As much as I love stores like Target and the convenience of Amazon, I love shopping small even more!

Shopping at small businesses supports local makers and service providers. Shopping small helps the business owner provide for their family; when you shop local small businesses, it benefits your local economy, too. Small businesses create unique, handmade items and they put a LOT of love into their products (or services).

Here are just a few of my favorite local, Maryland-based businesses.

Sweet Elizabeth Jane

This is probably my favorite store ever! I’ve been shopping here for years and their merchandise gets better every time I stop in! SEJ is located on Main Street in Ellicott City. They were badly impacted during the 2016 flood, and they moved from the middle of the street to the top, right at parking lot D, making it really easy to get to. Cute clothes, cute home decor and cute gift ideas in a quaint historic downtown setting...can’t ask for much more than that!

Clipper’s Canine Cafe

Another Ellicott City spot! If you have pets, you’re going to want to stop by - they have tons of all natural pet food and treats, cute and unique toys and more. Last year we got our dog a little tweed jacket that was handmade by the owner’s mom. How cool is that?!

The Makers of Maryland Pop-Up Shop

Guys. This pop-up shop is BEYOND good. Makers of Maryland is a community that brings Maryland-based makers together, and this year, they’ve put together a pop-up shop at the Avenue at White Marsh. I am SO excited to visit this shop this holiday season and am proud to be part of the Makers community! Trust me, these people are awesome and passionate about what they do! There are 30 vendors in this shop, which makes it your one-stop Christmas shop, and they are even hosting different events, like a yoga class and DIY workshops!

Here’s a list of all the makers in the pop-up shop:

Mint + Major

I got to stop by Mint + Major a couple weeks ago and totally fell in love! Located in the Shops at Kenilworth, they have so many beautiful & trendy pieces. I fell in love with their earring selection; one of every pair, please! This is the perfect spot to get holiday gifts for your girlfriends (or for yourself).

Spoon Me Maryland

Our paths crossed on Instagram a year or so ago, and Kim, the maker behind Spoon Me, is the best! She makes jewelry, keychains and other trinkets out of vintage silverware. I have a few of her pieces and have given some as gifts, too! The quality and creativity behind her pieces is unmatched!

Be Blends

Be Blends makes all natural products with essential oils. Their candles smell amazing! I also have an essential oil based bug spray from them and it actually works really well (I say this as someone that usually gets eaten alive by bugs). Check out their website, or find them at local farmers markets throughout the year.

These are some spots that were recommended to me. Looking forward to checking them out!

When you’re shopping small, don’t forget about restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, yoga studios, spas, photographers, florists...patronizing these businesses is a fantastic way to shop small!

Shop small this holiday season - and all year ‘round! Tell me your favorite spot to shop small in the comments below!