DISCOUNTED BOOKS:

The Bookery’s shelves are stocked with used page-turners in every nook and cranny, with expansive children and young adult sections, plus classic book-themed earrings and other novel gift ideas. They buy books on Mondays and Fridays (or by appointment), and every third Saturday offer a “subject sale” where a select table is 40 percent off (books not on the table but in the featured genre are 10 percent off). This month’s subject is “Kids’ Books” and next month’s will be “Old Books, Classics and Gift Books.” One trip to this beloved store and the whole family will have their face in a book! Location: 326 Main Street, Placerville, 530-626-6454, thebookeryplacerville.blogspot.com
//  ALSO CHECK OUT:  Well Read Books at 12070 Industry Boulevard, Suite 22, Jackson, 209-304-0077, facebook.com/wellreadbooksamador; and Colton Books at 604 East Bidwell Street, Folsom, 916-983-2814

AN ANIMAL COMPANION:

From fresh and saltwater fish (over 60 tanks to choose from!), to rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and hand-fed baby birds, Lees’ Feed and Western Store has a friend for your kiddos to take home. Lees’ Feed carries all the food, shelters and supplies needed to keep your pets happy, healthy and living a long life. Location: 4110 Mother Lode Drive, Shingle Springs, 530-677-4891, leesfeed.net
 //  ALSO CHECK OUT: El Dorado County Animal Shelter at 511 Placerville Drive, Placerville, 530-621-5795, edcgov.us;  Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode at 6101 Enterprise Drive, Diamond Springs, 530-642-2287, animaloutreach.net; and Fat Kitty City based in El Dorado Hills (visit website to view cats available for adoption then call to schedule an appointment), 916-939-3418, fatkittycity.org

It’s All in the Jeans:

Sierra Western Wear offers a wide selection of fashionable Western wear for everyone in the family. Rock & Roll Lil Cowgirl is a top brand for girls’ denim and Wrangler is a favorite for the boys. Clothing can be purchased in a variety of ways, whether from the outlet, storefront or through the website. And don’t forget to check out the sale rack, too, where you can save 50 percent! Location: 248 Main Street, Placerville, 530-647-2894, sierrawesternwear.com
 //  ALSO CHECK OUT: Jordan’s Closet at 6394 Pleasant Valley Road, El Dorado, 530-377-5154; and 2222 Francisco Drive, El Dorado Hills, 916-933-3206, jordanscloset.net

A Bounty of Birthday Gifts: 

Owner Tara Carlson received a bachelor’s degree in interior design and spent 15 years working in sales and as a designer. Fast forward to 2010 when she opened Sass Boutique and made her longtime dream a reality. As a mother of three young children, the idea for “Sass” came naturally, and her eye for great kids’ gifts is keen. In addition to a vast selection of “fun, flirty” women’s attire, the boutique carries children’s (and baby) lines that stand out in a crowd and most notably a bounty of gifts—from tutus and lotions to backpacks and toys. Carlson will also wrap your gifts, making them the best looking on any party table. And moms, while you’re there, don’t miss their great and affordable selection of women’s jeans just in time for fall. Customers can shop online or visit the store for their memorable purchases. Location: 4270 Mother Lode Drive, Shingle Springs, 530-677-2988, sassstore.com
//  ALSO CHECK OUT: Starlight Starbright
at 711 Sutter Street, Folsom, 916-983-9977, shopstarlightstarbright.com; and Jordan’s Closet at 2222 Francisco Drive, Suite 210, El Dorado Hills, 916-933-3206, jordanscloset.net

The Sound of Music:

In addition to lessons, repairs, and new and used musical gear, Main Street Music also offers Innova Disc Golf products. Every Friday from 5-7 p.m., bring your instrument and pull up a chair for Open Acoustic Jam, where the soothing sounds of folk, bluegrass, blues and more fill the shop. There’s something to get all abilities and ages tapping their toes at this Main Street mainstay. Location: 262 Main Street, Suite 1, Placerville, 530-622-1357, 263mainstreetmusic.com
//  ALSO CHECK OUT: 
El Dorado Hills Music at 873 Embarcadero Drive, Suite 2, El Dorado Hills, 916-939-0440, eldoradohillsmusic.com; and The Nicholson’s Music Co. at 636 East Bidwell Street, Folsom, 916-983-0763, nicholsonmusic.com