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FEATURE

THE GIFT LIST

15 Unique Ideas for Holiday Gifting

By Heather D’Urso, Editor-in-Chief 

and Desiree Smith-Daughety | November 2011

Scratch off the same-old ideas you use every year and have as much fun selecting from our ideas as you’ll have in wrapping and gifting them. Because the best ideas come by word of mouth, we decided to share our favorite locally found gifts. These items are easy to find online or in local stores, affordable (most are less than $25!), and each was personally recommended by one of us at Taste of the Bay.

For the Wine Lover

Move over electric corkscrew, the newest vino accessory is sure to please wine lovers. After pouring their first glass, the reusable Corkcicle keeps wine at the perfect drinking temperature - chilling it from the inside out. $22.95

Available at Annebeth’s, 75 Maryland Ave., Annapolis, 410.990.9700, www.annebeths.com. 

Babies Can’t Resist Keys

Developed by a local Annapolis mom and made in the US,

these adorable key animals are made of non-toxic stainless

steel that will satisfy your child’s desire to play with metal

keys without the hazards of lead contamination, sharp edges,

or the daily grime that attaches to household car keys. $24

Available at Lil' Lamb Shop, 167Q Jennifer Rd., Annapolis, 410.266.3303, www.lillambshop.com

Head Out with Hand Crocheted Toppers

For boys or girls. If gifting a little girl, the penguin has a bow attached; the hat can be made with any color trim or bow. The lion hat has a furry mane and embroidered features. $16-$18. The Ravens football hat has a clip-on flower which can be removed for use on a headband. Sizes from newborn to adult. Machine washable; line dry recommended. $20

Available at Charm City Crochet, 410.440.5028,

www.facebook.com/charmcitycrochet

Eco-Stocking Stuffers

Created by an Annapolis family company, these clever skin care products have no chemicals or preservatives. The shaving foams/body wash work to alleviate nicks, cuts, in-grown hairs and razor burn and the effects of dull blades. For all skin/hair types. Inside tip: a little goes a long way. Eucamint2: refreshing and tingly. Pomango: smells and feels amazing. Soothing Citrus: for super sensitive skin. 7.1 oz and 3 oz foaming dispensers, $24 and $14             

Available at: Eco-Armour, www.ecoarmour.com and Homestead Gardens in Severna Park or Davidsonville

Charming Jewelry

The sterling silver bracelet includes one photo charm,

and the 28" long sterling silver necklace includes two

photo charms and one hand stamped charm. Add or

subtract photos, for up to 4 charms. Bonus: add to your

necklace or bracelet later - buy the charm, send the

designer the bracelet and she'll take care of the rest for

free! $150 bracelet, $180 necklace

Available at Megan Deppe Photography, Annapolis. 410.798.0273, www.megandeppe.com

Dreaming of a Chocolate Christmas

Drool-worthy, hand-formed chocolate holiday trees: almonds roasted to perfection and coated in a rich, dark chocolate. Made by Zoe’s Chocolate in Frederick (the official chocolatier of the 2011 Emmy Awards), each is dusted with “snow” (confectioner’s sugar) and stands about 7” tall and 6“ wide. $20

                                               Available at: Annebeth’s, 75 Maryland Ave., Annapolis,                                                                410.990.9700, annebeths.com or Whole Foods Market, 200                                                          Harker Place, Annapolis.

Beach Angels

Handmade by local potters, these porcelain angels have real starfish and sand dollars. Small 6" $25; large 10" $35

Available at: Quirk n Bach Pottery, 71 Bay Drive Annapolis, 410.267.0392, quirknbachpottery.com and Ophiuroidea, 609 S. Talbot St. St. Michaels, 410.804.4432, .ophiuroidea.com.

Pet Lovers

Charmingly imperfect, each animal-inspired charm is handcrafted by local artist Tracy Menz. Made with precious metal clay, each piece is 99.9% pure silver. Charms can be mixed, matched and personalized. Necklace with one charm, $36; additional charms, $18 each; add locally found sea glass or a gemstone, $5. Earrings, $36; Rings, $25.

Available at Paws Pet Boutique, 64 State Circle, Annapolis, 410.263.8683, www.pawspetboutique.com

Maryland Themed Fine Art Posters

Designed by local artist Ramon Matheu, the Maryland-inspired fine art posters are printed on heavy card stock, sealed for protection and signed by the artist. 20+ varieties. Size: 12" x 18” (fits standard size frames). $35 each. ©2011

Ramon Matheu

Available at www.ramonmatheu.com  

Sharp Shirts

This Baltimore-based company creates durable, sweatshop-free American Apparel printed in the US. The Branched Soldier tee is meant to

express: things would be a lot easier if

everyone focused on nature’s beauty and

less on our differences. Tri-blend V-neck, $26.

On the Haymaker, is it Chuck Norris or Paul

Bunyon knocking out a bear? Or maybe it

represents the Cold War since the bear

has Russian on it and the guy looks

American. 100% cotton, $24 

Available at www.sharpshirter.com

Vintage-inspired

Made from upcycled ornate silver plated or glass candle holders and dinner plates, the stands are perfect for displaying anything. New to this year’s line: decorative magnets that can be removed for cleaning or changed for holiday or style variations. Tiered plates, held together with magnets, can be separated.

3-tiered, $125; 2-tiered with bird, $110

Available at: 443.722.0917, simply-plated.com;

Ophiuroida, 609 St. Talbot St.,St. Michaels, ophiuroidea.com;

and Periwinkles, 1628 Postal  Rd., Ste. B, Chester, MD

periwinklesboutique.com

1-Year Subscription to Taste of the Bay

Packed with information that enriches the experiences of living, working and playing in Bay country, a subscription to TOTB magazine is the perfect gift that keeps giving all year. Our resource guides are found nowhere else!

$18 (1 year – 10 issues)

Available at www.TasteOfTheBay.com, by emailing subscriptions@tasteofthebay.net, or calling 888.628.4690, x709.