As the leaves begin to fall, there’s a special feeling of warmth, gratitude, and thoughtful giving in the air. It’s the perfect time to support the small businesses that make our communities shine all year long.
As a Certified B Corporation, we believe that when we shop local and small, we inspire creativity, create new jobs, and uplift the dedicated and talented entrepreneurs who had the passion and courage to become business owners.
This year, in celebration of the season of giving and Small Business Saturday on November 30, 2025, we are excited to share our second annual small business gift guide, featuring clients and community gems who make a positive impact every day.
Gifts for Foodies
- 50Hertz Tingly Food
Calling all adventurous food lovers! This holiday season, infuse excitement into your food and drinks with a curious tongue tingling sensation and a beautiful floral aroma that only Sichuan pepper can bring. Shop online for gift sets, dry seasonings, oils, snacks, chocolate, kitchen accessories, bags, and books.
- Masthia Taverna
Give the gift of sitting down to a meal at an old-world Greek table at Masthia in D.C.’s Union Market. Family recipes bring the spirit of a Greek feast to life. From hand-crafted pita bread and traditional Greek pastries to savory meals and curated Greek imports, Mastiha shares its Greek culture through food, hospitality, and community. Opa!
- Nelia African Market
Founded five years ago by a family that is deeply committed to its cultural cuisine, this market in Frederick is the destination for authentic, high-quality, and affordable African and Caribbean products. Whether you visit in person or shop online, you can explore a world of vibrant flavors and culture with handcrafted and certified goods and specialty food items that celebrate African and Caribbean heritages.
Gifts Powered by Women Entrepreneurs
- Bella Ballet Dance
Give the gift of dance to the young dancers in your life. At Gaithersburg’s award-winning Bella Ballet Dance, kids’ dreams take flight through the power of dance. The studio’s focus is on empowering kids through dance by supporting their bodies, minds, and passions in a nurturing environment. Beyond the studio, Bella Ballet is deeply committed to giving back to the community and regularly hosts events to benefit local charities and spread joy through dance.
- Digitizing by Rachel
This year, give the gift of preserving memories forever. From handmade photo magnets to digitizing genealogical research, old photos, slides, and home movies to cherished audio recordings, you can rely on Digitizing by Rachel to help you safely preserve the moments in your life that matter most.
- Dov and Company
For jewelry and accessories that spark meaningful conversations and connections, shop Dov and Company this holiday season in person at its Potomac shop or online. This sister-owned boutique is a real-life Etsy shop, with a curated selection of goods from 20+ women-owned small businesses.
Gifts by Certified B Corporations and Nonprofits
- Mason Jar Press
For the curious reader on your list who is looking for fresh voices and new perspectives, look no further than Baltimore-based Mason Jar Press. Here you will find an independent publisher of bold voices in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and literary art. They are proud to support, publish, and promote both established and emerging writers from previously overlooked or underrepresented groups, such as the BIPOC and LBGTQ+ communities, in addition to translations from underrepresented languages, with a focus on those from the global south.
- United By Blue
Make a difference this holiday season by shopping for eco-friendly clothing, totes and travel bags, candles, pet products, and household items online with this Certified B Corp. The company believes that businesses not only can be a part of environmental solutions but have a moral responsibility to address them. They walk the walk, and for every product sold, the company removes one pound of trash from our oceans and waterways. Through their efforts, over FIVE million pounds of trash have been removed.
Need help with childcare or dog care while shopping?
The Tot Space has you covered this holiday season with a warm, inclusive, and socially developmental club with positive play experiences for children ages 3 to 6 and peace of mind for parents. Every visit to this Rockville gem, and 2025 Best of Bethesda award recipient, sparks creativity, encourages connection, and supports healthy development in a space designed just for kids.
Hounds Town is where dogs are top dog! Based in Columbia, they offer fully interactive and affordable doggy daycare that provides a fun and natural environment where pups can run, play, and socialize with their pack all day long. Plus, there is even a doggie spa, where your furry friend can enjoy stress-free bathing, nail trims, and more, so your furry companion comes home clean and smelling great after your day out shopping.
Let’s Support Our Small Businesses All Year Long
The joy of supporting small and local doesn’t have to end when the holidays do. Consider keeping our DMV small businesses top of mind for purchases throughout the year so that entrepreneurs and our communities continue to thrive.