Still looking for Dad’s gift? Me, too. Nothing like waiting until the last minute. But have no fear—local merchants have the perfect opportunity for you to show Pop some love, save money and strengthen your community all at the same time.

Buy-local boosters Buffalo First have joined ranks with several local shopping districts to bring Father’s Day shoppers “Love Your Mom and Pop,” a promotion offering discounted merchandise at independent, locally owned retailers through Sunday.

The promotion is based on the idea that three times as much money spent at mom-and-pop shops stays in the local economy than that spent at national chain stores. With savings at indie retailers and restaurants, you’ll get a nice gift for Dad at a discounted price while keeping the money you spend in your own community.

This year, Americans are expected to spend an average of $90.89 on Father’s Day gifts, according to a survey by the National Retail Federation. But if folks do their spending with local merchants, that’s $90.89 that’s going to work right here. The savings are a great excuse to visit local retailers you haven’t seen in a while or may have never experienced.

Participating are the Elmwood Village Association, the Greater South Buffalo Chamber of Commerce, the Grant-Amherst Association, the Hertel North Buffalo Business Association, the Grant-Ferry Association, the Allentown Association and the Williamsville Business Association.

Stop in at Between Yesterday and Tomorrow on Grant Street, where you’ll find buy-three-get-one-free deals and $3 off a unique assortment of gifts. Get lost in the Second Reader Bookshop on Hertel Avenue and score 30 percent off an entire order of three or more books.

At both Glen Park Tavern on Main Street in Williamsville and Marco’s Italian Restaurant on Niagara Street, you can get $30 gift cards for $25.

Help Dad de-stress with $10 off a massage at the Massage Suite&Spa on Kenmore Avenue in Kenmore. You owe it to him after those tumultuous teenage years.

Maybe Dad could use a little extra help getting Zen. Buffalo Yoga at the Tri- Main Center on Main Street is offering $30 off a 20-class pass or 33 percent off a single yoga class. If that doesn’t work, head over to Chateau Buffalo on Hertel Avenue and get 10 percent off three bottles of New York State wine or cider.

Grab a card or two for Dad at Chique Boutique on Abbott Road and get 30 percent off a third item, like some cute sunglasses. Of course, shopping works up an appetite, so you’ll want to stop at Quaker Bonnet Eatery on Allen Street for $3 off a sandwich and drink.

On your way to Dad’s house on Sunday, stop at Comfort Zone Cafe on Elmwood Avenue and pick up some gourmet coffee and a pastry for both of you. You’ll get $3 off a $10 purchase. Then head over to Amy’s Place on Main Street for lunch and get $3 off an order of $20 or more.

Visit

www.BuffaloFirst.org

for a list of participating stores and a detailed list of deals to be had. Share your money-saving tips on the MoneySmart blog at

www.BuffaloNews.com/MoneySmart

.

You can also

e-mailmoney@buffnews.com

or call the Money- Smart consumer hotline at 849-4618.