In years past, last-minute holiday shopping typically began 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 on the holiday shopping rush. Shoppers who avoided Black Friday or Cyber Monday, or those who simply want to celebrate one holiday at a time, may be considered late to the game this year, but they have a helpful solution in Trellus same-day local delivery service here on Long Island.
“Trellus is designed to help Long Island’s small businesses compete against e-commerce behemoths like Amazon, by driving new customers to merchant websites and providing on-demand deliveries with a network of drivers,” said Adam Haber, Trellus CEO and co-founder, in a press release announcing the close of the company’s seed funding round. “Consumer demand for fast and convenient local delivery from their favorite stores is growing, but too many independent retailers lack the ability and resources to compete on time.”
Trellus seeks to bridge the gap between e-commerce and local brick-and-mortar experiences by serving the needs of local merchants and delivering on customer expectations for convenience. Deliveries across Long Island, from Queens into Suffolk County, are often completed in two hours or less thanks to a reliable network of on-call drivers. Customers are able to track their package in real-time through text message, making Trellus a helpful resource for those who need a last-minute item for their office Secret Santa or family gathering.
Even better, shoppers can feel good about purchases that support local businesses and uplift the local economy during a challenging holiday season of inflation, high gas prices and labor shortages. There are plenty of gift options through the Trellus Local Marketplace, with 120 small businesses and counting.
Here are just some of the local merchants offering Trellus same-day delivery this holiday season.
Sweet and Savory
Founded in 1953, Emile’s Candies in Rockville Centre (www.emilescandies.com or call 516-766-4402) is one of the last of Long Island’s old-fashioned chocolate factories. Kicking off the holiday season with Hanukkah, the shop offers menorah lollipops, chocolate dreidels and a three-tiered Star of David box full of delicious chocolates. For Christmas, look for chocolate Santas, as well as holiday milk chocolate balls sold by weight. For a large group, consider a medium or large assorted platter of candies featuring a delectable array of creams, jellies, caramels, truffles and more.
For cookie lovers, look no further than Long Island’s very own Cookie Outlet in Hicksville (www.cookieoutlet.com or 800-548-3023). Their elegant and sophisticated Deluxe Christmas Platter cookie tray is a crowd-pleaser that features popular holiday shapes and flavors, and ranges in size from 1.5-pounds to 5-pounds. The Cookie Outlet’s high-volume purchase power enables the company to pass significant savings on to shoppers and they have their own specially designed “No Breakage Gift Box” for shipping.
Home-based business Virginia Jane’s Homestead (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 farms in the tri-state area, right in her Long Island home. Check out her Trio Gift Set of three best-selling jam flavors, featuring Carrot Cake Jam, Blueberry Bourbon Ginger Jam, and Strawberry Daiquiri Jam.
When you’ve had your fill of sweet, go for savory with the cleverly named Charcuterie Broads LLC in Seaford (www.thecharcuteriebroads.com). Co-owners and sisters-in-law Bridget and Joanne have a love for fine meats and cheeses and their creativity comes through on their menu. Check out their traditional Holiday Antipasto of premium meats, Italian cheeses and all the popular fixings on boards available in multiple sizes.
Beautiful Gestures
Muscari Flowers & Events (www.muscariflowersroslyn.com or call 516-625-1397) has been serving Roslyn Heights and surrounding communities for more than 20 years. All-season orchids are among the shop’s most coveted offerings. These exquisite, delicate blooms symbolize beauty, love and royalty, and make “a perfect gift for the king or queen in your life,” according to the shop.
If you’re also shopping for a birthday around the holidays, take a look at Zodiac Gift Boxes from Eternal Roses (www.eternalroses.com or call 888-440-2255). The Bellmore-based company treats their blooms by immersing them in a patented blend of plant-based formula and preserving substance. This process results in special, luxury roses that require no watering and maintain their beauty and freshness for up to three years. Zodiac-themed preserved roses each come in a custom-designed textured box displaying the astrological sign’s constellation using crystals.
For personalized gifts, shop The Giftologist online (www.shopthegiftologist.com or call 516-766-2296). This gift boutique in the heart of Rockville Centre carries an eclectic collection of personalized household items, including cheese and cutting boards, coasters, wine cups and glasses and picture frames, that can be personalized with engraving.
Specialty Gifts for Kids, Including the Four-Legged
Award-winning toy store Funky Monkey Toys & Books in Greenvale (www.funkymonkey.toys or 516-484-0966) has a special announcement this holiday season. Jellyfish lamps are back in stock and they’re a huge hit with kids and parents alike. Though the Jellyfish are incredibly lifelike in movement, they’re really just synthetic, so there’s nothing to clean or feed. Complimentary gift wrapping is available for this trendy fixture.
For your four-legged friends and family, check out 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 longtime pet lover and former veterinarian tech who decided to open a fully stocked pet food and accessory emporium, carrying an expansive list of pet gifts and speciality items. Gifts include apparel, toys, hygiene supplies and specialty food, with a focus on healthy, holistic, and organic food for dogs, cats and birds.
For more great holiday gifts from local small and home-based businesses, delivered same-day to your doorstep, visit the Trellus Local Marketplace at www.bytrellus.com/marketplace or call 1-833-LocalLI.
—Submitted by Trellus
