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By Lauren Bell
Photography by DAVID COLWELL

Style & Shopping

Gift Guide 2017

This holiday season, it’s key to acknowledge the importance of both self-care and taking care of one another.

By Lauren Bell. Photography by David Colwell.

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The world seems more daunting and overwhelming than ever. So in this holiday season, it’s key to acknowledge the importance of both self-care and taking care of one another. This year, we’ve gathered a selection of items that are not only great gifts, but allow you to nurture your mind, body, and soul. From physical items like planners, exercise essentials, and waffle mix to experiential gifts like yoga retreats, subscription services, and cooking classes, you are sure to find something to put you in the giving mood. Let these gifts be your guide to a better you, whether that means sharing them with the ones you love or treating yourself to a little something special.

Gifts to nourish, stimulate, and calm the brain.

Chess

Exercise both parts of the brain and sharpen up problem-solving skills with this handmade chess set by local architect David Kerivan. Chess set ($390) at Nouveau Home and Interior Design.

Salt Lamp

Himalayan salt lamps are said to purify the air, decrease allergy symptoms, and improve your mood. Pink Himalayan salt lamp ($69.99) at Ten Thousand Villages.

Escape Room

Calling all true-crime fans and puzzle lovers—crack codes and follow clues to solve mysteries set to different storylines, such as Mystery Mansion and Museum Heist, at Breakout Games Escape Room.You’ll have 60 minutes to “escape,” problem solve, and bond with family, friends, and maybe even a stranger. ($26.99/person)

Teapot

Hand painted and ready to make you a calming cup of chamomile. Mackenzie-Childs Courtly Check teapot ($105) at Williams Sonoma.

Bean Box

For those who need the perfect blend to be fully functioning, this coffee subscription is great for trying out new gourmet flavors. Bean Box subscription ($18/month) at Beanbox.co.

Yoga Mat

Detox from the day to day with a retreat full of mindfulness, yoga, and meditation. Re-energize and make new friends with Arrow yoga , which has upcoming trips to New Zealand, Costa Rica, and Peru on the horizon—and the scenery doesn’t hurt either. Under Armour Training Mat ($39.99) at Princeton Sports.

Spy Candle

If the soothing “Cozy Cottage” scent doesn’t get you, the thoughtful and creative packaging will. Milk Reclamation barn spy candle ($18) at Mud and Metal.

Sticker Book

Adult coloring books are so last year. This new craft therapy requires a little more patience, but will help you stay inside the lines. Paint by Sticker Music Icons book ($14.95) at Nouveau Home and Interior Design.

Jumbo Sticks

This classic game is increased in size and enjoyment; have even more fun using your whole body to carefully claim victory. Kikkerland jumbo Pick Up Sticks ($40) at The Store Ltd.

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Victory Pad

Lists can be an essential tool in getting things done. This notepad speeds up the process by also reminding you of the victory wine you deserve upon completion. Knock Knock Classic pad ($9) at Su Casa.

Wallet

Six card slots and a full bill compartment keep everything together on the go, ensuring only the smoothest transactions. Kiko Buck bifold leather wallet ($45) at Sixteen Tons.

Butter Notepad

Jot down reminders and trick friends with this fun notepad that will have you saying, “I can’t believe it’s not butter.” Butter notepad ($9.95) at Nouveau.

Sugar Agenda

The tasteful design, both weekly and monthly layouts, and a thank you note tracker make loving this planner by Sugar Paper easy. Sugar Paper blue pencil stripe desk agenda ($37) at Trohv.

blocks

Give the gift of learning with these hand-crafted, embossed blocks designed to help teach American Sign Language. Uncle Goose American Sign Language blocks set ($43) at Trohv.

Echo

The perfect brain companion, Amazon’s Echo Plus takes notes, plays favorite tunes, and can even call an Uber. Amazon Echo Plus ($149.99).

Recipe Cards

Keeping track of favorite dishes is easy with these charming recipe cards by Sidework Studio. Sidework Studio letterpress printed recipe cards ($16) at Neighbor Goods.

Dominos

You don’t need to like playing games to find this set of wooden dominos featuring the iconic geometric patterns of Frank Lloyd Wright aesthetically pleasing. MudPuppy The Patterns of Frank Lloyd Wright dominoes ($29.99) at Trohv.

Dreamcatcher

Sweet dreams—and cute home décor—are made of this . . . beautifully crafted dreamcatcher. Manik large dreamcatcher ($88) at Wee Chic.

Magnatab

Let creativity soar with the magnetic stylus and bead board of the Magnatab, which not only reinforces sense memory, but also glows in the dark, bringing light to learning. Kid-O jumbo glow-in-the-dark Magnatab ($34.99) at aMuse Toys.

Letter sorter

“Paying bills is fun,” said no one ever. Stay organized with this Savoy letter sorter ($20) at Trohv.

Hourglass

One-minute meditation is made easy with ferrous sand and a hidden magnet, which creates beautiful stalagmites as the seconds tick away. Kikkerland Magnetic hourglass ($22) at Mud and Metal.

Candle

You had us at sandalwood. Often Wander candle ($18) at Poppy and Stella.

Tea Can

Relaxing and refreshing, this tea with a local twist is great for anyone trying to cut back on sugar. Wight Tea Co. Maryland Mint tea ($20) at Neighbor Goods.

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Gifts to get you moving in style.

Shoes

A favorite among runners, this shoe’s ultra-responsive cushioning helps you pick up the pace and focus on speed. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 34 ($110) at Charm City Run.

Weights

Perfect for weight training and cardio at home, these lighter weights help focus on smaller muscle groups for noticeable definition. Three-pound weight ($9), five-pound weight ($15) at Princeton Sports.

Take Out

The most creative and clever way to keep compost-bound waste out of sight. Take out compost ($26) at Trohv.

Mask

Do a bit of at-home pampering with these organic and cruelty-free masks for both skin and hair. Urb Apothecary Lavender Matcha Mask ($14), Urb Apothecary Hair Repair Mask ($14) at Brightside Boutique.

Face Oil

This blend of pure botanicals gives skin the vitamins and nutrients needed to stay clean and clear. The Good Hippie facial oils ($48/each) at Double–dutch Boutique.

Olive Oil

Use this small-batch oil for dipping, or drizzle it over everything from salads and vegetables to grilled meats and pasta for a vibrant and fresh taste. Meyer Lemon infused olive oil ($24.95) at Williams Sonoma.

Roller

Reap the benefits of a sports massage at a fraction of the cost with this roller, complete with a grid of flexible bumps and grooves to penetrate even the hardest to reach muscles. TriggerPoint GRID foam roller ($39.95) at Charm City Run.

Beanie

Not only is this beanie adorable, but it’s functional and will keep you warm all winter long. Simonetta beanie ($22) at Brightside Boutique.

Onesie

The perfect onesie for a future bookworm. Read To Me onesie ($23) at Trohv.

Green Tea

Naturally boost energy levels with the power of green tea and the refreshing flavor of coconut. Essential Living Green Tea Smoothie mix ($24.95) at Williams Sonoma.

Hat

Effortlessly cool and made locally, this hat is perfect for your friend with impeccable style. Creative King Billard leather brim hat ($50) at Sixteen Tons.

Cuffs

The feminine and romantic details of these elegant cuffs are one of a kind. Evocateur cuff ($310-335) at Trillium Ltd.

Aftershave

Scented with bitter orange, basil, black amber, and cedar leaf, this post-shave treat will leave you feeling so fresh and so clean. Suavecito aftershave ($13/each) at Brightside Boutique.

Trophy

We all know and love this person—even if they don’t eat cheese. Vegan trophy ($28) at Trohv.

Mini Backpack

Designed in Sweden, this bag is meant to distribute weight evenly—meaning maximum comfort while exploring the great outdoors. Fjallraven Kanken mini backpack ($65) at Brightside Boutique.

Dress

This sweet dress from Worthy Threads is so cute on you’ll want one in your size. Worthy Threads cake dress ($60) at Worthy Threads.

Flannel

Functional and fashionable, this shirt has a touch of spandex for comfort. United by Blue Pickman shirt ($84) at Brightside Boutique.

Pillow

Rule the roost with this cozy pillow, complete with a removable chick. Coral & Tusk chick pocket pillow ($112) at In Watermelon Sugar.

Denim Jacket

It’s all in the details with this carefully embellished, on-trend denim jacket. Blank embroidered denim jacket ($188) at South Moon Under.

Clutch

This adorable bag from Kate Spade is a great companion for holiday parties. Kate Spade Ooh La La Dollface clutch ($398) at Handbags in the City.

Clips

An extra hand for pinching, clipping, and holding things in place. Areaware pinch clip ($30/each) at Trohv.

Spa Day

The spa at the Four Seasons is almost otherworldly, and the Body Firming Detox with Algae Wrap is no exception. The treatment starts with a dry brush technique that exfoliates and stimulates lymphatic drainage and circulation and is followed by a multi-vitamin firming creme, head massage, and nutrient-rich algae wrap that will have you feeling like a million bucks. Body Firming Detox with Algae Wrap ($224-234) at Four Seasons Hotel.

Earrings

Inspired by the South African Lilac Breasted Roller, these earrings will transform any outfit into something spectacular. Mignonne Gavigan bird earrings ($220) at Sassanova.

North Face

Flannel lined and water repellant to keep your body warm while braving the elements. The North Face Fort Point insulated jacket ($120) at Princeton Sports.

Spin Class

Give the gift of being fit with a month of unlimited barre and cycling classes at REV Cycle Studio. Not only does REV offer your typical spin and barre classes, but they host themed classes and happy hours to keep your interest level high. One month unlimited classes ($190) at REV Cycle Studio.

Pullover

Stay warm, dry, and comfortable with this lightweight pullover—perfect for layering in the colder months. Nike running Dri-FIT pullover ($75) at Charm City Run.

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Gifts that promote reflection, growth, and appreciation.

Camera

Capture life’s most amazing moments with instant results. This camera has a high-performance flash, so you won’t miss any of the details. Fujifilm Instax mini 90 Neo Classic ($169.95) at Service Photo.

Whiskey

While whiskey may not technically be healthy, we celebrate it as an indulgence that helps us to calm down, open up, and even cure the common cold—or so they say. Signature Rye whiskey ($42) at Sagamore Spirit.

Bar Tools

Share some spirit this holiday season with this compact hammered-copper bar set that provides all the tools to craft the perfect cocktail at home. Hammered bar kit ($79.95) at Williams Sonoma.

Ice Mold

Keep drinks cold with ice cubes molded into the shape of man’s best friend. Bulldog ice molds ($14.95) Williams Sonoma.

Plush

Comfort is achieved with this soft plush duchess, who even comes with her own backstory on her tag—use as a pillow, lap warmer, or just when you need a squeeze. Sigikid Beasts Duchess of Hampershire plush toy ($90) at The Store Ltd.

Chef Shop

Cooking is good for the soul. It teaches life lessons, is made with love, and easily brings people together. Not a top chef? Try a class at the Baltimore Chef Shop, which offers lessons on kitchen basics, holiday baking, sushi, vegetarian cuisine, and more. Wooden spoons ($10/each) at Williams Sonoma.

Music Set

Never miss a beat with these handheld melody makers. Kid O Tempo music set ($25) at The Store Ltd.

Bottle Opener

Crack open a cold one with ease using this handcrafted opener by Pintail Woodworks, made from reclaimed wood. Bottle opener ($35) at Neighbor Goods.

Plant

This small bit of greenery gives a whole new meaning to the term face-plant. Face planter ($30) at B.Willow.

Waffle Mix

Nothing says you care like the gift of fluffy, crisp Belgian waffles. Bellegem Belgian waffle mix ($12.95) at Williams Sonoma.

Globe

There is no doubt that traveling allows us to step out of our comfort zones, experience new cultures, and find appreciation for the things we have in our lives. What better reminder than a tiny decorative globe? Small globe ($16.95) at Nouveau Home and Interior Design.

Cross Stitch

A perfect gift for your favorite pun lover. Radish cross stitch ($45) at B.Willow.

Pins

Sometimes soulmates are best friends, and sometimes they are characters from a TV show about best friends. Twin pins Broad City pins ($14.95) at Trohv.

Sad Book

Collect thoughts and dreams with this journal inspired by the movie Bridesmaids. Dear Hancock A Very Sad Handwritten Book journal ($16) at Trohv.

Unplug Book

It’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of technology. This journal offers tips and tricks on different ways to unplug and truly take in our surroundings. Unplug Every Day book ($14.95) at South Moon Under.

Paint Box

This box set has everything to get lost in an arts-and-crafts creation. One Canoe Two Artisan watercolor paint set ($48) at The Pleasure of Your Company.

Constellations

This watercolor print by local artist Jen Aranyi is not only easy on the eyes, but it has a way of reminding us how small we really are. Constellation print ($20) at Neighbor Goods.

Notecards

Hilarious and uplifting cards to, like, be a really good friend. Knock Knock Like, Totally Quotable notecards ($12) at Su Casa.

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