While this year’s holiday shopping throughout Harford County might feel different, there are still plenty of ways to get ahold of special gifts for family and friends. Several businesses have transitioned into online platforms to eliminate the worry of social distancing, while storefronts are maintaining strict protocols to keep customers safe and satisfied. Although ordering from large-scale corporations may be an easier or convenient choice for purchasing presents, supporting nearby small businesses is especially important this year. Several “Mom-and-pop” shops may not have the budget flexibility or monetary gain to stay open through the pandemic without the help and patronage of the community. If you enjoy taking strolls through your town and want to see small businesses continue to thrive in your community, taking care of your shopping locally this year might make a difference.
If shopping out in public simply isn’t an option for you or your family this holiday season, plenty of businesses are strictly online! Check out this list of small businesses with or without storefronts, websites, or pages!
Jewelry
- Set to Shine
-Based out of Bel Air, Set to Shine offers handmade jewelry while donating 20% of their earnings to a new organization or charity each month!
(Etsy.com: www.etsy.com/shop/SettoShineJewelry Facebook: www.facebook.com/set.to.shine.jewelry.co) - JSS Designs
-Jackie is a Maryland-based artist, crafting jewelry by hand out of polymer clay, Swarovski crystals, and sterling silver.
(Etsy.com: www.etsy.com/shop/JSSDesigns) - M&E Jewelry Shop
-Shannon out of Abingdon creates one of a kind accessories by hand! You can also find her jewelry at Explorganics Plant Shop in The Armory Marketplace.
(Etsy.com: www.etsy.com/shop/mandejewelryshop Facebook: www.facebook.com/ME-Jewelry-107406871188676) - Moon and Sea Creations
-“Handcrafted, natural healing gemstone reiki energy infused jewelry made to enhance and heal the body and the soul.” Visit their Havre de Grace storefront at 467 Franklin St. Havre de Grace, Maryland! They can also be found at Bel Air’s Salt Works Spa and Havre de Grace’s Ion Massage. (Etsy.com: www.etsy.com/shop/MoonAndSeaJewelry ) - Full Heart Soulutions
-On Bel Air’s quaint Main Street, Full Heart Soulutions provides a variety of holistic goods and services. Massage therapy, reiki healing, and life-enriching workshops are available. Stop in today at 107 S Main Street, Bel Air, Maryland.
(Website: www.fullheartsoulutions.com)
Boutiques
- Blue Heron Gifts
-Find festive gifts as well as Havre de Grace and Maryland pride products! Visit their store at 454 Franklin Street, Havre de Grace, Maryland.
(Website: www.blue-heron-gifts-boutique.square.site) - The Nest on Main
-“Specializing in gifts curated with unique products from a variety of artists and brands.” Find Maryland-themed gifts and trinkets at their shop on 110 S Main Street, Bel Air, Maryland.
(Website: www.thenestonmainbelair.com) - A Country Setting
-Holiday themed products, home décor, greeting cards, Vera Bradley, you name it! A Country Setting has everything you need to brighten your home and life. Stop into 20 Ellendale Street, Bel Air, Maryland to browse their shelves!
(Website: www.acountrysetting.com) - The Painted Mill
-Home décor, books, food/drink, furniture, seasonal products, games, vintage signs, The Painted Mill has plenty to offer for the holiday season and beyond. Stop into 1119 Main Street, Fallston today! (Website: www.thepaintedmill.com)
- Brookbend
“Love your home again” is the motto Brookbend bases their business around. They provide home decor, “from new and rustic to vintage and antique” as well as painting and custom barn door services! Stop in today at 204 N Washington St, Havre De Grace, Maryland.
(Website: www.brookbendinteriors.com) - The Green Door
-Offering handmade items, home decor, plants, painted furniture, and antiques! The Green Door describes themselves as “your eclectic marketplace for vintage, re-purposed items and so much more!” The Green Door also offers a variety of do-it-yourself workshops from Chalk Paint to terrariums, check out their schedule of workshops online to learn more! Located at 2202 Conowingo Road, Bel Air, Maryland.
(Website: www.thegreendoormd.com)
Clothing
- Boutique 44
-Described as “a women’s lifestyle boutique that aims to help you build a stylish, lasting wardrobe,” Boutique 44 was developed by Harford County local Amanda Gill. Check out her storefront at 140A N Bond St, Bel Air, Maryland!
(Website: www.boutique44.com) - Kaleo Lane Boutique
-Owned by Tori, a wife & stay at home mom to three children. Tori credits her husband and children as the reason for starting her boutique in Fallston. All clothes are hand-picked, focusing on affordability, comfort, and style. Newly located at 1807 Harford Road, Fallston, Maryland!
(Website: www.kaleolaneboutique.com) - Charm City Run
-A “running and walking specialty company”, Charm City Run has six retail locations, one of which being in the heart of Bel Air, Maryland. Not only will Charm City Run be able to find the perfect running or walking shoe for you, but provide information on races, events, and programs. Jog into their storefront today, 126 S Main St #2, Bel Air, Maryland.
(Website: www.charmcityrun.com) - John’s Men’s Clothing
-“Mother and daughter duo saw a need to add to all the amazing small businesses in downtown Bel Air, and felt the need for a men’s clothing store.” The duo aims for a business casual theme, with their clothing options fitting a variety of occasions. Support their shop today at 10 West Pennsylvania Ave, Bel Air, Maryland!
(Website: www.johnsmensclothing.com) - Hillbetty Bliss
-“Being a farmer’s daughter and now wife I found there was a lack of showing off agriculture, sass, and fashion in rural America.” Hillbetty Bliss offers an online selection of clothing, drinkware, accessories, as well as bath and body products with a rural theme!
(Website: www.hillbettybliss.com)
Experience Gifts:
- Aroma Candle Studio
-Bel Air’s do-it-yourself candle making shop! Choose from a vast amount of scents to create your perfect candle or wax melts. While seasonal scents are sure to be a hit, there are over 85 other options to choose from. Follow your nose into 18 S Main Street, Bel Air, Maryland to experience the fun!
(Website: www.aromacandlestudio.com) - Board and Brush
-DIY workshops to create unique wood signs for your home! Forest Hill’s Board and Brush have a variety of wood projects to choose from, whether you are sneaking in solo for the perfect gift, or looking for a holiday activity with friends or family. Board and Brush provide all materials and instruct you step-by-step for a fun and productive experience. Head into 1 Newport Drive Suite B, Forest Hill, Maryland or visit their website to reserve your workshop seat.
(Website: www.boardandbrush.com)
Pamper:
- Aruba Sun and Spa
-Experience ultimate luxury at Aruba Sun and Spa! Offering massages, facials, sunbeds, sunless tanning, waxing, and eyelash extensions. Step into 3456 Emmorton Road, Abingdon, Maryland to enjoy a relaxing experience.
(Website: www.arubasunandspa.com) - Spa on the Boulevard
-Spa on the Boulevard has “created a full-service destination that goes beyond the traditional day spa to offer a full suite of services—including couples treatments—dedicated to your total wellness.” Visit their storefront at 3491 Merchant Boulevard, Abingdon, Maryland, or their website for special packages and more!
(Website: www.spaontheboulevard.net) - Salt Works Spa
-“At Salt Works Spa our goal is to offer truly unique Spa services, a wonderful natural product line, amazing jewelry and more, all in a casual relaxed atmosphere.” Along with salt therapy, you can get massages, facials, body work therapy, sauna treatments, and many more! It will surely engage all five senses and leave you feeling better than when you arrived.
(Website: www.saltworksspa.com)
Surprise your friends and loved ones this year with something memorable from a local shop or website. If you love Harford County and want to support the area as best you can, make a difference by supporting small businesses!