It's that time of year where you start heading to the stores to find the perfect present for friends, family, co-workers, favorite blogger (hehehe).  Well this year, why not follow a current "trend" floating around Facebook and other social networks and BUY LOCAL!  The concept makes sense and is simple, support local businesses or even a neighbor, person at church, etc...  When going down your shopping list, think of alternatives to the corporate and mass produced merchandise.  Instead of buying that $30 scarf from Macy's, find a local person who knits or crochets to make one for you at the same price, or even less.  By doing so your $30 is going to help out the pocket of someone you know and see rather than a major corporation.  Now, businesses of course should still see our business but try to shop at smaller stores, rather than mega stores.  Instead of buying that cake/pie for Christmas from the grocery store, head on over to The Cakery (in Hilltop Plaza) and buy a cake from them, or a fruit tart (they are to DIE FOR!)  That money spent is going to a community based business and will help keep them in business. 

Looking for something for the kids, how about swim lessons?  Check out Kids First in Bowie (again Hilltop Plaza).  Maybe music lessons for the wanna be drummer or piano player in your house?  Contact local high schools to see if there are any kids in the band who are profeciant enough to give lessons, or talk to the choir director at local churches.  Looking for toys or clothes for them, check out etsy.com an amazing site for finding handmade products ranging from clothes, diapers, snack bags, and much more.  There is also a search feature which allows you to find shops in Maryand, there are even a few in Bowie!

While it would be wonderful to keep all of your holiday shopping IN BOWIE, I understand this may not be possible, but try your best this holiday season to find things comprobable from someone rather than a "store". 

It sounds difficult but just give it some thought... you know those cookies your neighbor makes that are delicious, ask if you can buy a few dozen and give that to the grandparents or co-worker rather than just some random "junk" they don't need.

That mom who just had her baby, get her a gift certificate to get her hair cut at That Look Hair Gallery (near Rita's in Bowie) and a "gift certificate" for babysitting so she can actually go get it cut!  That's a GREAT gift! 

Have a suggestion for other local gift ideas?  Leave them below in the comments!

~Katie