If you would rather be “rockin’ around the Christmas tree” instead of circling around the mall parking lot, consider visiting some of Crofton’s unique small businesses. Not only will you find these shops offering great customer service, but also one-of-a-kind gifts.

Store: Annapolis Cake and Candy Supply, Inc.
New location: 2133 Defense Highway, Suite 2 in Crofton Depot behind Crofton Florist
For: The baker in your family 

Owner Kathy Thomas said, “Our store has worked hard to provide the most helpful service and selection of cake and candy products. The shop has become a place where customers become friends.”

She said they have a large variety of cake pans, candy and cookie-making supplies that can be purchased or rented.

Customers also have the ability to email family pictures and have edible images made for cakes. Simply email pictures to cltdrt@msn.com in a Word document. The images are usually ready within a few days.

“During this time of year we get a lot of requests for old family holiday pictures,” Thomas said. “It is a great way to celebrate holiday memories.”

Store: Crunchies Natural Pet Food Store
Location: 2421 Crofton Lane, Crofton, off Maryland Route 3 across from the Crofton Shopping Center
For: Pets and pet-lovers 

Families looking for healthy alternatives to grocery store pet food can find a wide selection of choices at the store, owned by Julia Cahill.

Not only does Crunchies have a large selection of foods, vitamin and supplements for both dogs and cat, but the 16-year-old store also carries Artemis Holistic Cat Food.

“Crunchies is filled with all types of products, all which are designed to promote happy pets through healthy living and eating,” Cahill said. “You will also find toys, bedding, books about pet health, as well as gifts for that special pet lover.”

Store: Your Body Needs
Location: 1684 Village Green, Suite 2, Crofton
For: Everyone

“Aroma massage therapy uses different essential oil for different moods. Some are for relaxation, others for stress reduction and pain relief,” office manager Patty Allen said.

Owner Rose Chard makes all the essential oils for the Village Green studio.

“We offer a full-treatment menu with option of hand-blended and specialty-formulated aromatherapy products. The great thing about this is the products can also be purchased in our studio,” said Allen, a Crofton resident. Gift certificates can also be purchased by phone.

Store: EcoBliss
Location: 1702 Transportation Blvd., Crofton, behind Nautilus Diner on Maryland Route 3
For: Dad

Owner Kechia Taylor says they have created an eco-conscious and social environment for treatments and services designed for men and women alike. Taylor also says they are an “eco-chic spa that creates a passion for the beauty industry as well as environmental beauty.” 

EcoBliss's collection of hair and massage products and services is tailored to men’s needs. The stylists are educated on both masculine design elements and techniques to help men with hair and skin treatments.

Gift cards are available. A Pure-Formance facial is $90, a manicure is $35 and the pedicures are $55.

“We can indulge in our daily beauty regimens without endangering the planet with harmful chemical wasters,” Taylor said.