Avalisa, Aden + Anais, and Diaper Dude.  Weather permitting, head to Real Baby on Pearl Street in Boulder, then duck into The Cup afterward to warm up. -Julie
Find it:  3616 W. 32nd Ave., Denver; 1505 Pearl St., Boulder

Philly- Be sure to hit Art Star Philly, a fantastic shopping gallery of artisan jewelry, clothes, accessories, and art in the heart of Northern Liberties. Shop today as part of their 'hood shopping event and get 10% off your purchase, along with  discounts at two other shops as well. And the best part? Free parking. -Kristen
Find it: 623 N. 2nd Street 

Toronto- For a literal street of handmade holiday gifts, hit the shops on Queen Street West: try Kingly for hand-knit children's sweaters and scarves and puppets and such, Planet Kid for handmade cowboy outfits or a custom growth chart by Periscope, and Fresh Collective for a little something for yourself. Then head up to College Street to Bubble Face, where you can find clothes for girls and boys designed by shop owner Sylvia, and where you can also grab one of those adorable InQb8 quilts for that someone on your list (ahem) who has a new baby. -Catherine Connors, We Covet
Find it: Queen Street West and College Street

Portland - During the holidays, the Portland Saturday Market turns into the daily Festival of the Last Minute. Don your cap and boots (we're having an unusual bout of snow) and head downtown to browse artisans' booths filled with just about everything: Handmade toys, art, jewelry, clothing, furniture, baby gifts and so much more. You're sure to pick up a few unique goodies while you engage in some of the best people-watching in town. -Asha Dornfest, Parent Hacks
Find it: SW Naito Blvd, in Ankeny Park 

San Francisco - West Berkeley is the Bay Area's best kept indie shopping secret, just 15 minutes from San Francisco. Duck into the Ecology Center for green ideas including kids gifts from Plan Toys, and don't miss bags from Queen Bee Creations at Kiss My Ring. Caffeinate yourself at Caffe Trieste when you're done. -Whitney Moss, The Rookie Moms
Find it: San Pablo Avenue between Dwight and Parker

Los Angeles- Located in the heart of Larchmont Village, The Little Seed is an eco-friendly boutique boasting handmade wooden toys and linens, organic clothing and one-of-a-kind jewelry by local designers like Jennifer Meyer. My favorite part: It's kid friendly complete with kid's play area and changing room. -Rebecca Woolf, Girls Gone Child
Find it: 219 N Larchmont Blvd.

For more great local picks, shop local on etsy. While most of the artisans don't have store fronts, you'll save money due to local shipping, or you could schedule a pick up!