It’s that time of the year to “Treat yo self” — a line from one of my favorite shows, “Parks & Recreation.” Like Tom and Donna, don’t just buy gifts for others: Reward yourself this November as Black Friday is around the corner.
If you’re a bookworm like myself, the simple gift of a good read will keep you busy indoors. Fall weather can make one feel trapped inside their homes. Fellow booklovers can treat themselves this November to a couple of good reads. And if books aren’t your thing, there’s a local gift shop I discovered for fans of decor and glass art.
This year, I visited local RI bookstores and stumbled upon Heartleaf Books on Atwells Avenue. I bought a book titled Monstrilio by Gerardo Sámano Córdova. It was a recommendation for National Hispanic Heritage Month. The bookstore and the website offer a wide variety of Latin-American books. For November, they’re selling Indie bestsellers for National Native American Heritage Month. I wanted to know if there would be a Black Friday sale. I was also curious about their 2025 bingo book contest, so I contacted the co-owner:
Sabrina Ruiz (Motif): I understand Black Friday is in November, and I wanted to know if your store offers a discount on books?
Mads Vericker: We’re offering Heartleaf Cash on Black Friday and Small Biz Saturday — spend $50 get $10; spend $100 get $25; spend $250 get $75.
SR: I noticed on your website there is a 2025 Bingo Book Contest. How does one enter the contest?
MV: You can enter the contest a few ways: bring your completed card into the store, or email us a screenshot of your completed challenges on Storygraph — I added some more details to the page.
If you want to save money, buy some books, and support your local bookstores, come to Heartleaf on November 29 and 30. Start your bingo cards now for a chance to win a $50 gift card. And if you’re a feline lover, stop by to meet the face of the store, Penny the Cat!
Perhaps you aren’t into books, but love decorative glass art for your homespace? Need jewelry, bowls, or mugs? Have a gift that needs to be wrapped? I strolled Wickenden Street and entered Gallery Belleau, noticing their colored glass flowers and vases.
I visited during the Halloweekend with the opportunity to chat with gallery employee Wendy, explaining the store’s products:
SR: Does the store hold a Black Friday sale?
Wendy: No, we don’t do Black Friday, but our items are whole-sale, tax free, and 90% of what we sell are homemade by the owner. We sell at a lower price compared to other stores. We also offer gift wrappings for customers to make presents. Prices for gift wrappings are usually around $20.
SR: And who is this little guy?
W: This is our “business manager,” Bucky the dog. He’s sassy, but just wants to play.
Artist Christopher Belleau only sells his handmade figurines at Gallery Belleau. He states “I make all kinds of blown glass work, including sea creatures, and birds. But mostly I’m known for my flowers and vases.” For holiday-themed glassworks, he said, “We also have trees full of blown glass ornaments and more!” If you appreciate art and want to treat yourself to an original artistic present, come to Gallery Belleau and be greeted by Bucky!
“Be part of the treat-yourself team,” says Tom from “Parks & Rec.” Don’t solely think about what you wish to buy. And you don’t need to spend like crazy. There are shops in RI that focus on other forms of art besides books and glass decor. Gift yourself this November to appease your creativity.