November 21, 2023
Lauren Burke Meyer
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Contributor
Were you good this year? The big guy wants to know.
If you play your cards right, maybe you’ll score a highly coveted splurge item from some of our favorite local businesses. Either way, we have your holiday shopping and wish lists covered — no matter your price range.
100 Main Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
What’s not to love about these Sterling Silver Gucci Trademark Heart Studs? $250.00
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An Annapolitan show-stopper. 18Kt White Gold Yellow Nautical Cable Cuff bracelet with 66 round diamonds weighing 0.53cttw. $2,195.00
Worn by Rihanna (yes, you read that name right) to the Gucci Fashion Show. 18Kt White Gold Cross on a black velvet ribbon with Tanzanites weighing 47.84ct, Aquamarines weighing 13.54ct, and sapphires weighing 5.88ct. $69,000.00
Santa + Annapolis = Santapolis: A Magical Holiday Experience. They have a Santa experience for everyone. Sure, they have the usual baby’s first Santa photos, and my personal favorite “crying kid” photos that’ll undoubtedly bring laughter for decades to come. They also have pet and PJ photo ops. Learn more and make yourself a reservation.
2002 Annapolis Mall Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401
Additionally, gifts — especially gift cards — from any of the stores below always make for a great gift.
H&M – Fast fashion for the entire family.
Lululemon – Men’s and women’s clothes and accessories for the yoga studio and beyond.
Zara – If it’s good enough for Kate Middleton, then it’s good enough for me.
The North Face – Stay toasty this winter with fleeces, coats, and more.
Michael Kors – Classic handbags, shoes, and dresses. My MK rose-gold watch still ranks as one of the best holiday gifts ever. They not only offer men’s and women’s items, but kids clothing.
Talbots – A safe bet for all moms and grandmoms to fulfill their clothing needs.
Buckle – Jeans for the entire family? Yes, please.
Lego – The brand best known for making parents yelp when they step on their tiny pieces, has range. You can find Legos on the more affordable side like a T. Rex Skull for $39.99, however, the Disney Castle is $399.99.
Lovesac – Couches that are washable, rearrangeable, and best of all — guaranteed for life. If you’re like me and still saving up for this glorious couch, take a load off during your holiday shopping to see that the hype is real. On Black Friday, enjoy 30% off sactionals (insert giggle here for their made up word for sectionals). Regular prices range from $4,725 to $10,555.
Lindquist & Beckstead – With brands like David Yurman and TAG Heuer, you’re sure to meet your fine jewelry needs.
With more awards than I can count, Boatyard Bar & Grille offers a menu where you literally can’t go wrong. I could eat their open-faced crab dip samich (not a typo) every time I go. If seafood’s not your thing, their burgers and buffalo chicken sandwiches are also incredibly popular.
Publisher’s note: I’m literally incapable of ordering anything other than Fin’s Fantabulous Fish Tacos.
400 Fourth St, Annapolis, MD 21403
Gift Cards: Always a safe bet, always enjoyed. Starting at $25.
Merchandise: Whether you want to show off your local pride, or you’re a tourist wanting to remember the best crab soup you’ve ever had, merch is always fun. Consider the following: “All Killer, No Filler Crab Cake” tees, “Raw Bar (We Shuck Responsibly)” tees, Boatyard hoodies, fleece, long-sleeved tees, and hats. Prices range from $23-$49.
Michelle Obama once said their crabcakes were the best she’s ever had. Jimmy Buffet and Kevin Bacon have also enjoyed the classic Maryland dish. Boatyard’s famous “All Killer, No Filler Crab Cake Dinner”. Market Price
Boatyard Seafood Towers
3-Tier: 3 dozen mixed oysters, 8 jumbo garlic marinated head-on shrimp, 8 pieces sesame crusted seared tuna, 12 PEI marinated mussels, 3 oz smoked fish dip, crackers, and assorted accoutrements. $140.00
2-Tier: 2 dozen mixed oysters, 4 jumbo garlic marinated head-on shrimp, 8 pieces sesame crusted seared tuna, 6 PEI marinated mussels, 3oz smoked fish dip, crackers, and assorted accoutrements. $99.00
Bonus gift suggestion: Ship Boatyard crab cakes, soups, and crab dip anywhere in the U.S. Talk about a coveted gift for your out-of-town relatives. Prices range from $109.95 - $239.95 with free shipping. Order online.
My husband doesn’t know it yet, but some day, local artist Kim Hovell’s work will fill our entire home. While her prints are top-notch, here are some other gifts to consider.
151 Main St, Annapolis, MD 21401
Annapolis Christmas ornament - $35
Bay Blues Crab carafe and wine glasses - Carafe costs $35 and glasses are $20.
Custom New Zealand Wool Rug - $6,400
87 Main Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
12 days of Cheer MiniShotBox. Customize your recipient’s shots. $7.99, plus cost of shots.
Rowdy Reindeer Variety Wine Box (6 wines, perfect for the holiday season in a convenient grab and go pack) $49.99
Chateau Haut-Brion 2015: One of the most famous Bordeaux wines. It’s also a perfect 100-point rated wine (which are incredibly rare and a special gift for avid wine collectors). In 1855, it earned the distinction as one of only four Bordeaux to be classified as "first growth". Bordeaux may seem mysterious to those getting into wine. Mills Owner Jen Donahoe told us, “it's pretty much a Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend, just like many of the wines we enjoy from California.” $999.99 ($799.99 if purchased as part of a mixed case of 12 wines)
Yves Delorme, a French family-owned company has provided luxury linens, sleepwear, and accessories since 1849. Annapolitans who demand and appreciate the finer things in life have been shopping at their store for decades.
167E Jennifer Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401
A wide selection of gifts for everyone, including soaps, toiletries, candles, picture frames, books, and home decorations. Ranging from $9 to $150+
“He knows when you're awake.” But does he know the perse pattern will allow you to meditate upon the reflections of time? Queen set is $850.
Honore, recently retired from their couture collection, will lull you to sleep at an incredible discount. Currently $1,905 (Regularly $3,485)
The place where you find a gift for the person who says “they don’t need anything.” When in doubt, gift cards make you a hero, especially with the women in your life.
149 Main Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 and 562B Ritchie Hwy., Severna Park, MD 21146
Get Jellycat stuffed animals or books for the little loves in your life. “If I were a _____.” Insert elf, giraffe, whale into that blank. The best books for a short and sweet bedtime. Starting at $12 - $50.
“I have too many candles” said no woman ever. They carry two of my personal favorite scents – Capri Blue ($34) and Thyme Frasier Fir ($22).
Vera Bradley and Scout are two other popular brands with gifts starting at $10 and up.
Merry & Bright Puffers and hats from Marine Layer ($48-$248)
An assortment of sparkling and eye-catching jewelry from Brackish ($95 - $185).
Fun fact – the model is my neighbor and part-owner of The Cottage. Hi Sarah!
Give the gift of music! Concert tickets make great gifts.
33 West Street Annapolis, Maryland 21401
The New Romance: The Ultimate 80s Prom New Year’s Eve Dance Party
On NYE, The New Romance will crank out a nonstop, high-energy show that’ll leave you breathless. $39.50
R&B/Jazz Artist Patrice Rushan
Considered one of the world’s top jazz pianists, Patrice Rushen, has performed with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Prince, and Carlos Santana. Takes place on January 13. $65
The legendary 70s rock band Three Dog Night returns on January 22 and January 23. In the years 1969-1974, no other group achieved more top 10 hits, moved more records, or sold more concert tickets. $120
Buy tickets to these shows and more.
One of the best boutique gems in West Annapolis. They offer complimentary styling services to every guest who walks through their doors.
12 Annapolis St, Annapolis, MD 21401
Sara Happ's best-selling brown sugar lip scrub and lip gloss are bundled for a perfect pout. Vegan and made in the USA. Sara Happ Lip Scrub and Shine Kit - $36
Brochu Walker's signature style makes getting dressed effortless. Layering gorgeous cashmere over shirting details creates the illusion of two pieces in one. Available in multiple colors. Brochu Walker Layered Cashmere V-Neck Sweater - $400
Aquatalia's Jolie boot takes après-ski style to new heights. Made in Italy from soft suede and plush shearling, this weatherproof boot is the perfect antidote to boring cold-weather footwear. Aquatalia Jolie Boot - $795
Stockings really don't get enough love. So, Old Fox Books & Coffeehouse made a point to carry items that can slip into those socks at the hearthside.
Vintage pocket paperbacks: There's something about sliding a book into your pocket that speaks to all booklovers. Entertainment at your fingertips, that doesn't rely on a charge. $5.00
Little leather Shakespeares: Doesn't matter that the famous writer has been gone for over 400 years. He's still number one. $11.95
Embark Organic Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup: This delicious offering comes from the Driftless Region of Wisconsin every year. It's a crowd pleaser, and you won't find it in any stores this side of the Mississippi. Perfect for the usual suspects (waffles and pancakes), but wonderful drizzled on ice cream and in eggnog you're going to grab from their neighbors at Galway Bay. $19.95
New releases the staff recommends:
“Bookshops & Bonedust” by Travis Baldree; orcs, elves, and a foul-mouthed bookseller showcase in this love story for the local community bookstore. $17.99
“What You Need to Be Warm: A Poem of Welcome,” a picture book by New York Times bestselling and multi-award winning author, Neil Gaiman. $18.95
“Demon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver, the winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 2023. $32.50
“Thud!” - autographed by Terry Pratchett.
“Weaveworld” - autographed by Clive Barker
Pristine complete collections of Tamora Pierce.
Also, in the case right now: A third printing of Shirley Jackson's “The Lottery,” the Calla edition of “Tales of Mystery and Imagination” by Edgar Allan Poe, and an early printing of “And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie. Costs range from $100-$1,500.
Disclaimer: There’s a word intentionally misspelled in this section. Find the spelling error and get a free additional hour from Cara Ann Lifestyles Concierge! Details on claiming below.
If you're looking for ways to avoid stress and stay on the nice list, let their conceirge team take over the to-dos. Their holiday bundles will bring you cheer and more time to spend with those that you love during the most magical time of the year.
5 hours for $425
10 hours for $750
20 hours for $1,300
Contact Cara at cara@caraannlifestyles.com or 443.822.8894 to schedule. Remember to ask about your free additional hour by mentioning the spelling error!
P.S. - Zachary Jewelers, The Cottage, Old Fox Books & Coffeehouse, Kim Hovell, and other retailers along West Street, Maryland Avenue, Main Street, and Market Space participate in Midnight Madness. On 12/7 and 12/14, shops are open from 4 PM-midnight, and on 12/21 until 11 PM. I live for the free refreshments (especially the usual bubbly from The Cottage). The charming decorations, carolers, and Alpacas make this a must-shop this holiday season.
P.P.S. - The Holiday pop-up at HERE is also participating and open until 12/22. Their usual hours are 10 AM-6 PM at 4 Church Circle in Downtown Annapolis. It’s the only place to get your Naptown Scoop merch like Scoop hats, shirts, and our exclusive Smith & Quinn quarter zips.
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