As the holiday season quickly approaches, shopping at locally owned and operated stores is a sure way to find that special gift while supporting your community. Montgomery County, Maryland, residents are excited to show off their local products, ensuring that you will find the perfect gift for everyone! Make sure to shop on Black Friday on November 29 and Small Business Saturday on November 30!
Here are just a few of our top picks:
Bethesda:
The Blue House
7833 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD
As you walk into The Blue House, let the soothing coastal blues and popping pinks and primaries soothe and cheer you. Wander through this little paradise and take it all in – the hilarious signs and books, delightful and whimsical accessories, and gifts for every occasion – you will leave feeling inspired!
Red Orchard
10253 Old Georgetown Road, North Bethesda, MD
Red Orchard has it all – from house and home accessories to arts and activities, you’ll have no problem shopping for your loved ones. Gift gourmet goodies from the kitchen section, grab a chic purse for your friend, or try a wooden puzzle in the arts and activities section.
Rockville:
Shafa Blends
1327 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD
Shafa Blends is a family-owned tea and spice shop featuring small batch specialty tea, spice, herb, botanical, and salt blends. Their brick-and-mortar location is open or you can shop their hand-crafted goods online and at local markets.
Nature by Trejok
130 Gibbs Street, Unit B, Rockville, MD
Vintage charm meets contemporary elegance at Nature by Trejok, located in Rockville. This boutique has handcrafted clothing items and unique pieces with a story to tell. In addition to clothes, Nature by Trejkok, the store has a range of collective pieces that add character and charm to any space.
North Bethesda:
Joyful Bath
5534 Wilkins Court, North Bethesda, MD
Joyfully crafting bath bombs and other natural body products, Joyful Bath is a can’t-miss stop this holiday season. With a retail store in North Bethesda, you can also find these amazingly fragrant giftable sets at local farmers’ and artisan markets throughout the county.
Takoma Park
The Covered Market
7000 Carroll Avenue, Suite D, Takoma Park, MD
Venture into The Covered Market in Takoma Park for decorative items such as ceramics, lighting, and textiles. There’s also wood carvings including mask-type carvings. Visitors can also purchase jewelry, accessories, incense & smudges.
TableTop
6927 Laurel Avenue, Takoma Park, MD
A gift shop located in Maryland right on the line of Washington, D.C. TableTop is a unique shop where visitors can buy detailed stainless steel jewelry with both gold or a silver finish. Grab a new decorative vase for your living room or a new cook book from Takoma Park native Carla Hall.
UpCounty
The Family Room
6820 Olney Road, Laytonsville, MD
The Family Room is a gathering place and retail shop. They focus on offering a space for family and community to come together, when safe to do so, while enjoying small bites and shopping their collection of specialty home goods. They also offer curbside pick-up and personal shopping experiences.
The Sweet Lemon
19710-C Fisher Avenue, Poolesville, MD
Explore a special gift store, The Sweet Lemon. The owners want to welcome you whether you’re from Poolesville or the surrounding communities and just say, “Hi!” Started by a teacher, she wants to be able to continue to grow and serve Poolesville as a local place for a great gift.
Locals Farm Market
19929 Fisher Avenue, Poolesville, MD
Locals Farm Market offers a taste of Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve! Buy local produce and goods from the farm market, try a freshly-made farm-to-table meal at the restaurant. Locals is located in the Steven’s House between the John Poole House and old Town Hall in Historic Poolesville.
Kensington
Kensington Antique Row
Kensington Antique Row, Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD
Just a few blocks east of Connecticut Avenue in Kensington sits the area’s largest and oldest antiquing district. Kensington Antique Row boasts individual antiques and specialty shops, a multi-dealer antiques market, and a design center. When you’re not shopping, be sure to visit Antique Row’s art gallery, cafes, and restaurants.
Bonus: These shops feature a variety of local Montgomery County artisans all in one spot!
Maryland Women’s Business Center Shop Local
Rockville Town Square 36D Maryland Ave, Rockville, MD 20850
MWBC Shop Local is an incubator program where selected entrepreneurs use a retail space at Rockville Town Square to sell their creative products founded locally. Retailers interchange through this space, so it’s best to check their website to see current shops.
Locally Crafted
9 Grand Corner Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD
Over 60 local artisans sell their handmade products at Locally Crafted located inside of rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg. Grab stationary, apparel, pet products, kitchen items, and more. They also host Artisans Markets in various locations.