I was reminded by a reader that I was interested in gathering a collection of shopping local options for the holidays. I am grateful for her nudge!
Here is a completely unscientific listing, put together by suggestions and goodwill, word of mouth and past experience. Feel free to add your own ideas on the comments page on Facebook. You can get some of the most interesting gifts by shopping local and you are supporting your neighbors as well. This year feels like a particularly good time to make that investment.
First off, several folks recommend supporting favorite restaurants through purchasing gift cards. Some ideas there:
Restaurants in the Iron Bridge/Cured/18th & 21st group
Ideas for food gifts:
Local shops with an actual physical presence you can visit:
Main Street shops in Old Ellicott City
The Pearl Spa has great lotions and candles and other self-care gifts.
Sidamo in Maple Lawn for coffee beans or grounds and mugs.
Gritty Goblins Games, also in Maple Lawn, has quite a selection of games.
Nest, in Clarksville
Independent local online businesses:
Gifts emblazoned with vibrant nature art (note cards, t-shirts, mugs, etc.)
Crabby Chic Crochet, Rebecca Pacheco Smith (adorable hand-crocheted animals toys)
Essential Earthwear, Katie Graybeal (Jewelry)
7th State Designs (Maryland-themed barn stars and other decorative pieces in a Maryland flair)
Sihaya & Company (Candles, bath and beauty)
Equality https://teespring.com/stores/equality-35 (t-shirts and assorted printable items with spirited sayings)
Hello, Please check out my small business. Lots of products to choose from. Use promo code CHEERFUL10 to receive 10% off at checkout. A percentage of the profits will be donated to 4 local organizations (details on site)
Uptown Bowtique. (Bows and similar accessories for babies on up)
Ever important and belonging on all gift lists: books!
Books With a Past (Savage Mill and Glenwood)
Also, local photographer Michael Oberman has a book out based on his years as a music critic at the Washington Star. It’s a delightfully fun and informative read and you can purchase it through Books With a Past to create an even bigger bang for your buck, locally speaking. It’s called Fast Forward, Play, and Rewind.
Oberman is also a great local source for exquisite nature photographs. https://www.michaelobermanphotography.com/
Speaking of books, this idea comes from slightly over the Columbia/ HoCo line from an Anne Arundel company:
It’s a globally diverse children’s book subscription service. Check them out.
This last suggestion is both for small businesses and an actual event:
The Holiday Market at Clarksville Commons on 12/19
Clicking on the link will take you to their event page and a listing of businesses that are slated to be in attendance. It will be an outdoor event: wear your masks, give your fellow shoppers personal distance, find some great gifts.
Oops! Almost forgot the sweetest deal of all. Daughter of local friend is making and selling those eye-popping hot chocolate bombs. She's also pledging 10% of proceeds to FIRN (Foreign-Born Information and Referral Network) to help those in need this holiday season. They're $5 each. If you are interested in supporting this young entrepreneur, reach out to me and I’ll provide contact info.
Happy shopping!
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