Social distancing is hitting our small businesses hard, and the last thing old Ellicott City needs is another smack by Mother Nature.

But fear not — you can support your favorite Main Street business by buying gift certificates now to be redeemed later, or by shopping on line from the safety of your home.

Here’s a list of our businesses that would love your help!

Ballet Conservatoire — you can purchase gift cards from Ellicott City’s official ballet company by telephone at 410-696-1346.

EC Pops — Ellicott City’s home grown popcorn shop offers gift cards over the phone. Call 410-750-7677.

Gloss Hair Studio — plan ahead for some post-social-distancing “me time” with a gift certificate to Gloss, available online at https://go.booker.com/location/GlossEC/buy/gift-certificate.

LaPalapa — everyone’s favorite Main Street Mexican place sells gift cards in any amount over the phone at 410-465-0070 or on-line at https://www.lapalapagrill.com/store/gift-cards/.

Manor Hill Tavern — dreaming of pizza and brews? Stock up on Manor Hill Tavern gift cards on-line at https://manorhilltavern.com/product/gift-card/

Ooh la Lal Hair Salon — make sure you look your best when night life resumes and pick up a gift card online at http://oohlalal.com/gift-certificates/ or by calling 410-465-7700.

Poppy & Stella — the weather will be great when we get back to “normal,” so plan ahead for some fun spring and summer fashion with a gift card to Poppy & Stella, available at https://poppyandstella.com/products/gift-card?variant=31737600213089.

Reclaimed By You — shop on-line for wonderful crafting products by Reclaimed By You at https://reclaimedbyyou.com/shop/.

SW Connections — shop for unique southwestern gifts and jewelry on-line or purchase gift cards at https://squaremktg.com/campaigns/HG2OrD5gS232VWKR/landing?source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR3sVWubOMSLjMFaq3Eqf9QkGwGKDZZvtmcC6zn93KMhdv3fr14mP25syQ8.

Sweet Cascades — everyone needs something yummy to share at home, and what perfect yummies to share but chocolates from Sweet Cascades. Shop online at https://www.sweetcascadeschocolatier.com/collection/ or call the store at 410-750-8422 to place an order or buy a gift card.

Sweet Elizabeth Jane — everybody’s favorite vintage urban girl shop is selling online for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency. Shop and buy gift cards at https://sweetelizabethjane.com/.

Unusual Company — it will be perfect gelato weather soon enough, so stock up on an Unusual Company gift card at https://www.unusualcompany.com/.

Wine Bin — plan ahead for post-coronavirus festivities with a gift card from the Wine Bin, available at https://winebinec.com/shop/.