In previous years, last-minute Christmas shopping used to start in mid-December or later. However, a number of factors this year, from an early Hanukkah to a well-publicized supply chain shortage, have led to an early jump in the holiday shopping fever. Shoppers who avoided Black Friday or Cyber Monday, or those who simply want to celebrate one holiday at a time, may consider themselves late in the game this year, but they have a helpful solution in the local delivery service. Same day Trellus here on Long Island. .
“Trellus is designed to help Long Island small businesses compete against e-commerce giants like Amazon, driving new customers to merchant websites and providing on-demand delivery with a network of drivers,” said Adam Haber, CEO and co-founder. by Trellus. in a press release announcing the closing of the company’s seed funding round. “Consumer demand for fast and convenient local delivery at their favorite stores is growing, but too many independent retailers lack the capacity and resources to compete on time.”
Trellus seeks to bridge the gap between e-commerce and local physical experiences by serving the needs of local merchants and meeting customer expectations for convenience. Deliveries on Long Island, from Queens to Suffolk County, are often completed in two hours or less thanks to a reliable network of on-call drivers. Customers can track their package in real time via text message, making Trellus a useful resource for those who need a last-minute item for their Secret Santa office or family reunion.
Even better, shoppers can feel good about shopping that supports local businesses and improves the local economy during a challenging holiday season of inflation, high gas prices and a shortage of labor. There are many gift options through the Trellus Local Marketplace, with 120 small businesses and counting.
These are just a few of the local merchants offering Trellus same day delivery this holiday season.
Sweet and salty
Founded in 1953, Emile’s Candy in Rockville Center (www.emilescandies.com or call 516-766-4402) is one of Long Island’s last old fashioned chocolate factories. Kicking off the holiday season with Hanukkah, the shop offers menorah lollipops, chocolate dreidels, and a three-tier Star of David box filled with delicious chocolates. For Christmas, look for Chocolate Santas as well as Christmas Milk Chocolate Balls that are sold by weight. For a large group, consider a medium or large assorted candy platter with a delicious assortment of creams, jellies, caramels, truffles, and more.
For cookie lovers, look no further than Long Island. Biscuit outlet in Hicksville (www.cookieoutlet.com or 800-548-3023). Its sleek and sophisticated Deluxe Christmas Platter Cookie Tray is a crowd pleaser featuring popular Christmas shapes and flavors, ranging in size from 1.5 pounds to 5 pounds. Cookie Outlet’s high volume purchasing power allows the company to pass on significant savings to shoppers and they have their own specially designed “Break Free Gift Box” for shipping.
Business from home Virginia Jane Farm (www.virginiajanes.com or call 917-301-2213) was founded by a Hudson Valley native who is often referred to as “Laura Ingalls with Modern Appliances.” Virginia Jane is cooking up exciting flavors from her favorite tri-state farms right at her home on Long Island. Take a look at their Trio Gift Set of the three best-selling jam flavors, including Carrot Cake Jam, Blueberry Bourbon Ginger Jam, and Strawberry Daiquiri Jam.
When you’ve got your fill of sweet, go savory with the cleverly named Charcuterie Broads LLC at Seaford (www.thecharcuteriebroads.com). Co-owners and sisters-in-law Bridget and Joanne love fine meats and cheeses, and their creativity is reflected in their menu. Take a look at their traditional Christmas antipasto of premium meats, Italian cheeses and all the popular fixings on boards available in various sizes.
Beautiful gestures
Muscari Flowers and events (www.muscariflowersroslyn.com or call 516-625-1397) has been serving Roslyn Heights and the surrounding communities for over 20 years. Orchids for all seasons are among the most coveted offerings in the store. These exquisite and delicate flowers symbolize beauty, love and royalty, and are “a perfect gift for the king or queen in your life,” according to the store.
If you’re also shopping for a birthday over the holidays, take a look at Zodiac Gift Boxes from Everlasting roses (www.eternalroses.com or call 888-440-2255). The Bellmore-based company treats its flowers by dipping them in a proprietary blend of herbal formula and preservative. This process results in luxury and specialty roses that do not require watering and maintain their beauty and freshness for up to three years. Zodiac-themed preserved roses come in a custom-designed textured box displaying the astrological sign constellation with crystals.
For personalized gifts, buy The Giftologist online (www.shopthegiftologist.com or call 516-766-2296). This gift boutique in the heart of Rockville Center offers an eclectic collection of personalized household items, including cutting boards and cheese, coasters, wine glasses and photo glasses and frames, which can be personalized with engraving.
Special gifts for children, including the four-legged one
Award-winning toy store Funky Monkey books and toys Greenvale (www.funkymonkey.toys or 516-484-0966) has a special announcement this holiday season. Jellyfish lamps are back in stock and are a big hit with kids and parents alike. Although jellyfish have incredibly realistic movement, they are actually only synthetic, so there is nothing to clean or feed. Complimentary gift wrapping is available for this fashion accessory.
For your four-legged family and friends, see The pet store next door, a pet boutique and grooming spa in Glen Head (www.thepetstorenextdoor.com or call 516-801-6400). The owner is a former pet lover and former vet tech who decided to open a fully stocked pet food and accessories emporium, with an extensive list of pet gifts and specialty items. Gifts include clothing, toys, hygiene items, and specialty foods, with a focus on healthy, holistic, and organic foods for dogs, cats, and birds.
For more great home-based and local small business holiday gifts delivered the same day to your doorstep, visit the Local Trellus Market at www.bytrellus.com/marketplace or call 1-833-LocalLI.
—Sent by Trellus