Coffee table books, though they don’t technically need to be stacked on a table, are both delightful to look at and make quite a statement about your varied interests. Here are a few recommendations that can be found at local shops:

Books pictured from top to bottom:

• 1000 Record Covers by Michael Ochs ($20) at Atomic Books.
• Inspire Your Home by Farah Merhi ($35) at The Ivy Bookshop.
• Birds of North America edited by Francois Vuilleumier ($40) at Charm City Books.
• Glory: Magical Visions of Black Beauty by Kahran and Regis Bethencourt ($30) at Charm City Books.
• Mid-Century Modern Design: A Complete Sourcebook by Dominic Bradbury ($50) at The Ivy Bookshop.
• Living with Nature: Decorating with the Rhythms of the Seasons by Marie Masureel ($42.50) at The Ivy Bookshop.
• The Look of the Book: Jackets, Covers, and Art at the Edges of Literature by Peter Mendelsund and David J. Alworth ($50) at Atomic Books.
• The Monocle Book of Japan by Tyler Brûlé, Andrew Tuck, Fiona Wilson, and Joe Pickard ($65) at Atomic Books.
• Atlas of Animal Adventures: A Collection of Nature’s Most Unmissable Events, Epic Migrations and Extraordinary Behaviours by Rachel Williams, Emily Hawkins, and illustrated by Lucy Letherland ($35) at The Children’s Bookstore.

Heywood Wakefield lounge chair sourced and reupholstered by 605 Mod ($950) at Taken: Forever Reinventing. Dracaena Marginata plant ($40) and wicker basket ($12) from B.Willow.

With the mandated stay-at-home orders still in place, it looks like Mother’s Day is going to be a little different this year. But that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate your loved ones from afar.

In fact, local shops have come up with thoughtful presents to make contactless gifting easy. We’ve put together a handy gift guide to help you celebrate the important women in your life while supporting local businesses. These shops offer online ordering for delivery or contact-free curbside pickup, making for a seamless transaction while still practicing safe social distancing.

B. Willow

The storefront might be closed, but that hasn’t stopped B.Willow from staying true to its Mother’s Day tradition. Owner Liz Vayda has packaged two options: a seasonal bouquet or tropical potted plant—both of which come with a dried-flower card and a half-dozen rose shortbread cookies from Bramble Baking Co. Curbside pickup is available Monday-Friday from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. and local delivery with a minimum order of $50 is available on Monday, and Wednesday-Friday.

Becket Hitch

We all know these times are stressful, so why not gift mom a calming, self-care package? Becket Hitch’s Old Whaling Bath Co. Kits include body butter, salt scrub, and a bath bomb in an array of scents like coastal calm, magnolia, and “Sea La Vie.” To top it off, add an all-natural sea sponge, candle, or pajama set from their extensive Mother’s Day gift section. Free delivery is available within 10 miles of the Baltimore County shop.

Brightside Boutique

Offering gift packages for the new mom, the young mom, and the best-friend mom, Brightside Boutique has options for ladies in any stage of motherhood. The various boxes include products such as mugs, candles, lotion, and trinket trays. To make the gift even more special, they are offering handwritten notes so you can leave a loving message to your gift recipient. Shipping is free when you spend more than $50.

CF Interiors

The interior design experts of CF Interiors have gone into full mask-making mode so you can give a timely package that includes two adult tailored face masks, a Dog Lover notepad, and a candle. Local delivery is available in the Baltimore-Metropolitan area, as well as curbside pickup. Call 410-583-8086 or email info@cfinteriors.org to place an order.

Hon’s Honey x Wight Tea Company

The “Healing Hive” partnered with Wight Tea Company this year to bring a wellness-inspired gift package for all moms who enjoy their tea time. The package includes locally-sourced, handcrafted honey and tea, a mug, and a tote. Not only will you be making mom happy, but you’ll be supporting a women-run social enterprise that gives at-risk women steady, reliable work and hope for their future.

Trohv

Build your own Mother’s Day gift package with a few of Trohv’s mom-inspired products. From witty cards and trinkets, to a prayer candle dedicated to Saint Exhaustia—the Patron Saint of Tired Moms—Trohv’s gifts are sure to make your mom laugh. If you can’t find what you’re looking for on their online store, send a direct message on Instagram or contact hellobmore@trohvshop.com to place your order.

OPEN

South Moon Under Reopening in Towson: If you were worried that South Moon Under was going to be closed before you start your spring shopping spree, here is some relief: The Shops at Kenilworth in Towson leaked a preview of their South Moon location completely renovated and restocked with all of your spring wardrobe needs. We spotted racks of bikinis and beachy crochet sweaters, as well as dressing rooms designed for the perfect try-on selfie. They’ll be back and open for business before the first weekend of March.

EVENTS

How to Build a Sustainable Wardrobe at Impact Hub: Practicing a sustainable lifestyle is tricky, especially when we talk about fashion. Trends cycle in and out every month, making it oh-so easy to shop and drop clothes. But if you’re kicking off your spring cleaning with the idea of rebuilding a more environmentally friendly closet, this event might just be the talk to tune into. Head over to Impact Hub on March 3 to learn how fashion affects the environment and how you can do your part in making conscious shopping decisions.

Women of Spectrum at the Maryland Historical Society: Back in October, we let you know about the Maryland Historical Society’s epic fashion collection displayed through the “Spectrum of Fashion” exhibit. In honor of Women’s History Month, on March 7—the 100th anniversary of the signing of the 19th amendment that gave women the right to vote—MDHS will be offering hour-long tours of the exhibition highlighting the stories of the women behind the clothes. Learn about the Duchess of Windsor’s iconic 1970s two-piece, the stunning designs of one of America’s earliest modern designers Claire McCardell, and other great female Marylanders.

B.Willow & Greedy Reads Book Club: Plants and books—what more do you need? Two of Baltimore City’s most popular small businesses, B.Willow and Greedy Reads, have teamed up to give us something that we didn’t know we needed: A book club. “Our mission is to not only be a resource for plants and plant care, but also to promote societal awareness of the mental and physical health benefits one can acquire through engaging with nature,” B.Willow posted in an announcement of the event on March 20. This month, it’s all about the healing nature brings as readers delve into The Nature Fix by Florence Williams. There will be wine, a discount on plant purchases, a 10-percent discount for buying your copy of The Nature Fix at Greedy Reads, and a visit from Williams herself via Skype. All $5 ticket proceeds will benefit to Blue Water Baltimore.

Colorstrology, Birth Charts, and Jewelry Making at Keeper’s Vintage: Vintage shopping takes a turn on March 21 as Keepers Vintage brings jewelry designer Rachel King into her Hampden shop to offer a free discussion on colorpsychology, birthstones, and crystal cleansing. The talk will be followed by a jewelry-making workshop (for the cost of $40), in which King will teach attendees how to create necklaces or bracelets. It’s a pop-up that aims to have you leave feeling good about your energy with a stunning handcrafted necklace or bracelet to boot.

Tucked in the corners of many of our favorite stores are designs and handmade products—hidden charms, one may call them—from makers living right next door.

B. Willow to open in Canton
After two years of laying down roots on West 27th Streetin Remington, everyone’s favorite plant palace, B. Willow, is opening a second location in Canton. The two-story space just off O’Donnell Square will host their already excellent array plants and terrariums, as well as a selection of furniture and home goods from Cedar & Cotton, a local company specializing in new and vintage furnishings. We have a feeling that everything in this store will spark joy. Sorry Marie Kondo. 2822 O’Donnell St.

Radcliffe Jewelers thrives in new Kenilworth home.
This past September popular local jeweler Radcliffe made the move from Towson Town Center to The Shops at Kenilworth and has been received with open arms—and more parking spaces. After over 30 years in the mall, Radcliffe is happy to be in a new space that has a real community feel with other local retailers like Ruth Shaw, About Faces, and South Moon Under. Along with their new digs, this location offers styles from Rolex, David Yurman, and many more. Keep an eye out for upcoming trunk shows and their big annual sale in April. 800 Kenilworth Dr., Towson, 410-321-6590

Poppy and Stella to open in Old Ellicott City
Fells Point favorite Poppy and Stella announced they will be opening a location in Old Ellicott City this April. The store, which was once home to toy store All Time Toys, will feature a similar assortment of shoes, apparel, accessories, and gift items from brands like Sam Edelman, Knot Sisters, and Dolce Vita to name a few. Follow along on social media for more details on the new store and an opening date. 8185 Main St., Ellicott City

Cohen’s Clothier closes after 115 years in business
It’s the end of an era for preppy style institution Cohen’s Clothier. After 115 years in business, the shop announced via Facebook earlier this month that it would be closing its doors for good. Originally located on South Broadway in Fells Point, Cohen’s was first opened in 1904 by Max Cohen and has stayed in the family as it evolved, expanded, and relocated to its Cockeysville location. In a message to his customers, owner Gilbert Cohen explained that their current lease was up and that the time had come for him to retire. “Goodbyes are never easy,” states Cohen. “But the satisfaction of filling a need in our community for so many years will remain.” 64 Cranbrook Rd. 410-666-8020

Whether you’re planning to spend the day planting trees, cleaning playgrounds, yoga posing, nature journaling, or learning about proper plastic disposal, give back to the planet this Earth Day by participating in one of the many eco-friendly happenings all over Charm City this weekend.

4/19: Baltimore Ravens and M&T Bank Earth Day 2018
Partner with more than 100 Ravens and M&T Bank staff members to help build a new football field in the Johnston Square and Ambrose Kennedy Park community. Roll up your sleeves to clean streets and remove concrete and leftover materials from demolished houses as part of the exciting revitalization. Ambrose Kennedy Park, 921 E. Chase St., 9 a.m.-12 p.m., 410-701-4268

4/21: Earth Day Playground Cleanup
Volunteers ages 2 and up are invited to help clean and play at the playgrounds at Patterson Park, where tools and refreshments will be provided. Friends of Patterson Park, 27 S. Patterson Park Ave., 9:30-11 a.m., 410-276-3676

4/21: Celebrate Earth Day! A (Cool) Progeny Play Date
Kids of all ages are invited to join The Waldorf School of Baltimore for the ultimate Earth Day Eve celebration that will include seed planting, hula hooping, ferret petting, beekeeping, a drumming circle, farm education, snacks, and live reggae music. The Waldorf School of Baltimore, 4801 Tamarind Road, 10 a.m.-12 p.m, $5, 410-367-6808

4/21: Earth Day Service Day
Students are encouraged to come out for a day of collecting urban bird data (and getting volunteer hours in) at Patterson Park, which is known to house over 200 different bird species. They’ll learn how to use binoculars, study breeds, and share their findings with the greater scientific community. Plus, there’s free lunch. Patterson Park Audubon Center, 2901 E. Baltimore St., 9-11:30 a.m., 410-558-2473

4/22: Earth Day with Waverly Street
Help WLIF 101.9 give the 32nd Street Farmers Market Lot a little makeover this Earth Day. You’ll be planting trees and flowers, weeding, mulching, and participating in a community clean-up walk, all the while enjoying live music, food, raffles, and other activities. Also, volunteers 21 and older will get a free beer courtesy of Peabody Heights Brewery. Waverly Main Street, 432 E. 32nd St., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 410-889-8100

4/21: Professor Trash Wheel Blinded Me Wit Science-Launch Party
Speaking of Peabody Heights Brewery, the neighborhood bar is teaming up with Waterfront Partnership’s Healthy Harbor Initiative to debut its second-ever Trash Wheel-themed craft beer, “Professor Trash Wheel Blinded Me Wit Science” (named after Thomas Dolby’s  1982 hit song “She Blinded Me With Science”). The release will debut to the public during the Earth Day Launch Party, where guests will be able to enjoy specialty all-you-can-drink brews, food trucks, and ’80s jams. Proceeds from each beer will be go towards Waterfront Partnership’s Healthy Harbor Initiative. Peabody Heights Brewery, 401 East 30th St., 7-10 p.m., $30-35, 410-467-7837

4/21: Party for the Planet
Take a trip to the Maryland Zoo for an Earth Day-themed celebration among the animals that will include activities like penguin feeding, a chat about bear keeping, and a puppet show. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, 1 Safari Place, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Free-$11, 410-396-7102

4/21: Nature Fest at Catoctin Creek Park
Get out of the city and head to this Frederick County wonder for an Earth Day filled with crafts, campfire activities, face painting, live animals, and a walk on the sensory trail. Catoctin Creek Park, 2929 Sumantown Road, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Free, 301-600-2051

4/21: Real Food Farm
Best known for its mission combating food deserts in Baltimore, this local urban farm at Clifton Park is seeking volunteers to help with planting, weeding, and other projects on Earth Day Eve. Real Food Farm, 2801 St. Lo Dr., 9 a.m.-2 p.m., 443-531-8346

4/21-22: Earth Day Scavenger Hunt
Follow the clues on the map during an hour-long, self-guided hike around Oregon Ridge Park where you’ll learn the best Earth-care practices to date. Plus, you’ll receive a prize at the end. Oregon Ridge Nature Center, 13555 Beaver Dam Road, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., $2, 410-887-1815

4/22: Earth Day Family Yoga
Kids ages 5-10 are welcome to come to yoga class with mom or dad for a partner-pose session themed around Mother Earth and all of her creatures. All levels and abilities are welcome. Lift Yoga + Strength. 202 E. Madison St., 3-3:45 p.m., Free-$25, 443-873-3269

4/22: Earth Day Festival 2018
Pollinator tours, a seed ball station, a rain barrel workshop, and a children’s nature library are just a few of the many happenings taking place at Herring Run Nursery this Earth Day. Also, expect to bring home a free tree. Herring Run Nursery, 6131 Hillen Road, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 844-756-8688

4/22: Echotopia: Earth Day Every Day Pop-Up
To promote the green approach in everyday living, B. Willow will be hosting a pop-up at its Remington garden shop that features Echotopia’s trash-free kitchen and bath cleaning product line. All supply items are eco-friendly, aroma therapeutic, and ethically sourced from organic gardens. B. Willow, 220 West 27th, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 443-873-8414

4/22: Earth Day Fundraiser: Hangout and Potluck at Hidden Harvest
Join Hidden Harvest Farm for the ultimate “no work required” celebration where you can enjoy the rural grounds, food, socializing, and live acoustic performances by Free Bird Society, Middle Kid, and Leena Rhodes of Middle Lungs. Donations of $5-$20 will be collected—which will help with the farm’s operating costs and give you access to the potluck. Hidden Harvest Farm, 1825 N. Calvert St., 2-6 p.m.

4/22: Earth Day with Dovecote Cafe
The neighborhood cafe in Reservoir Hill will be paying tribute to farmers, conservationists, and herbalists with a specialty event featuring local produce and honey, a live petting zoo, face painting, and educational seminars for home gardeners and house-plant enthusiasts. Dovecote Cafe, 2501 Madison Ave., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Free, 443-961-8677

4/22: Nature Journaling
Grab your gear for yet another hike (this time, a slower one) that will challenge you to hone your observation and meditation skills as you walk and journal your way through the woods. Oregon Ridge Nature Center, 13555 Beaver Dam Road, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., $4-$6, 410-887-1815

4/22: Annapolis Earth Day Celebration
Take advantage of the free cyclist valet and pedal over to Chesapeake Bay Brewing Company to celebrate “End Plastic Pollution,” an event where you’ll learn about proper plastic disposal along with the benefits of bird and bat feeders. Plus, there will be food, vendors, activities, and informational sessions hosted by local environmental nonprofits. Chesapeake Bay Brewing Company, 114 West St., 2-6 p.m., $5, 410-268-0000

4/28: Mayor Catherine E. Pugh’s Spring Cleanup
Grab your gardening gloves and join more than 235 communities for the city’s 18th annual spring cleanup event, where locals are encouraged to sweep, rake, and plant with their neighbors to beautify Baltimore for springtime. Baltimore City Department of Public Works, 100 N. Holliday St., 9 a.m., Free, 410-396-3310

4/28: Earth Day Stream Clean-Up
Clean up litter from local trails and streams, and learn how to turn the found objects into crafts. Carrie Murray Nature Center, 1901 Ridgetop Rd. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. 410-396-0808

Rainbow Rex pin ($10) at B. Willow. Fight like a girl pin ($10.75) at Trohv. More Coffee Please ($10) at Brightside Boutique. JTbeezwax pin ($12.50) at Trohv. Heart candy pin ($10) at daniellesylvan.etsy.com. Rainbow pin (set of 3/$18) at Wee Chic. Vibes pin ($10) at Brightside Boutique. Pizza pin ($8) at Brightside Boutique. Boring pin ($10) at Brightside Boutique. Terrarium pin ($10) at B. Willow. No pin ($10) at daniellesylvan.etsy.com. Beer pin ($8) at Brightside Boutique. Green haired girl ($10) at Doubledutch Boutique. Vintage Elvis pin ($5) at Bottle of Bread. Vintage ram ($5) at Bottle of Bread. Roses pin ($10) at Trohv. Herbivore dinosaur pin ($10) at daniellesylvan.etsy.com.

HAPPY PLACE: The vision for the room was to create a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. Our goal was to find warm and comfortable pieces to create a place where we could relax. 

COMFORT ZONE: The space was pretty bare when we got it. Normally, we tend to gravitate towards mid-century modern stuff but it’s typically not the coziest style, so we went with things that were cozier to lounge in. It’s definitely a touch bohemian, and then the plan was to add a lot of greenery to bring in more color. 

LIFE CHANGING: We wanted there to be some life in the room so we got hanging plants from B. Willow in Remington. We also found this vintage birdcage that we stuck a fern into and it’s since thrived so we’ve kept it there. 

UNDER THE INFLUENCE: We follow local stores like Wishbone Reserve in Mt. Washington, Cedar and Cotton in Southwest Baltimore, and Off Main in Catonsville on Instagram. They are always inspiring us with different pieces and design ideas. 

SITTING PRETTY: The rocking chair is an old Eames rocking chair. We aren’t sure how old it is but my guess would be that it was made in the sixties. We found it at Home Anthology in Catonsville! 

CUT A RUG: The carpet is a hundred-year-old Kazak rug from Wishbone Reserve. We loved how vibrant it was and how the pattern had blues and greens in it, which is hard to find. It’s more geometric and tribal, which makes it unique from all of the floral patterns you typically see. However, when we got it, it had some tears and a hole in it. The excellent folks at Main Street Oriental in Ellicott City did an absolutely wonderful job of repairing it. They even matched the pattern and workmanship and their work probably doubled the value of the piece. 

TABLE IT: The table (also from Wishbone Reserve—Julie has a great eye!) is pretty unusual. It’s stone with little pebbles encased on a resin top, so it’s really earthy and free-flowing as far as shapes. We don’t like anything that has lines that are too rigid. 

SHED LIGHT ON: We recently put curtains up in the room to keep it cooler during the summer months. Finding curtains that had a little texture and were sheer enough to diffuse light through was difficult. We ended up going with a Belgian flax fabric from Pottery Barn. 

Large sansevieria plant ($33) and large white planter ($25) at Green Fields Nursery & Landscaping. 

Cedar and cotton tiny wicker chair ($8) at B. Willow. Snake plant ($16) at Green Fields Nursery & Landscaping. 

Vermont wood candle cloche ($86) at Becket Hitch. 3 Angles planter ($15) and capitata yellow air plant ($16) at B. Willow. 

Large ($85) and medium ($65) gold candlesticks at Becket Hitch. 

Porcelain tooth ($24) at B. Willow. 

Barrel cactus ($20) at Green Fields Nursery & Landscaping. 

Medium pyrite ($26) and bone-inlayed box ($102) at Trohv. Gold pyramid (set of three/$189) at Nouveau Home and Interior Design. 

White Mason jar ($25) at Becket Hitch. Dumb cane plant ($3) at Green Fields Nursery & Landscaping.

Barrel cactus ($19.95) at Green Fields Nursery & Landscaping. 

Banquet cacti print ($52) at Trohv. 

Vintage bottle covers ($10/each) at Wishbone Reserve. 

Spider plant ($20) at B. Willow. 

Black planter ($10) and small sansevieria plant ($16) at Green Fields Nursery & Landscaping. Station North Tool Library wooden planter ($8/each), harrisii air plant ($5), and punctulata air plant ($8) at B. Willow. Arthur Umanoff midcentury bar ($550) at Wishbone Reserve.