Friday, December 18, 2009

Last Minute Gifts: Shop Local!


It's coming down to the wire, the holidays are almost here! If you are looking for some fun, last-minute gift ideas, you may not have to look very far. Shop Local!

If you are in the Frederick, MD region (which is where Kalico has been doing most of our shopping!), try a gift card from the Downtown Frederick Partnership. Gift cards can be purchased for any amount between $10-$500 and are usable at more than 150 shops and restaurants in downtown Frederick! You can purchase your Downtown Frederick Gift Card at the Visitor Center located at 19 E Church Street, during office hours of Monday - Sunday from 9am - 5pm, or call the visitor's center at 301-600-4047. The Downtown Frederick Gift Card is an easy way to give a great gift to friends and family! For a complete list of participating stores, click here.

Another great Frederick gift idea is a jar (or several jars, because they are just THAT good!) of locally produced McCutcheons jellies, preserves or jams. Plus, they have a great selection of sauces, honey, salad dressings and more—I mean, who doesn't like food as a gift! Orders can be purchased online, but I recommend visiting either their factory store at 13 South Wisner Street in downtown Frederick, or visiting their special holiday store, located in the middle of the FSK Mall! I've been buying McCutcheon's products as holiday gifts for years—my out-of-state family members always look forward to it!

Not in the Frederick region? Try to shop at some of your own local stores. Maybe there is a great town bakery nearby, a small, eclectic bookstore, local coffee shop, or an independently owned restaurant—get creative! For a great resource, with a shop-local focus, visit The 3/50 Project, you can then click on Supporters to find a few independently-owned, local shops in your hometown. Happy gift-giving!

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