I hope you all head out to support Greater Cincinnati’s lovely local businesses tomorrow for Small Business Saturday! And this year, it’s more important than ever that we do so!

Why? Gallup did a holiday spending survey of the 2011 season, and Americans say they’ll spend $712 on average for holiday gifts this year. While that seems like a healthy chunk, it’s actually about 33% lower than what Americans spent in 2009. So, because consumers are still spending cautiously and conservatively, we need to make sure we keep those pinched pennies local.

American Express is giving you a little kick back for keeping it local, too. Click here to register your AmEx. Get a $25 credit on your statement courtesy of American Express when you spend $25 or more at a small business on Saturday November 26.

While tomorrow is the official day to shop local, Yelp is making it easy to shop local for the entire holiday season! Starting today, Nov 25, they’re doing a “Yelp’s Totally Bazaar Scavenger Hunt.”

It’s a hunt around the city to find six special golden tickets. Clues will be sent out through Yelp, Twitter and Facebook about where they are. Those lucky few who find one will win several hundred dollars worth of local items and gifts. More than 70 local businesses are participating! Click here to learn more.