With the pressure of holiday shopping dancing on our shoulders it's difficult to avoid the sagging economy dragging beneath our feet.

With every cloud there is a silver lining - especially on the racks at San Diego boutiques. Due to the recession we made a grand effort to hunt down the absolute best San Diego holiday sales and promotions to help trend-conscious shoppers find swanky duds for friends and family, or even the perfect New Year's Eve ensemble for themselves.

Avoid the crowded malls and stay local this shopping season. Discover the top ten holiday sales and promotions at San Diego boutiques.

Ashen Boutique
This high-style La Jolla boutique and salon for men and women will be having a storewide discount of 20% off on December 20th. And, mention this DiscoverSD shopping guide and will receive 20% off any one item now through Christmas.

Pure Bliss
This Torrey Hills boutique offers 30% off all high-end handbags and fashion forward dresses now through Christmas.

POP! Boutique
With 15% off the entirety of this North Park store, you can shop for your stylish significant other or sibling without emptying your pocket, now through Jan 31st.

C and B Scene Boutique
On December 12th from 4-10pm, you will not only receive a 20% discount off all high-end contemporary women's clothing in this Pacific Beach boutique, but you may also indulge in complimentary holiday cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.

LuluBelle Boutique
For those feeling philanthropic, hit two birds with one dollar when you shop at the La Jolla LuluBelle Boutique. You will save 20% off any one of their high-end feminine garbs if you bring in a gift to donate to Toys for Tots, now through Christmas.

Station Boutique
Although not necessarily a sale, you will want to stop into Station in Little Italy this December to discover the U.S. debut of eight talented up-and-coming designers from Mexico. The lineup includes Alma Parra of Alma Parra Drama - her one of a kind designs will deck anyone's halls. (Alma Parra designs pictured)

Tiss Boutique
This vintage inspired Pacific Beach boutique offers 50% off all shoes this December. So take a look in your girlfriend's closet, check her shoe size and stop into Tiss to pick up the perfect holiday present.

Bacio Boutique
This stylishly affordable boutique in Escondido is hosting a holiday happy hour every day from 5-6pm that offers 15% off your entire purchase as well as a gift card deal. For every $25 dollar gift card you buy, enjoy $5 for yourself. Also, every receipt from a new purchase is reusable as a 10% discount coupon off your next purchase.

Lily Grace
On December 13th Lily Grace in north Pacific Beach will host a sizable sample sale in conjunction with Indahclothing.com and Split, but there's more. If you come for the samples, you will stay for the 10% discount on the entire store.

Bayley
Peak into Bayley in Del Mar and pick up a fabulous fashion find for the women and babies you know and love. The holiday incentive? From December 19th - 21st the entire store will be 20% off.