Christmas is less than two weeks away and holiday shopping is at an all-time high. With the buzz and bustle of the end of the year, finding that perfect gift for a loved one becomes more and more taxing. If you’re not the type who shops all year-long, peruse this guide to interesting yet enjoyable holiday gifts. You’ll notice no sweaters, jewelry or technological gadgets make this list–this one is Annapolis-grown and as such, is infinitely more special.
Gifts for Him
Sweaters, tools, and wool socks are so last season. Consider something new for your male recipients this year.
Mills Fine Wine and Spirits carries a selection of beer, wine, and liquor that range in type and price. Since the holidays often spur on social drinking, find a special brewed or distilled drink for your guy. The staff on-hand are willing to assist in making the right choice in accordance with taste buds and how much you’re willing to spend. Mills carries local wines and brews too, allowing you to keep your money local. Head to the store downtown or call 410-263-2888 to learn more about the selection. A simple ribbon tied around the neck of the bottle would do the trick.
Weems & Plath in Eastport features nautical products and garden products ideal for outdoorsy guys. Specifically, this locally operated company sells top-notch clocks for boats and home offices. The clocks are tried and true and are set off with gold-colored metal or dark wood. These are the types of products men can hand down to sons and daughters. The store in Eastport stocks these clocks and makes many of them on-site. Visit on the web too, at Weems & Plath.
What guy doesn’t like sports? And since we’re talking about Annapolis gifting, we could also pose: What guy doesn’t like Navy football? Season tickets would make a great gift for the guy in your life, and at the price of $209, that’s all you’d have to give. The season tickets include five home games. Looking for a cheaper option? Give standing room season tickets for $105–the same thing but with no stadium seating. Still want a cheaper option? Purchase some official Navy gear that starts at $15. To purchase tickets and see the link to Navy apparel, visit Navy Sports. Supporting a local team is a very generous and enjoyable thing to do this holiday season.
Gifts for Her
Women often are attached to a “picky” reputation, but in fact, women can easily appreciate the gifts we suggest below.
Salon West in West Annapolis is a locally owned and operated salon that’s both inviting and high-end. The salon offers most salon services: hair, beauty product consultation, hand and feet care, etc. Gift cards for a much-deserving woman would be well-received. Call 410-263-0777 to learn about pricing.
Annebeth’s on Maryland Avenue has gifts easily suitable for men, women, and children, but the gift baskets specially made to cater to a woman’s taste are worth discussing. Annebeth’s features savory baskets, compete with Muenster cheese, cheese straws, chocolate, nuts, and more that are ideal for entertaining with girlfriends. Other baskets can be found in the store and most would be perfectly completed with a nice bottle of wine. This store is packed with ready-made items and most of them are already packaged with aesthetic value in mind. Go to the store or visit Annebeth’s online.
As time goes on and schedules become more hectic, it’s increasingly challenging to keep up with good friends. Give her the gift of furthering friendships with a set of decorative stationary from Paper Source in Annapolis Towne Centre. The store is filled to the brim with patterned paper, card stock, stamps, stickers, and themed paper gifts well-suited for communication in a crafty way. Let the staff help you choose a set that will be beautiful and functional. Go to Paper Source to peruse the offerings.
Gifts for Children
Toys and gadgets provide immediate enjoyment that can wear off within a few days. Try for something that will engage children’s young minds and enhance their creativity, like these ideas that follow.
Tara’s Gifts in West Annapolis has been a staple in the youthful yet elegant party scene for years. The store hosts gift baskets, unique gifts, and even space for tea parties for young girls. The last idea–the tea party room–is the one that is ideal for young girls to enjoy this Christmas. Gift cards for the young girl to have her own tea party make unique yet lovable gifts. When you book a tea party, the girls also get to dress up with hats, feather boas, and more to make the occasion special. For more, call 410-295-5157.
A boy’s reaction to a Tara’ Gifts party will not elicit nearly as much excitement, thus, the comic book selection at Third Eye Comics on Main Street should receive some consideration. This store features vintage editions and new editions of classic comics as well as up-and-coming ones. Toys, figurines, and knick-knacks in the store would be suitable for most young boys. You can purchase gift cards and items online or in the store.
The Annapolis Book Store on Maryland Avenue is revered for its collection of rare books, but the fact is, it offers great gifts too. There are children’s books sure to be unlike those in chain bookstores, fancy paper and pens, and even scratch and sketch books. The child-friendly merchandise is able to encourage imagination and inspire fun to young ones. Visit Annapolis Bookstore on the web.
Gender-Neutral Gifts
Sometimes it is easier to simply purchase gifts everyone would love in bulk. Ideas below fit this bill, yet could easily be purchased just for one.
Hammond-Harwood House on Maryland Avenue sells holiday wreaths and tabletop decorations made by volunteers, with proceeds going to benefit the historic site (as seen above). These Christmas-y decorations are made of boxwoods and made even more festive with berries, old sheets of music, holly leaves, and pine cones woven in. Prices range from $30 to $60. This gift will last much longer than flowers, especially when displayed in cool temperatures. Go to Hammond-Harwood House’s site to learn more.
West Annapolis Antiques welcomes a slew of interesting and gift-worthy merchandise throughout the year. The antiques inside are befitting for both males and females. With no online presence, the gifts you’ll find at West Annapolis Antiques are even more of a surprise. We’ve seen vintage clothing, antique furniture, and old knick-knacks perfect for those who treasure the past. Call the store at 410-295-1200.
Decorations and fine art also cater to the likes of most women and men. Downtown Annapolis features several great galleries–Easy Street, Main Street Gallery, Circle Art Gallery, Annapolis Marine Art Gallery, and McBride Gallery–but our favorite for a wide variety of art items on a broad price scale is Easy Street. This local fine art shop offers everything from massive glass-blown wall decorations to small glass coasters. The store is a vision it its own right, and the gifts match that theme. We are partial to the glass serving ware–the coasters, the cheese plate and knife sets, the bubble-effect glass dishes. All are priced reasonably considering artists across the nation handmade these gifts. Peruse the store’s offerings or visit them online at Easy Street Gallery.
Happy gifting!
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