The Banner’s 2025 holiday gift guide

Pearls for Pups

Earrings with a purpose. Pearls for Pups is a mother-daughter nonprofit started in the pursuit of helping dog rescues save as many lives as possible. Don’t know which color to choose? Try the mixed breed.

‘Family & Other Calamities’

Banner columnist Leslie Gray Streeter writes about a successful journalist returning to her hometown just as her biggest mistake becomes headline news in this vibrant, funny and heartfelt novel about facing the past, and its secrets, head-on.

The gift of news

Share local stories that matter with a Banner gift subscription. Readers get unlimited access to in-depth reporting, investigations and neighborhood news. A thoughtful gift for anyone who loves Maryland and wants to stay informed and connected.

Kids’ sketchbook

Packed with character and durability, this handmade journal is made for pocket-sized adventures, whether you’re at a beach, city park, zoo, or your own backyard.

Calming orange bergamot gift set

A bathing ritual is a simple way to cultivate self-care. This bath set comes complete with body butter, body scrub and bath salts.

Weird sodas

Hot dog water, kettle corn and toothpaste are just a few of the offbeat soda flavors you can find stocked at E.C. Pops. These bizarre beverages make a great gift for the kids and teens who never say no to a double-dog dare.

— Lillian Reed, Howard County reporter

Maryland-inspired dog treats

This Baltimore-made gift box includes all-natural, oven-baked treats like Chicken Crab & Corn, Duck Biscuits, Bison Jerky and a vanilla ice cream mix for your pup. Healthy, low-calorie and preservative-free, perfect for dogs of all sizes and ages.

Hand-building pottery workshop

Learn the art of hand building in a two-hour pottery-making session. Each participant will be guided in creating a one-of-a-kind mug or planter, choosing a glaze color for their finished work.

Giving Guide 2025

For many, the holiday season is about buying gifts, attending parties and baking cookies. However, the holidays are also a great time to give back to those less fortunate.

DIY flower ornament

Create an elegant keepsake with this pressed-flower ornament kit. Each set includes real blooms, clear acrylic shapes and easy-to-follow instructions, making it perfect for a cozy craft night or a thoughtful stocking stuffer for someone who loves nature and handmade touches.

Pepperly Crunch

Discover bold flavor and irresistible texture with Pepperly Crunch by Pepperly Love, a savory condiment made with rich, roasted garlic, crispy shallots, red pepper flakes and olive oil.

Balmer cacao butter lip balm sampler

Balmer lip balm blends rich cacao butter with all-natural ingredients for soft, hydrated lips. Packaged in a compostable paper tube, it’s an eco-friendly essential that feels as good as it looks: simple, local, and beautifully made.

‘Hot Wax’

“Hot Wax” by M.L. Rio is “a propulsive father-daughter story” and a journey of self-discovery that “captures the joy and danger of rock ’n’ roll” through one woman’s reckless mission to make sense of the events that shattered her childhood.

Inner Harbor counting book

Count the boats (and seagulls) in this beautifully illustrated celebration of Baltimore’s busy harbor.

Buy Curio at Far & Dotter

Is there a better gift than living life to the fullest? The Best-Self Collection is a full line of cannabis products designed to help you be your best. Inside. Outside. 24/7. Give the gift of wellness from Curio to the adults on your list (and yourself).

Rocklands Farm Winery

Located in Poolesville, Rocklands Farm Winery is a family-owned farm that produces handcrafted wines on a rotating menu. Options include reds, whites, rosé, sparkling and orange.

— Danielle Allentuck, sports reporter

Turn your house into art

There’s no place like home for the holidays. Commission a custom illustration of your Baltimore rowhome from Pop Baltimore. This local artist will turn your residence into cheerful greeting cards, postcards or sticker packs.

— Lillian Reed, Howard County reporter

‘Our Voices, Unmasked’

Charm literary magazine’s first hardcover book is a collection of writing and artwork by Baltimore youths during the coronavirus pandemic.

Maryland pride, for your pup

Made in Pasadena, this reversible bandana designed by Bayside Doodle Co. features vibrant crab-and-cocktail motifs on one side and cheerful floral-box patterns on the other. Snap-on style for a secure fit and available in four sizes.

Blue crab blanket

Hyattsville-based artist Micah Morgan takes her inspiration from the Anacostia River near her home. The blankets are made to order, from a family-run knitting team in New Jersey.

Gold-plated lucky charm necklace

Whether you are born with it or seeking more of it, being lucky comes in streaks. This pendant is adorned with a lucky four-leaf clover and a lucky horseshoe. Wear it as a daily touchstone to remind you to look for the positive, and more positive will come your way!

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

The BSO’s holiday lineup blends cirque spectacle, timeless classics, lively pops, and bold contemporary sounds, offering a festive mix of artistry and energy. With performances that surprise, delight, and set the tone for the season, there’s something for every music lover on your list.

Early childhood music class

This immersive program in Annapolis for preschoolers and kindergartners is designed to boost cognitive, social and physical development while giving parents a shared creative experience.

‘Unfurled’

For someone who believes decor should breathe as much as it looks good, “Unfurled” is a beautiful inspiration piece. Hilton Carter blends lush plant styling with home design to make living style.

All-natural dog treats

Wholesome ingredients, no additives. The treats from Baltimore Dog Bakery will make any pup happy.

Orioles baby onesie

Give ’em the bird, baby. This cheeky bodysuit is a nod to the beloved hometown O’s.

Charm City silk screen

Baltimore is full of history, icons and stories. This four-color silk screen poster illustrates the Bromo Seltzer Tower, the Domino Sugars sign, Thames Street, the Patterson Park Pagoda and the famous city benches.

Icee Machine

Treat kids to their very own slushy station at home. This fun Icee Machine lets them mix ice and syrup to make their favorite frozen drinks. Perfect for birthday parties, snow days, or any time they want a cool and colorful treat.

About Faces

Step away from the bustle at About Faces Day Spa & Salon! Indulge in calming massages, antiaging facials and spa pedicures to restore balance. Holiday gift cards make giving effortless. Share relaxation and care with someone you love this season.

Beard kit

The Five O’ Clock beard kit is up to all their grooming needs. The products are local and smell great, at an affordable price point.

Cheese utensils

Girl dinner, you say? Gundalow has the cutlery set perfect for the busy working woman who wants a dinner of cheese, crackers, cut fruit and some candied nuts.

— Rona Kobell, Baltimore County reporter

Geometric latte mug

This latte mug, designed by NotJane founder and creative director Betsy Martin, features a throwback geometric design.

‘No Sense in Wishing’

With incisive and energizing prose, Lawrence Burney’s essay collection offers a personal and critical perspective on the people, places, music, and art that transformed him.

Old Bay journal

Celebrate the Old Line State with a Maryland-themed journal. Perfect for jotting trip notes, recipes, poetry or Preakness picks. A witty, locally made gift for anyone who loves Maryland and a good dose of charm.

Membership to the National Aquarium

Give the gift of undersea wonder this holiday season with membership to the National Aquarium. Members get free, unlimited admission for one year and can access exclusive perks, special events and discounts. Explore membership plans today.

Old Bay collar

This Old Bay collar from Route One Apparel is a spicy statement piece for your dog. Featuring the iconic design, it’s sturdy, adjustable, and made for everyday adventures — a fun, local twist on a classic accessory.

Custom football handbag

A chic pigskin? This handcrafted purse is made from an authentic football and embellished with genuine leather metallic patches and gold rivet studs.

Magnesium lotion

The Calm Your Ass Down Magnesium Body Lotion by SoBotanical helps soothe tired nerves and promotes relaxation.

— Sarah Walton, chief philanthropy officer

Snowball stand print

A print celebrating one of the summer’s greatest joys in Baltimore — snowballs! Printed on acid-free paper and signed by the artist, it arrives ready to frame and wrapped in a biodegradable sleeve, perfect for Baltimore nostalgia lovers and art enthusiasts alike.

Death by Chocolate

Turn up the heat with Black Eyed Susan’s Death by Chocolate hot sauce. This Maryland-made blend is a perfect stocking stuffer for spice lovers who crave something unexpected.

Maryland ID (for your pet)

Show your pup some state pride with this Maryland pet ID tag from TagsforHope. Fully customizable, this tag blends style and safety in one sleek design. A meaningful gift choice for dog owners who want security and personality in equal measure.

Floating forest art

Bring a little forest magic inside. This unique wall-hanging art piece pairs genuine cork bark with plush preserved moss and forest-inspired mushrooms. Zero upkeep, all mood. A standout pick for someone who loves nature with a side of style.

Third Space

Treat yourself and your loved ones to Baltimore’s best Hanukkah party, the Hannukah Brew Ha Ha! The party will feature beer from Union Craft Brewing (as always!), a pickle and latke bar, tunes from Selecta 2 Scoops and a performance from acclaimed rapper Kosha Dillz!

‘Cry Havoc’

Jack Carr brings the worlds of special operations and CIA paramilitary units into direct collision in the jungles of Vietnam with his explosive new thriller.

Whipped body butter

This cream hydrates your skin and smells great. My favorite scent: Million Bucks.

— Emma Patti, former managing editor

Make your own crush

Pretend you’re down the ocean with Noble Mick’s Frozen Grapefruit Crush. Just add vodka and water, pop it in the freezer and enjoy a perfectly tangy citrus cocktail. Made with real ingredients, it’s a refreshing gift for anyone who loves an easy, crowd-pleasing drink.

Kombucha kit

Brew up some creativity with this Baltimore-made kombucha kit from Hex Ferments. It includes everything needed to make fizzy, tangy kombucha at home, perfect for anyone curious about fermentation or looking for a fun kitchen project.

‘Partypooper’

It’s Greg’s birthday — and you’re invited to the chaos. In “Partypooper,” the 20th book in UMD grad Jeff Kinney’s global smash-hit “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series, Greg Heffley is planning the ultimate party — for himself.

The Shops at Kenilworth

Celebrate the season at The Shops at Kenilworth in Baltimore County! Discover holiday fashion, find thoughtful gifts, snap photos with Santa, explore our holiday train garden and enjoy seasonal specials all winter long.

Weekly Task Planner

Ideal for the organized professional or anyone ready to make 2026 their year of execution. The 9.5"-by-7.5" Weekly Task Planner packs a productivity punch with weekly spreads, a Sunday start and an hourly breakdown of each day.

Doggin’ Donuts

Treat your dog to something special with these mini Doggin’ Donuts from Hair of the Dog Barkery in Baltimore. Made with unsweetened applesauce, cinnamon and honey, they’re bite-size, crunchy and built for pups who love a flavorful snack between walks.

Bark Social membership

Gift a monthlong (or more) membership to Bark Social to get the dog, and their human, out of the house.

Hot sauces from Caulfield Provision Co.

Caulfield Provision Co. sells a gift pack of hot sauces with Smokey Red Pepper Chipotle, Fiery Habanero Mustard, Minty Jalapeño Tomatillo and Szechuan Style Red Pepper for $35.

— Zuri Berry, executive editor

Jabot collar

This jabot collar is pleated and can be worn with a nice blouse and circle skirt or a simple tank top and shawl.

Madison Luxe Gloss Wash Bag

Ultra-lightweight and water-repellent, this glossy wash bag set keeps makeup, skin care, jewelry and more neatly organized. With an open interior and a back slip pocket, it’s the perfect catchall for home or travel.

Thrive chews

5 mg THC. Bursting with Mango Momentum flavor, a natural fusion of juicy mango and zesty citrus. Intentionally infused with valencene and limonene terpenes.

The cutest travel bag

Travel in style with this Maryland blue crab neoprene travel toiletry bag by Jami Creates.

Citrus fruits watercolor kit

Paint your own watercolor citrus fruits with these outlines and paints. Optional add-ons like an easel and an apron make it a superb gift for painters of any skill level.

Skin renewal subscription

This deluxe membership includes a HydraFacial, a dermaplane, peels and more each month.

Flower design class

Unlock your inner florist with a hands-on floral design class. Choose your favorite stems, learn expert techniques and walk away with a showstopping arrangement you created yourself. Ideal for a creative date or a friends’ outing.

Curaleaf

Add a little extra holiday cheer to your season with a limited-edition Holiday Briq. Wrapped in a festive sweater design, it’s perfect for anyone who loves cozy winter vibes and thoughtful details. Pick one up at Curaleaf and make your day brighter.

— You must be 21 years or older to view this content. Medical cannabis is for certified patient use or adult-use only. Keep out of reach of children and animals. Please consume responsibly.

Infused EVOO

Get a combo pack of high-quality infused olive oil in garlic, lemon, chili and rosemary flavors from Dimitri Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Timonium.

Locally smoked seafood

Located in historic Annapolis, Chesapeake Smokehouse hand-selects “the finest lumber” to carry out the ancient European tradition of smoking seafood. Among their popular products are different styles of smoked salmon and trout.

— Alex Mann, Anne Arundel County reporter

Infused honey subscription

This rotating honey subscription from Baltimore-based Hon’s Honey is truly a gift that keeps giving. In addition to a monthly jar of local, raw honey in flavors like habanero, rosemary and creamed honey, each shipment supports women survivors of trauma.

Sew much fun

Have a crafty kid? Treat them to this hands-on sewing experience at Artsy Partsy. From threading the needle to finishing a handmade project, they’ll learn new skills and leave with something they created themselves.

Wine tasting

The Charm City Wine School is offering Wine 101 classes that span the vino globe. These fun and informative single-session classes feature three to four wines, including both New and Old World wines.

— James Meadows, newsletter editor

Grass-fed beef jerky

Spice up someone’s snack game with jerky that’s anything but ordinary. From deli-style pastrami to spicy merguez, Jewish Jerky Brand makes small-batch, grass-fed beef jerky with clean ingredients, no soy, no gluten and no artificial preservatives.

K-9 Cookies

K-9 Kraving Beef Cookies are a healthy, rewarding snack for dogs.

Baltimore neighborhoods print

Celebrate Baltimore in color with this hand-illustrated map print showcasing every neighborhood and city park. Printed on EcoSilk paper with soy-based inks and offered in framed and unframed sizes, it’s a stylish piece of local art.

Sleep chews

2:1 ratio (10 mg CBN, 5 mg THC). Slumberberry features the natural flavor of a juicy blueberry. Infused with high-quality CO₂ distillate from Curio flower.

Beer bath

The Spa at BierBath offers a truly distinctive spa experience. Soak in — you guessed it — beer, enjoy a sauna, cool off in a rain shower and enjoy unlimited drinks while you’re at it.

— Tim Prudente, enterprise reporter

Baltimore wallpaper

This high-quality, self-adhesive wallpaper features Baltimore designs by artist Elizabeth Graeber and is made of 100% paper with a woven linen texture. Plus, it’s movable and renter-friendly.

— Stokely Baksh, audience engagement editor

‘Italianish’

Danny Freeman serves up over 100 fun, modern takes on Italian American favorites, from lasagna soup to tiramisu brownies, making this a fantastic pick for both seasoned cooks and new home chefs.

Hot dog race shirts

Is your kid on Team Relish, Team Ketchup or Team Mustard? Let your little O’s fan rep their favorite condiment with pride.

‘Let Us Alone’

Written by UMBC professor Michael Casiano, “Let Us Alone” explores how race, politics and capitalism shaped policing in Baltimore after the Civil War. A powerful read for history lovers and anyone curious about how systems of power took root in American cities.

‘Madness’

Award-winning journalist Antonia Hylton tells the 93-year-old history of Crownsville Hospital, one of the last segregated asylums with surviving records and a campus that stands to this day in Anne Arundel County.

Very Maryland’s Best Gift Guide

Finding the perfect gift can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also feel overwhelming when you’re short on time and searching for something unique for everyone on your list. This holiday season, make your gifts memorable with the Very Maryland’s Best Gift Guide!

Shady Grove Candles

A quarantine hobby between mom and daughter during the pandemic turned into a business. Shady Grove Candles are locally sourced, hand-poured and eco-friendly. My faves are the Peppermint + Eucalyptus, Sandalwood, and Apricot + Jasmine scents.

— Ginny Bixby, government and politics reporter

Really Raw Honey

Ready to eat straight from the jar, Really Raw Honey is scooped right from the hive and not filtered, heated or strained. It’s a Baltimore-based, family-run business and has supported small beekeepers for over 40 years.

— Michael Hughes, copy editor

Malachite Lady Earring

These elegant, snug and ladylike earrings feature a white mother-of-pearl cabochon top, malachite drop and polished 14-karat gold over brass.

Afternoon tea

As a chronically cold person who always needs a warm beverage, I’ve yet to have a cup of tea from Baltimore-based, sibling-owned Wight Tea Co. that I didn’t love. Baltimore Breakfast and Fireside Fig are two of my favorites.

— Seth Lueck, director of customer acquistion

Maryland Monroe jerky

This beef jerky from Righteous Felon is kissed with a little crab spice.

Watercolor art

These hand-painted watercolor prints from Lucky Bat Paper Co. add a touch of artistry to any space. Inspired by nature and garden textures, they’re locally printed on eco-friendly paper and come in standard sizes for easy framing.

Blend your own whiskey

If you have a whiskey lover in your life, book them a tour at Baltimore Spirits Co.

Vinnie Mini Woven Crossbody

This crossbody bag features a magnetic flap closure, an interior card slot and a blind embossed leather logo patch.

Oui Non fob

This Oui Non (yes no) fob is ready for any mood, featuring a strand of butter charms, wooden beads, flower beads and an orange pig.

Chill chews

10:1 ratio (20 mg CBD, 2 mg THC). Citrus Honey blends natural zesty citrus and the comforting sweetness of fresh golden honey.

Otter encounter

Experience how the Maryland Zoo animal care team and river otters interact on a daily basis by watching a training session with Hudson and Brie the otters.

African fabric journals

Looking for something for a writer, thinker or organizer with a love of craftsmanship and color? Take note of these authentic handcrafted journals made with 100% cotton African Ankara wax print fabric.

Stylish fidgets

Speks magnet balls are like magnetic putty, a stress ball and building blocks all in one. Perfect for focus and stress relief.

Emotional baggage

If only this bag could carry it all. The quirky tote from Shewolf Designs is just right for that friend who handles life with humor.

Touchdown treats

Make playtime exciting and engaging for your furry friend with this Terps-inspired treat puzzle.

Eddie’s of Roland Park

Create holiday memories with gifts from Eddie’s of Roland Park. Discover our wonderful selection including gourmet confections, unique home goods, puzzles, host gifts and seasonal treats for any age.

Sapphire tea

Evoke summer skies and vibrant sips with this herbal loose-leaf tea blend made in Baltimore. It contains lemongrass, mango pieces, rose hips and more and has a beautiful deep blue color.

Final Fantasy apron

Saphrina Splendors offers a homemade apron, emblazoned with a baby Chocobo from Final Fantasy, suitable for artisans of any kind — whether your craft is cooking, painting or sculpting!

— Rondez Green, creator and social editor

Customized cookies or cupcakes

Sunflower Bakery in Rockville teaches developmentally disabled adults to bake and helps them get certified to work in a commercial kitchen. And you can order seasonally decorated cookies or cupcakes.

— Lauren Markoe, news editor

Retro Natty Boh

For the Marylander who appreciates a good Natty Boh and even better style. This retro Richardson rope hat pairs yacht club flair with corner bar spirit. Lightweight, durable, UPF 50+, and adjustable for all-day comfort.

Smells of the shore

Bring some coastal calm to a commute. Blending sea-salt freshness with teakwood warmth, this Eastern Shore car diffuser from Sunshine + Saltwater turns every drive into a Maryland shoreline escape.

‘Black Women Are the Future’ coloring book

Baltimore-based author Naomi Winston created a coloring book specifically designed and curated to uplift Black women and girls with the goal of supporting sisterhood within the Black community.

Cà Phê candle

Relish in the fragrant notes of Vietnam’s famous coffee with this Cà Phê candle.

Best of Both Worlds nail kit

Each set from Baltimore-based Janet & Jo. includes a gel nail lacquer and a matching air-dry nail lacquer.

Love lavender?

Become a “friend of the farm” and get free field visits, picnics on the property and more from this lavender farm in White Hall.

Jimmy’s Crab Seasoning

Crafted to complement the natural sweetness of Maryland blue crabs, this bold blend of beer and vinegar flavors is a Chesapeake classic.

Locally grown herbal teas

Give your loved one a piping-hot cuppa from Heron’s Meadow Farm, one of Maryland’s few tea farms, located in Howard County. These blends are a warm gesture heading into the long winter months.

— Jess Nocera, Howard County reporter

Mr. Trash Wheel Construction Kit

Build your own miniature version of Baltimore’s beloved trash-eating icon, Mr. Trash Wheel. This laser-cut wooden kit is eco-friendly, educational and a fun gift for makers of all ages.

Pain chews

1:4:2 ratio (5 mg CBG, 20 mg CBD and 10 mg THC). Surging with natural blood orange flavor. Infused with high-quality CO₂ distillate from Curio flower.

Cane Collective

Guava Tiki Punch transports you straight to a tropical paradise and reminds me of the fruits I grew up with in sub-Saharan Africa. While it makes a fantastic mixer with mezcal or gin, I love it best with soda water.

— Shalini Malaki, senior manager, institutional giving

Motzi Bread subscription

Surprise the bread lover in your life with a Motzi Bread subscription. Each loaf is baked with locally sourced grains and plenty of care, ready for easy pickup at the Harwood bakery. It’s the gift of warm, fresh bread and a connection to Baltimore’s local food community.

Crab chip notepad

Keep your tasks in check with this Maryland crab chip notepad featuring cheerful, snacking Oriole birds.

Dumper Truck

Built for big imaginations and little hands, this sturdy Dumper Truck is perfect for hauling, dumping and endless make-believe. Durable, colorful and fun indoors or out, it’s the ultimate gift for kids who love to build, move and play.

Open Book Chocolates

The literary-inspired chocolate company started in Montgomery County in 2017 with flavors inspired by novels. The “A Christmas Carol” bar has hazelnuts, pear and nutmeg in dark chocolate.

— Hau Chu, food, arts and culture reporter

No Plan hat

A hat for the person who’s winging it, stylishly. Baltimore’s own No Plan nails the balance of cool and casual with this mustard flat-bill that adds just the right pop of color.

Vegan felt catnip toys

The colorful handmade catnip toys from Close Call Studio are made of vegan felt and filled with organic home-grown catnip and fluff. An adorable choice for curious indoor cats who need a little stimulation.

Blooming Pride Socks

Designed with sketched white hearts bursting with rainbow trails, this all-over print is a vibrant nod to love in all its forms — unapologetic, evolving and ever-blooming.

Custom book-themed gift basket

Choose between new or used books, select favorite genres and more based on your gift recipient’s taste, and the folks at Wyrd Bookstore in Edgewater will assemble a one-of-a-kind gift basket that could include books, candles, journals, coffee and teas.

— Cody Boteler, Anne Arundel County reporter

Mental health coloring book

Color your way into a deeper conversation with this 20-page Neuro Blooms coloring book. Each design is inspired by real brain scans tied to mental health conditions, paired with short facts and quotes. A thoughtful gift that blends art, awareness and self-care.

Custom stationery

Personalized snail mail is the best kind of mail! All illustrations are hand-drawn.

Gut chews

4:1 ratio (20 mg CBD, 5 mg THC). Natural citrus ginger flavor offers a comfortably sweet and tart pop.

Elevated style

Have a dapper friend or loved one? Then grab an accessory from Banjo’s Bows.

Layla Wide Cuff

Bold and artful, the Layla Wide Cuff features layered goose, pheasant and turkey feathers in fuchsia, slate and redwood, accented with gold venery pheasant feathers for striking contrast.

Take flight

Give the gift of flight without the plane. At iFly’s indoor skydiving experience, you’ll step into a vertical wind tunnel and feel the rush of soaring in a safe, controlled environment. Perfect for thrill-seekers or anyone with “fly for real” on their bucket list.

Merry and Bright Candle

Baltimore’s Mount Royal Soaps offers countless great-smelling goods, but its seasonal Merry and Bright 100% soy wax candle, scented with notes of apple, balsam, cinnamon and clove, is as energizing as it is cozy.

Cozy coastal crab PJs

Little ones won’t wake up crabby after sleeping in these soft bamboo pajamas. A full-length zipper makes changes quick, while the breathable fabric keeps baby comfortable from nap time to playtime. The cheerful print adds an extra splash of fun.

Maryland crab cakes

They’re shipped fresh on ice and arrive in perfect condition. My crab-loving stepmother swoons.

— Chris Dinsmore, regional editor

Baltimore bench dog toy

This plush dog toy takes inspiration from the famous “Greatest City in America” benches scattered throughout Baltimore City. Bonus: $2 from the sale of every toy goes to support the Friends of Patterson Park.

Second Story Books gift card

What’s better than a gift card to one of the best independent bookstores in the county?

— Talia Richman, education reporter

‘Tashiding: Beyond Earth and Sky’

This stunning coffee table book takes visitors inside a private Cockeysville garden that features a teahouse, Buddha statues and a lake filled with koi.

Axe throwing and splatter glow paint party

Want to share some cathartic fun? Try this axe and splatter paint experience at AxGard. It’s equal parts high adrenaline and laid-back creativity, a unique idea for a bold date night.

Freeze-dried pet treats

Snarfies makes freeze-dried pet treats my dogs love. Their favorite flavor: salmon.

— Emma Patti, former managing editor

‘Tough Breaks’

In “Tough Breaks: The Story of Baltimore Club Music,” music journalist Al Shipley draws from 18 years’ worth of interviews with DJs, producers, vocalists, party hosts, promoters and the founders of the clubs, labels and record stores that shaped the genre.

Natty Boh Drippin Beanie

This fresh take on Natty Boh will elevate your winter headwear game.

Cork fabric bags

These bags are made from ethically sourced and environmentally friendly cork fabric and handcrafted in Silver Spring.

Pancibus Chalsa

Founder Tommy Penaherrera is a UMD grad who launched his Chalsa (chutney and salsa) company in 2021. The mango peach version is savory and sweet, made with fresh Chilean peaches.

Anti-Granny Hands lotion

Treat dry hands to a serious glow-up with this playful yet potent hand cream. It leaves skin silky, smooth and smelling of its cheerful orange-vanilla scent.

Maryland Park Service passport

Instead of toys my kids will get bored with, one item on our wish list every year is a Maryland Park Service passport. Some of my family’s favorites include the tire park at the Hilton area of Patapsco Valley State Park and searching for shark teeth at Calvert Cliffs State Park.

— Carrie Mihalcik, express desk editor

Make your own blown-glass creation

A gift that’s equal parts art and adventure, this unique experience allows you to work with the resident glass artist at McFadden Art Glass to blow, shape and design your own colorful creation.

Mou Eskimo boots

Crafted from soft sheepskin with signature crochet stitching, this sleek winter boot delivers warmth, comfort and effortless style, the perfect blend of fashion and function for cold-weather days.

For the bibliophile

Handcrafted from birch wood, the I Like Books More bookmark brings intention and charm to every turn of the page. With gentle reminders and inspiring symbolism, it’s a delightful pick for the reader in your life who treasures thoughtful touches.

Baltimore Museum of Art membership

Gift a membership to the Baltimore Museum of Art to someone who can enjoy art all year round.

Skiff2 shoes

Skiff2 shoes are perfect for Marylanders who like to get out on the water. Designed for maritime performance, they’re upcycled from 6.5 plastic water bottles.

— Alex Mann, Anne Arundel County reporter