As the holiday season quickly arrives at our front door, it’s time we start to venture out and do some shopping! While it’s easy to stay at home and snuggle up by the fire with your laptop and favorite online store, you have to admit there is something special about shopping for loved ones in real life.
Luckily, not only is Baltimore home to large retail centers like Harborplace and The Gallery, but we also have a lot of smaller, local businesses, and even some festive holiday markets to shop in as well.
Don’t forget, November 30th is Small Business Saturday.
What is Small Business Saturday?
It’s a dedicated day where we all try and shop locally to support our local economy. You see, local businesses pay taxes to our local government, while big businesses contribute close to nothing to our local economy. Shopping at the big box stores supports a corporation, while a small business purchase can help an individual who is pursuing their business dreams.
Throughout the year it’s always best to shop locally. However, at the busiest buying time of the season, touring your local town and spending your money where it means the most is truly a great thing to do for Charm City.
We’ve assembled some of the best and most cheerful spots to buy your holiday gifts this season.
Shop Boutiques
Boutique shopping is always a fun experience. If you’re not familiar with them, boutiques are small, specialized retail stores that range from selling children’s clothing, gifts, furniture, accessories, etc.
You’ll stumble across things you just don’t find in big-box stores. Plus, you have the added bonus of knowing you’re helping out a local businessperson. When you shop in boutiques, you can find unique, hand-picked products that are oftentimes a higher quality as well. Also, don’t forget that because boutiques carry a smaller stock than big-box stores, they’re able to keep up with the #latesttrends as they switch out inventory more often. These trendy items can make for some impressive gifts!
A great variety of boutique shopping can be found in Federal Hill, Fell’s Point, Hampden, and Cross Keys as well as along the Charles Street Scenic Byway and Inner Harbor.
Remember, smaller businesses provide a unique shopping experience and because of that, you can expect a much better customer service experience! And let’s be honest, who doesn’t need that around the stressful holiday season?
From now until Christmas Eve, Christmas Village will be in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. This annual market turns the West Shore Park into something straight out of a magical European wonderland. Wooden booths filled with arts and crafts from all over the world, fashion and beauty items, jewelry, toys and more, surround a festive Christmas tree.
What could be more perfect?
When you’re done shopping you can enjoy their food and beer garden as well to make it a full day of fun in our wonderful city. You’ll be able to find German delicacies such as bratwurst, pretzels, lebkuchen (gingerbread), mulled wine, and of course some German beer.
Have little ones with you? Don’t forget to visit Santa’s House for a visit with jolly old Saint Nick. He will be in his new outdoor booth on the following days: Nov 29, Nov 30 and Dec 1, Dec 6-Dec 8, Dec 13-15, Dec 20 – 24, 2019.
Attend The BAZAART Holiday Art Market
If you have people who enjoy a unique piece of art to buy for this holiday season, you can find the BAZAART Holiday Market at the American Visionary Art Museum November 29th and 30th. Shop by skimming through hundreds of original creations including paintings, sculpture, paper crafts, metalwork, jewelry, textiles, mixed media, and more! Even if you’re not in the market to buy, it’s a wonderful way to spend the day and appreciate some local artistry. The rest of the museum will also be open for your enjoyment after the market.
Stop By The Merry Mart
This annual holiday craft market is sure to give you lots of options. The Merry Mart features a variety of handmade items from Baltimore artisans including clothing, handbags, accessories, ceramics, toys, jewelry, soaps, and of course some beautiful art. It takes place on December 8th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is sure to be a good time.
Do you have a local business or market that you love to shop from every year? Let us know in the comment section below!