It is difficult to purchase gifts for people who have everything. Of course, gift cards are always an option, but they could be construed as impersonal. This was my predicament last weekend. I had been racking my brain and searching in vain for a birthday gift for my future mother-in-law. On Saturday, I was strolling around downtown Annapolis when I stumbled upon The Annapolis Pottery. The storefront embellished with handmade vases, bowls, and salt shakers was truly a miracle. I had finally discovered the perfect gift for those who already have everything–Annapolis pottery!
The store has been around since 1969 and is part of historic downtown Annapolis. It’s a short distance from the governor’s mansion and Capitol Hill. The cobbled bricks continue from these landmarks all the way to The Annapolis Pottery, as if prompting walkers to head into the store for a piece of Annapolis. Inside, those serious about pottery and those who are discovering what it’s all about will be mesmerized by the display of glazed and matte finishes on the different types of pottery. The Annapolis Pottery offers anything from huge vases to petite mugs and butter containers. You can also find a range of bowls, small to large, that can house practically anything you’d like. In fact, I have a large bowl from the store that, at random times of the year, will either hold fruit or my bracelets. Or, sometimes, the bowl will hold nothing at all. Anyway you decorate with a piece from The Annapolis Pottery is instantly lovely. The prices, too, are comparable to pottery of other establishments. I instantly fell in love with a small, jewel-glazed bowl that only costs $12.
The store is composed of a few rooms where shoppers notice patterns in style. A majority of the pieces are shades of blue and green, often a blend of the colors. Other themes are crabs, trees, and naturally, the United States Naval Academy. Even the goat mascot has a place in some of the designs.
Shoppers can find specialty pieces in The Annapolis Pottery, too. While there, I noticed brie baking dishes, oddly-shaped mugs, pitchers, bread bowls, olive oil holders, plates and chopsticks for sushi, spoons, platters, and teapots. The whole store is chock full of fascinating pottery that is incredibly versatile. If you’re unsure how to display your pottery, just look around the store for inspiration. On the walls, visitors see decorative bowls and platters mounted in a clever way. The staff placed platters and vases of a similar style on tables in the store, which suggests how to arrange their pottery.
Still can’t find that piece you have in mind after browsing the lovely shapes and colors in Annapolis Pottery? The talented artists at the store can make you a custom piece! Contact the store at 410-268-6153 or go to annapolispottery.com. 
The Annapolis Pottery at 40 State Circle in downtown Annapolis offers shoppers handmade, quality, and unique pieces–something that’s hard to come by in our technology-obsessed world. Make the time to visit the store and indulge in some of Annapolis’ finest collectible items. It’s safe to assume pottery or a gift card from Annapolis Pottery will earn you brownie points with future mothers-in-law, bosses, and picky friends.
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