'Tis the season to start your holiday shopping! If you're like me, every year you tell yourself that this is, absolutely, the year that you'll stay in budget and get the holiday shopping done early. Now, I can't guarantee the budget part, but there are plenty of events coming up in Louisville that will help you find unique holiday items now while shopping locally and supporting local causes. 

• Anchal Holiday Trunk Show: I simply can't say enough good about the Anchal Project. This Louisville-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization provides former sex workers in India with a new beginning as an artisan. The Anchal Project transforms old saris into stunning textiles that are used for home goods and accessories. Their newest project is a series of gardens in Louisville's up-and-coming Portland neighborhood which will be used to provide sustainable, natural textile dyes. If you aren't already convinced, check out Anchal founder Colleen Clines' recent Creative Mornings talk, which was nothing short of inspirational. The Trunk Show will be held this Thursday, November 12th, at Whitehall Mansion & Gardens, 3110 Lexington Road.
• Temptations Holiday Boutique: Join a select group of Louisville-area business owners for a premiere local shopping event November 17th-19th at the Olmsted, 3701 Frankfort Avenue. Admission is free and open to the public; shoppers are encouraged to bring a 30" square scarf to donate to Hope Scarves, a St. Matthews-based nonprofit which provides scarves and stories of hope to female cancer survivors.
• Middletown Boutiques Holiday Open House: Join The Prickly Pear, Tunie's and Moss Hill Thursday night November 12th for shopping until 8, refreshments, and free gifts with purchases over $25. 

• Festival of Trees and Lights: This volunteer-driven decor boutique features beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and assorted greenery. Area businesses and individuals show their support by sponsoring these trees, and creative designers generously bring them to life. Proceeds benefit Kosair Children's Hospital. This year's event will be held November 13th-15th at Slugger Field.

Happy shopping, y'all!