Small Business Christmas

Last minute ideas. Inspired by a fellow blogger’s comment on Facebook this morning that started a thread about small businesses (or the lack thereof) in the area other than in Ellicott City.

Two days left. You can avoid the big box stores and all those lines.

Mother Nature’s Near the post office off Snowden River Parkway.

You could pick up all sorts of unique gifts. The de-icer is a great gift. So are the books. Like my Feeding the Birds cookbook. Or, our Nikon binoculars. Or, the squirrel baffles to put over the feeders.

Secolari’s in the outdoor portion of Columbia Mall. Family owned. Gift packs. Olive oils. Vinegars. Honey. Pastas. Salts. I go crazy in that store.

Conscious Corner aka Roots, Great Sage, Bark and Nest (and RED, which is next to Roots and owned by a former Roots employee).

For those who want to support planet-friendly, organic, vegetarian, vegan, biodynamic, sustainably produced and socially responsible products, to paraphrase a quote from a recent interview with the owner of Red.

David’s Natural Market in Wilde Lake. Bigger and better, and with lots of very nice gifts even in the non-food arena.

Of course, Boarman’s. For those really nice gift packs of local artisan beers. They also have all sorts of little goodies too, for the holidays, like fresh chestnuts.

River Hill Garden Center in Clarksville.

The link above shows all the local vendors whose products you can buy at the Center. The gift area is not to be missed.

Last but not least, for those looking for something special. Greenbridge Pottery.

According to their web site, they should be open Christmas Eve. If not, their pottery is available other places, like Bean Hollow in EC.

Just a few suggestions here. Others off the top of my head. Any of the locally owned liquor stores. Gift cards to family owned restaurants, instead of chains. Places like Iron Bridge. Bistro Blanc. Aida’s. Victoria’s. Elkridge Furnace Inn. Facci.

Have a great holiday, and shop those local stores when you can. All year long. Not just at Christmas.