Seven Places to “Shop Small” this Holiday Season

The Blue House | Bethesda, MD

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 fortunate enough to have a variety of options to choose from, ensuring that you will find the perfect gift for everyone! Here are just a few of our top picks:

Joyful Bath | North Bethesda, MD

Joyful Bath
5534 Wilkins Court, North Bethesda, MD

Joyfully crafting bath bombs and other natural bodycare products, Joyful Bath is a can’t miss stop this holiday season. With a retail store in Bethesda, you can also find these amazingly fragrant giftables at local farmer’s and artisan markets throughout the county.

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.

Shafa Blends | Rockville, MD

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.

 

The Blue House | Bethesda, MD

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!

The Cottage Monet | Rockville, MD

The Cottage Monet
Rockville Town Square, 36 Maryland Ave, Rockville, MD

Located in Rockville Town Square, The Cottage Monet offers thoughtful gifts and distinctive home furnishings. As a Platinum Vera Bradley retailer, The Cottage Monet carries the area’s largest inventory of Vera Bradley products in the area. The shop also offers a full line of linens as well as unique, decorative accessories for the home.

Appalachian Spring | Rockville, MD

Appalachian Spring
Congressional Plaza, 1641 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD

From toys and games to kitchen accessories, Appalachian Spring in Rockville has a wide variety of fun, fancy pieces to choose from. This store is known for its beautiful, handcrafted one-of-a-kind art pieces made by artists and craftspeople throughout the United States. From designer jewelry to their handmade wooden boxes and pottery, their selection of fine handcrafted items is sure to bring joy to that special someone in your life.

Kensington Antique Row | Kensington, MD

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.

Looking for more ways to shop local? Check out these Artisan’s Markets Not to Miss This Holiday Season.

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