As Marylanders rush around this time of year to find the perfect presents and treats, it’s important to remember the scores of wonderful Maryland-made products that can make the ideal gift.
Supporting Maryland manufacturers keeps profits local, supports our local communities – and in many cases also supports our historic districts where many of these products are sold. In one recent study researchers found that for every $100 spent at a local business, roughly $68 stays in the local economy. By comparison, the same $100 spent at a large business left only $43 in the local economy.
So, in the spirit of keeping it local and buying Maryland, our…
Made-in-Maryland Holiday Gift Guide
Bergers Cookies
Baltimore, MD
The chunky, chocolatey original. Since 1835, these meal-sized cookies have delighted Baltimoreans and can be purchased fresh from Lexington Market, or online. You can’t go wrong with a package of Bergers.
Goetze’s Candy Company
Baltimore, MD
Goetze’s Candy Company is a 5th generation, family-owned business that has been manufacturing confections since 1895. They specialize in caramel and cream sweet treats. Goetze’s caramels are branded under both the Caramel Creams and Cow Tales names and although they enjoy worldwide acclaim, are still produced in Baltimore.
PlakThat
Ocean City, MD
PlakThat produces Preservation Maryland’s “Best of Maryland” awards each year – but we were truly impressed by the quality and will definitely be return customers. They can custom print anything you’d like on wood – and it’s all produced in Ocean City.
Skipper Bags
Easton, MD
If you rock a way-fairing, dock-siding, nautical look, set course to Easton, Maryland where Skipper Bags craft every possible variation on a sea-side theme – bags, tumblers, totes, wristlets – each with their own charm. Check out their winter holiday wine bags, too.
Rosebud Perfume Company
Woodsboro, MD
This nationally popular brand has been in production continually since 1892 – with its headquarters still located in charming and tiny, Woodsboro, Maryland. No Maryland purse, satchel or office drawer is complete without a tin of Rosebud salve.
Otterbein’s Bakery
Baltimore, MD
Since 1881, Otterbein’s delightfully crunchy cookies have been the perfect gift. They travel and ship well for out-of-town friends and are an interesting counterbalance to their distant and chunky Baltimore cookie cousin, the Berger. Try both and let us know if you are #TeamOtterbein or #TeamBerger.
Fisher’s Pop Corn
Ocean City, MD
If summer has a flavor, that flavor is Fisher’s Popcorn. Nothing says a late summer afternoon quite like a tub of popcorn from this Ocean City landmark. In the dead of winter or a cold December evening, the popcorn does wonders to warm up a room with its summery goodness.
McCutcheon’s Apple Products, Inc.
Frederick, MD
McCutcheon’s is a Frederick institution – with its worker’s lunch whistle still sounding every Monday through Friday at noon. Their jellies, jams, butters, and marmalades are equally as delightful and rich in tradition. A visit to the company store in Frederick is the way to handle this purchase and to get a sense of the breadth of their wares.
Paul Reed Smith Guitars
Stevensville, MD
Not exactly a last-minute gift item, but the level of craftsmanship displayed by Paul Reed Smith Guitars earned them a spot on the list. If you’re in the market, you owe it to yourself to consider a purchase from this Stevensville based manufacturer of professional quality guitars.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE
Preservation Maryland supporter, Ravi S. Waldon , AIA, LEED AP, president of Waldon Studio Architects suggested Annapolis Candle, his son’s business that captures some of the essences of historic Annapolis in their hand-poured soy wax candles.
Happy Shopping Local from Preservation Maryland!
EVEN MORE MARYLAND AND HISTORIC GUIDE IDEAS
- Made in Maryland Local Holiday Gift Guide 2019
- Made in Maryland Holiday Gift Guide 2018
- Holiday Gift Guide for History Lovers 2017
- Made in Maryland Local Holiday Gift Guide 2016