BLACK FRIDAY.The dread of every good and decent human being.

Every year it strikes when we are at our most stuffed, hungover and vulnerable, assaulting our psyches with sad, sordid stories of pensioners getting curb-stomped for Blue Ray players, leaving us with a little bit less faith in our fellow man, woman and otherwise than we had the year before.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Instead of passively bearing witness to the horror that is Black Friday, actively participate in Plaid Friday—the national initiative to support local and independent businesses on November 25th.

ALLSTON

STINGRAY BODYART — Semi-permanent Tokens of Affection
[Harvard Ave., Allston. 617.254.0666. @stingraybodyart. stingraybodyart.com]

REFUGE CAFE — Sammiches and Noon-time Beers
[155 Brighton Ave., Allston. @refuge_cafe. therefugecafe.com]

EVERY LITTLE THING — Yep, you never know what hidden gem you might stumble upon walking down Allston’s dense stre—oh HOLY SHIT! IT’S A GODDAMN HELLO KITTY STORE!
[163 Harvard Ave., Allston. 617.787.0600.]

A.W.O.L — Screen-printed seak—er, Kicks
[190 Harvard Ave., Allston. @Awolboston. awolboston.com]

ORCHARD SKATESHOP — An up-to-85 percent off “Shoe Pile of Death” awaits you at Orchard’s blowout sale, along with gads of savings on boards and apparel.
[156 Harvard Ave., Allston. 617.782.7777. @orchardskateshop. orchardshop.com]

BROOKLINE

MINT JULEP — 2011 Dig This Awards Winner, Best Denim.
[6 Church St., Harvard Square. 617.576.6468. @shopmintjulep. shopmintjulep.com]

KUPEL’S BAKERY — Make it here by sundown, and you’ll be noshing on the most nosh-worthy bagels in Boston.
[421 Harvard St., Brookline. 617.566.9528. @kupels. kupelsbakery.com]

IRVING’S TOY AND CARD SHOP — Silly Putty, Candy Bars, Nostalgia
[371 Harvard St., Brookline. 617.566.9327.]

MAGIC BEANS — Breeder buddies already popping out brood? Draw attention away from your obvious horror with something bright, plastic, and teething-safe.
[155 North Beacon St., Brighton. 617.383.8274. @mbeans. mbeans.com]

EUREKA PUZZLES — Rubik’s Cubes, Humble Pie
[1349 Beacon St., Brookline. 617.738.7352. @eurekapuzzles. eurekapuzzles.com]

What’s That Little (A) Mean?

Shoppes that are marked with that little bracketed alpha are participating in the brand-spanking new Access program, brought to you by the fine folks behind Spreedia.com and New Brahmin.

As a way to encourage you to keep stickin’ it to the Big Box all year round, this little number will automatically knock 10 percent off of fully priced merch at these fine establishments, as well as getting your name on the list for special promos and events.

Not to mention all the good karma.

A 12-month membership can be yours for $40, and you can pick one up at spnbaccess.com.