Looking for last minute ideas for holiday gift giving? Here are a few ways to buy local products and support businesses and makers throughout Maryland.

Time to tidy up

Once the holidays are over, one of the biggest challenges is cleaning up the house after visitors have come and gone. Why not hire one of Howard County’s best professional cleaning services to help your loved one? Based in Clarksville, The Neat Nest is a family-owned business that guarantees a clean and happy home. From mopping floors to cleaning the inside of the oven, The Neat Nest aims to incorporate as many earth-friendly cleaning products as possible.

Local hidden talent

Maiden Maryland is making waves across Dorchester County for its collection of artisan goods. With a shop full of locally-made pottery, artwork, jewelry, and more, the Cambridge storefront is bound to have something to satisfy your last-minute shopping needs. If you know someone with plenty of Maryland pride, this is the store for your holiday shopping!

Helping those in need

If your loved one is dedicated to making a difference, get them a gift from Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake’s “ReStore.” With six locations throughout the state, ReStore provides discounted items and puts 100 percent of store profits into building homes for local families. What better way is there to celebrate the holiday season than knowing your purchase is making a direct difference in the community?

Get ready to work

Overlook Boots, an industrial and work boot retailer, is stocked and ready to help residents make it through the winter. Located at 2009 West Street in Annapolis, the company opened its Maryland shop this summer and has quickly made itself a part of the surrounding community.

Founded by Maryland-native Melissa Johnson, Overlook Boots aims to grow the economy while giving back to those less fortunate. With more than 1,000 styles to choose from, including Timberland, Muck and Carolina, the family-operated company prides itself on its everyday discounted prices and countless five-star reviews from customers.

10 days of gifting

Located at the Queenstown Outlets, the Mistletoe Market is a pop-up shopping experience running each weekend until Christmas. The “10 Days of Holiday Gifting” market features a number of local artisans displaying holiday wreaths, winter apparel, handmade items, and more. Businesses included in the pop-up include Blackwater Distilling, Kent Island Jewelry, The Grooming Place Pet Shop, among others.

Home décor in Hampden

Founded in 1998, In Watermelon Sugar provides a variety of eclectic gifts for every member of the family. From holiday décor to stationary to candles, the store considers itself a “one-stop boutique” for home furnishings and accessories in the Baltimore region. Check out the shop’s online store page to see a fraction of what is available in-store.

Woodworking 101

Do you have an aspiring craftsman in your family? Sign them up for the Woodworkers Club in Rockville! After your loved one completes the “Fundamentals of Woodworking” class, they will be on their way to becoming an experienced woodworker with a knowledge they can pass on to others. Classes are held weekly and include everything from scroll saw training to working with live edge materials.

Rest and relaxation

Soak in the small-town feel and kick your feet up at the Cumberland Inn & Spa. With nearly a dozen guest rooms and three individual spa rooms, there is plenty of space for families of two or more. With convenient access to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad and numerous local restaurants, consider Cumberland your "home away from home" for a few relaxing days.

Find even more #BuyLocalMD options here