With the holiday season knocking at our door and clattering across our roof tops, Marylanders are searching for gifts for their loved ones. Now, more than ever, it’s important to consider our local and small businesses when looking for gift-giving ideas and opportunities. The holiday season is a critical time for many businesses negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, so what better way to show support than through spreading some holiday cheer?

Take a peek at our list of local Maryland businesses that are perfect for your gift-giving needs and will make holiday shopping a treat! Many stores offer contactless pick up and delivery options to keep your shopping experiences socially distant.

If you are in the Baltimore area or want to send a bit of Baltimore to a friend or family member, check out Baltimore in a Box! With a storefront located on “The Avenue” in the Hampden neighborhood of Baltimore and multiple options for online ordering, these gifts are perfect for the Maryland or Baltimore fan in your life.The company creates pre-made and customizable boxes filled with items Marylanders and Marylanders at heart will love. Check out their website and online ordering system, or swing by their store-front for curbside pickup!

If you’re on the Eastern Shore, check out Victorian Charm, located in the Main Street area of Berlin. This hidden gem offers a wide variety of handbags, jewelry, clothing and other handcrafted items perfect for gift giving. Their store-front location is currently open according to social distancing guidelines and items are also available for shipping and local delivery. Check out their stock today.

Get your loved ones some tasty treats at Cakes to Die For, located in the downtown area of Frederick. This bakery has plenty of confections perfect for small holiday gatherings with family or a sweet holiday treat to drop off to friends or neighbors. The bakery also makes custom cakes and pies perfect to celebrate any holiday or special occasion! To browse their menu or place an order make sure to check out their website!

If you’re feeling a little boozy (and are 21+) this holiday season, look no further than Charles County! Check out Colonial Liquors in La Plata for a wide assortment of liquors, wines, beers, mixers and speciality alcoholic beverages for every taste. The company even offers a delivery service throughout the week for contact free shopping options. For the beer drinker in your life, check out the Patuxent Brewing Company (Waldorf) for a fine selection of locally crafted brews. The brewery is offering online ordering, curbside pickup and limited capacity service in their tasting rooms.

If you’re looking for a creative alternative for an arts and craft loving friend or family member check out Doro’s Cute Crafts. Based in Montgomery County, this unique shop is a custom needlework and crochet operation that offers a variety of creative hand-stitched creations such as jewelry, decorations, wall hangings, plush toys and more. The shop ships nationwide or is providing local contactless delivery options on a case by case basis.

Nothing says “Happy Holidays” like popcorn and candy! The Copper Kettle Popcorn Factory is the go to place in Garrett County for hand-crafted holiday treats such as popcorn, fudge, candies, and more. The company creates bold popcorn flavors like Old Bay (perfect for Marylanders), Salt N’ Vinegar, Ranch, and of course their signature kettle corn. The company offers shipping and contact free delivery options for all of their treats via their website, or you can swing by their storefront location in Oakland!

There are plenty of local and creative options to choose from when giving holiday gifts this year. Help give Maryland small businesses a boost this holiday season and shop small!

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