EMILY IN PARIS: Check that aspiring fashionista off your list with a trendy charm necklace or a pair of wide-leg barrel jeans. We also love fresh stationary, planners, and journals so that she can document all of her stylish adventures and travels. Emily Cooper would approve.

Shop locally at: Girlhero, Brightside Boutique, and Match Made Stores

LOVE IS BLIND: Have a fan of the “experiment” on your list? Lean into all things cozy like fuzzy blankets, delicious candles, a new journal, or the iconic gold wine glasses. You also can’t go wrong with a cute matching lounge set that’s not only comfy, but pod-worthy.

Shop locally at: South Moon Under, In Watermelon Sugar, and Best Day Ever

THE BEAR: If your at-home chef has been inspired by the hit FX show, we suggest taking their kitchen game to the next level. Have them try their hand at recreating signature recipes from the most iconic restaurants across the country with the Eater cookbook and Eater x Heritage Steel cookware collection. The best part? Maybe they’ll invite you over for dinner. Yes, chef!

Shop locally at: Williams-Sonoma, Culinary Architecture, and Becket Hitch

BLUEY: For fans of this sweet Australian animated series, we suggest items as fun and curious as Bluey herself. Think puzzles and board games for the whole family to play together. Or choose something that sparks creativity like CONNETIX magnetic tiles, which allow little ones to build something new and inventive each day.

Shop locally at: Shananigans Toy Shop, Wee Chic, and The Pied Piper

SURVIVOR: The tribe has spoken and we have the perfect gifts for your Survivor-obsessed friends and family. We highly suggest the smokeless solo stove or a comfy DoubleNest hammock to truly allow them to enjoy the great outdoors this year.

Shop locally at: REI, Patagonia, and Princeton Sports

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL: Baltimore sports fans are always eager to show off their hometown pride. While you can’t go wrong with your standard jersey, tee, or hat, you could also give more niche items like a bedazzled Maryland flag tumbler or Ravens-themed coasters to ensure the team spirit is always on display.

Shop locally at: Route One Apparel and Under Armour Brand House

When it comes to buying gifts this year, it’s good in the neighborhood. We offer areas with an abundance of great shops where you can buy local and stick around for some holiday merriment.

By Janelle Erlichman Diamond

with Jessi Rutherford and Leah Bayley-Hay

Photography by Christopher Myers

Illustrations by Charlotte Fu

I am a not a Christmas person. I think December is a super fun month because the long nights are cozy and exciting and there are lots of parties and lights everywhere, but the actual 25th part has never done it for me. I’m married to someone who shares this lack of enthusiasm, which means the extent of our yuletide glee is getting wine-drunk while watching Elf and then turning our attention to Rob’s birthday and New Year’s Eve, which are both the following week.

But now we have a child and we don’t get to be the terrible neighbors in Christmas Vacation anymore. We have to become the Griswolds.

In that spirit, we took our kid to meet Santa. (Step one of Griswolding is creating a file of proof that you actually did Christmasy things, lest your child’s future therapist sadly whisper to his parole officer: “If only they had celebrated the holidays more enthusiastically…” ). We headed to Rawlings Conservatory figuring, if we were going to stand in line with 400 people, it may as well be in a beautiful place. To our absolute delight, Santa was sitting alone in a room filled with poinsettias and he and Lou posed for pictures and got along swimmingly. We strolled through the desert room, fed the massive koi fish in the pond, and headed to Hampden to catch the tail end of the Mayor’s Parade. A dream situation for our first weekend of letting go of Christmas disdain.

Our hearts slightly thawed, we headed to Amuse Toys in Fells Point where we spent the morning playing with toys and chatting with owner Claudia Towles about gifts for toddlers. Below is a gift guide for the little ones organized by your role in the giftee’s life. May the dim light of our Christmas spirit inspire yours to burn more brightly.

Gift For Your Boss’s Kid or Another Obligatory Recipient

The prices are right, they invite both imagination and fine motor skills to the table, and they both say, “I thought of your child this Christmas season because I would like a raise in Q1 2017.” Yes, the music set makes musical sounds (and sounds are the enemy of sleep) but the card writes itself (“A gift for your brilliant little Mozart! xoxo, Your Subordinate.”) And puzzles are always, always a good gift.

Gift For Your Best Friend’s Kid or Best Frenemy’s Kid

My life can now be organized into two epochs: Pre-Melissa & Doug and Post-Melissa & Doug. I don’t know them—maybe they’re unhappily married or divorced, but still good friends or siblings or pseudonyms for two of the Shiloh-Pitts—either way they’ve recently become really important in our lives. They produce a ton of children’s toys (check them out online, but definitely buy from Amuse because they seem to choose the sturdiest stuff and you should shop local, you animal) and we’re slowly building our toy stockpile with their wares. The Latch Board is perfect to keep little hands busy at restaurants or on car/plane trips, and the pots and pans are an incredibly devious way to ensure your friend’s local wine shop stays open.

Gifts For Your Niece or Nephew aka Future Hand-Me Downs

If you’re related to them, you’ve got to up the ante. And more importantly, you’ve got to give gifts you’ll want to inherit when it’s your turn to have kids. This camera is beautiful and will teach your young family members that before iPhones there were other means of producing images. And the Thunderlane is just extremely cool. Lou has a race car version and zooms around the house using it as an extension of his hand. They’re gifts that stand the test of time and will earn you some major familial points.

Gift For Your Grandkid or Own Kid, Which Will Basically Because Home Décor

Little kids are excellent scooters and bouncers. Indulge their talents with the Rody Horse (whose name says Horse but whose ears scream Donkey) or the Micro Mini. Both look super cool, which really starts to matter as the assault of primary colored-toys take over your home, and both will last a long time and grow with your child. The Micro converts from a seated ride to a big kid scooter, making the price tag much friendlier to your wallet.

(Big thanks to Lou’s buddy, Will, for modeling the Rody. And also thanks to Will’s mom for putting shoes on her kid, illuminating the fact that our child is in socks in December. We bought him shoes immediately after this picture was taken, I promise.)

Knock Knock Crap To Do Pad ($9) at Su Casa.

Very Embarrassing Book of Dad Jokes: Because Your Dad Thinks He is Hilarious By Ian Allen ($13.95) at Atomic Books.

Settler of Catan Game ($39.99) at Atomic Books.

The Chef: The
house always smells amazing at dinnertime and you desperately can’t wait for
the next holiday because this dad is the king of the kitchen. Enjoying his
company, as well as his cuisine, is enough to make you
almost want to move back home (keyword: almost).

Williams-Sonoma BBQ Tool Set ($99.95) at Williams-Sonoma.

The Ultimate Grilling Rub Collection ($19.57) at Williams-Sonoma.

Field Guide to Meat: How to Identify, Select, and Prepare Virtually Every Meat, Poultry, and Game Cut By Aliza Green ($15.95) at Atomic Books.

The Hip Dad: The
newest dad on the scene is making fatherhood look good. He may even have the
new Tame Impala album before you get your hands on it. Not to worry though, hip
dad will love these equally as hip gift items to keep him ahead of the curve.

Gilman Bros. Silk Knit Tie ($109) at The QG.

W&P Mason Stones, Set of 6 ($11.99) at Williams-Sonoma.

British Belt Company Oxburgh Satchel ($299) at The QG

The Sports Fanatic: He
was the loudest dad at your little league games. Whether perfecting your swing
or cheering you on, he is your biggest fan. Now it’s time to treat him. This
sports-loving dad will love these gift items—just don’t talk to him when the
game is on.

Baltimore Orioles: 60 Years Hardcover Book By Jim Hennemen ($50) at the Orioles team store at Camden Yards or shopmlb.com.

Rotenier Baseball and Bat Cufflinks ($250) at The QG.

Raven’s Football Cutting Board ($34) at Su Casa.

Check out our list of the top 20 Best Holiday Happenings in the region!

Under $10

$25 – $50

$150 – $500

$10 – $25

$50 – $150

Over $500

Looking
for local holiday events? Check out our list of events on the
Waterfront, in Baltimore North, Jones Falls, Beltway East, Howard County
and Anne Arundel County

The Barr-Co. Soap Shop soap
$9.50/each at Sweet Elizabeth Jane

Macramé owl ornament
$8 at Ten Thousand Villages

Green enamel earrings
$8.95 at Doubledutch Boutique

Red lotus dish
$5.50 at Sweet Elizabeth Jane

Mustache purse
$7 at The American Visionary Art Museum

Tyler Candle Company Bougie Parfumée perfumed candle
$7.99 at Tickled Pink Boutique

Buckley for Design Ideas identity case
$7 at Su Casa

Natty Boh earrings
$8 at The American Visionary Art Museum

Man’s Face Stuff gin and tonic moustache wax
$9 at Sixteen Tons.

TEDCO original gyroscope
$8.99 at The Maryland Science Center

Alpine Caveman cookies
$6.25 at Ma Petite Shoe

Bingo pads
$8/each at Vintage Bliss Boutique

Invisible Writer
$8.99 at the Maryland Science Center

M Ware Utz coffee mug
$7.99 at Natty Boh Gear

Mouse pad color wheel
$8.99 at The Baltimore Museum of Art.

Blush
$6 at Kiss N’ Make-Up

Cat treats
$8.50 at Paws Pet Boutique

Perfumed soap
$4 at In Watermelon Sugar

Pewter bud frame
$22 at Sweet Elizabeth Jane

True Brews
$23 at Trohv

ZAD necklace
$21 at Cloud 9

Retro vinyl coasters
$15/set of six at Sweet Elizabeth Jane

Natty Boh rugged tote
$20.99 at Natty Boh Gear

Tokyo Milk Dark by Margot Elena Eau De Parfum, Parfum de Cigarro, Wisdom No. 26
$24 at Vintage Bliss Boutique

Sophie & Lili for North American Bear Co. 12” Gigi doll
$19.95 at Greenberries

Cat saucer
$20 at Paws Pet Boutique

Butter London nail lacquer
$15 at Poppy and Stella

Moustache pacifier
$10.50 at The Boxwood Collection

Denim eyeglass pouch
$20 at Angela Lynn Boutique

Under Appreciated Animals flash cards
$19.99 at Amuse Toys

Nest cups bath toys
$15 at The Baltimore Museum of Art

C.C. Exclusives infinity scarf
$21.99 at The Bead

‘Stache comb
$15 at Sixteen Tons

“Love You More” small box sign
$15 at Mud and Metal

Books
$20-23 at Sweet Elizabeth Jane

Star Trek: The Original Topps Trading Card Series
$19.95 at The Ivy Bookshop

Gloves
$15 at In The Details

Small multi-color embellished bag
$16 at Wee Chic.

MBeze Cruizee natural body mist
$16 at The Bottom Drawer

Felt camera holder
$10 at Vintage Bliss Boutique

Salt-and-pepper shakers
$24 at Milagro

Sunglasses
$19 at Brightside Boutique

Fort Standard Areaware diamond box
$19 at The Store Ltd.

Recycled paper 10” bowl
$18 at Kashmir

Headband
$14 at K Staton Boutique

Art Walk cupcake set
$48 at Linens and Lingerie

Night light from The Frank Lloyd Wright Collection
$38 at Kashmir

Sake set
$28 at Wild Yam Pottery

Cuff by Libby Kahat
$45 at Vintage Bliss Boutique

Banner
$38 at Trohv

The Circle
$27.95 at The Ivy Bookshop

Godzilla opener
$25 at The American Visionary Art Museum.

Anon Tracker goggles
$49.95 at Princeton Sports

Blabla doll
$44 at Amuse Toys

Raven mug
$42 at Mud and Metal

Kryptonite Kryptolok
45 at Twenty20 Cycling

AV Max initial coin ring
$38 at Sassanova

Jailbreak Collective Gummylamp nightlight
$35 at The Best of Luck Candy & Gifts

ILC gloves
$48 at Cloud 9

The Wes Anderson Collection
$40 at Atomic Book

Street Level clutch
$45.99 at Tickled Pink Boutique

iPad case
$42 at K Staton Boutique.

Natural shed elk antler
$32/large at Dogma

Clutch
$28 at Brown Eyed Girl

Simpatico Bubble Bath No. 42
$26 at Angela Lynn Boutique

Crowned lovebirds
$29 at Nouveau Contemporary Goods

The Kinfolk Table: Recipes for Small Gatherings
$35 at Trohv

Peacock perfume bottle
$36 at Leesha Lee Ltd

Mayoral Sherpa Fair Isle sweater
$48 at Wee Chic

Deer mount
$29.75 at In Watermelon Sugar

Multicolor beanie
$48 at Lori K

Shiraleah Gina cross-body bag
$30 at Cloud 9

Chewbeads Jane necklace
$29.50 at Greenberries

Alessi Anna G. corkscrew
$65 at The Store Ltd.

Alex Mika criss-cross ring
$85 at Urban Chic

Polish Pottery muffin pan
$78 at The Boxwood Collection

Psycho Bunny knit hat
$80 at J.S. Edwards

Sugoi Versa jacket
$120 at Fleet Feet Sports

Endymion cologne
$90 at Loafers & Laces

Handmade jam gift box
$55 at Atwater’s Bakery

Irregular Choice Candi Star red shoe
$129.99 at Ma Petite Shoe

Angel Dear Oliver coverall
$54.95 at The Corduroy Button

Ugg Dakota slippers
$100 at Towson Bootery

Kids’ chair
$120 at Nouveau Contemporary Goods

Tokens & Icons golf club bottle opener
$75 at Angela Lynn Boutique

Patina bird-top clock
$84 at Nouveau Contemporary Goods

Sorel Slimpack Riding Glow women’s boots
$130 at Poppy and Stella

Melie Bianco turqoise Jenn clutch with push lock
$66 at Brightside Boutique

Nikon Coolpix S02
$129.99 at Service Photo

British army knife
$70 at Sixteen Tons

Lavish earrings
$65 at The Little Shoebox

Zen cutting board by Darryl Patterson
$70-130 at Home on the Harbor

EmiLime wallet
$76 at In The Details

The North Face girl’s reversible jacket
$80 at Princeton Sports

Dazzlepet collar
$89 at Dogma

Ponyhair leather wristlet
$60 at Lori K

The Booze Dispenser
$120 at Easy Street Gallery

Toms Kitty sunglasses
$139 at Peppers

Marcia Moran brushed-gold-and-druzy earrings
$185 at Amaryllis

K2 Bright Lite snowboard $359.99 and Yeah Yeah women’s binding
$179.95 at Princeton Sports

Wolverine 1000 Mile Wesley Wingtip Chukka shoe in brown ($295) at Loafers & Laces

Gerard Darel scarf
$204 at The Red Garter Ltd.

Hammitt mini Montana bag in cognac
$195 at The Little Shoebox

TomTom Runner GPS watch with heart-rate monitor
$219.99 at City Sports

Tozai elephant puzzle
$250.60 at The Store. Ltd

Frye Cameron wallet
$178 at Poppy and Stella

Warning Pro drink mixer
$169.95 at Williams-Sonoma

Ralph Lauren wallet
$295/each at Samuel Parker Clothier

Lavish bracelet
$218 at The Little Shoebox

Log Santa
$330 at Peace. Love. Shop./Zyzyx!

Michael Aram molten menorah
$189 at Peace. Love. Shop./Zyzyx!

Picture Format men’s jacket
$299.99 at Princeton Sports

Charm bracelet in 18-karat yellow-and-chocolate gold with bronze Tahitian pearls, brown diamonds, and diamonds
($26,100) at J. Brown Jewelers

Fiorentini & Baker Nelly shoe
$550 at Matava Shoes

Mauviel M’tradition fondue pot
$630 at Sur La Table

Cape
$685 at Lori K

14-karat rose-gold ring
$2,900 at Misha & Co.

Wendy Stevens bag
$700 at Paradiso

Platinum-and-diamond ring in a handmade mounting
$15,500 at Bijoux

Pomellato rings from the Nudo Collection, 18-karat rose-gold rings with faceted colored gemstones
(starting at $2,250/each) at Radcliffe Jewelers

Breitling Limited Edition American Tribute Watch Chronomat 44 with a
metallic-blue dial, automatic movement chronograph, and sapphire crystal
on a polished bracelet
(please call for price) at Smyth Jewelers

Nikon AW-1 camera ($799.99) and interchangeable plastic casing ($26.95)
at Service Photo

Betty Cooke Jewelry sterling-silver pendant necklace
$500 at The Store Ltd.

Fulfillment stud earrings by Hearts on Fire, 18-karat white gold with 0.54 carats Hearts on Fire diamonds
$2,450 at Nelson Coleman Jewelers

Waterfront

Holiday Windows, a Meal with St. Nick, & Free Parking
(Federal Hill, Inner Harbor, Harbor East, Fells Point, Canton)

Harbor East
Window Wonderland
In
conjunction with Maryland Art Place, Harbor East presents Window
Wonderland: A Holiday Arts Exhibit, which features regional artists
partnering with Harbor East stores to create holiday window displays.
The exhibit is on display through January 3, with a “Best in Show”
window announced on December 5.

Fells Point
Olde Tyme Christmas
Celebrating
its 10-year anniversary, Olde Tyme Christmas in Fells Point will take
place December 6-8. You can experience a traditional market on the
streets of Fells, along with breakfast with St. Nick, musical
entertainment, and sleigh rides.

Get
free parking in Harbor East at self-park garages by showing $100
worth of same-day receipts from Harbor East merchants from November
29-December 27.

Baltimore North

Meet Santa & Make Your Own Wreath
(Towson, Hunt Valley, Timonium, Cockeysville)

Hunt Valley
Santa at Greetings & Readings
You
might have already caught Santa’s visit to Hunt Valley Towne Centre’s
annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 29. If you didn’t, the jolly
man in red will make several appearances at Greetings & Readings
throughout the month, from 1 to 5 p.m. on December 7, 14, and 21.
Greetings & Readings, 118-AA Shawan Rd., Hunt Valley, 410-771-3022.

Cockeysville
Wreath-Making Class
On
December 7 at 3 p.m., Valley View Farms is hosting a holiday
wreath-making class that costs $20 and includes tips, greens, and a
wreath frame. Valley View Farms, 11035 York Rd., Cockeysville,
410-527-0700.

Be sure to bring extra bows and ornaments to the class to make your wreath unique.

Jones Falls

Lights, Hot Chocolate & Baby New Year!
(Hampden, Roland Park, Mt. Washington, Lutherville-Timonium)

Hampden
Miracle on 34th Street
Aside
from the many spectacular house lighting displays on 34th Street in
Hampden this holiday season, don’t miss the annual ball drop and running
of Baby New Year on New Year’s Eve, which starts around 11:45 p.m.

Lutherville-Timonium
Celebration at the Station
Celebration
at the Station: A Modern Holiday Soirée will take place on December 14,
from 2 until 5 p.m. at Green Spring Station. Enjoy samples of holiday
food while learning how to create your own ornaments. Children will
surely be entertained, too, with the help of Santa, a hot chocolate bar,
and mini DIY crafts.

Parking in Hampden is first come, first served. Make sure to observe street and permit parking signs.

Beltway East

Donate a Toy & Pose with Your Pet
(White Marsh, Parkville, Essex)

White Marsh
Soft Toy Campaign
From
now to January 4, IKEA is running a Soft Toy Campaign, in which the
store will donate one dollar for every soft toy that is sold to UNICEF
and Save the Children’s educational programs. You’ll also find bins to
donate your own soft toys to Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins
Bayview Medical Center pediatric programs. IKEA, 8352 Honeygo Blvd.,
White Marsh, 410-931-5400.

White Marsh
Pet Photos with Santa
Bring
your cute and cuddly pets (cats and dogs only, please) to the Lower
Level Center Court at White Marsh Mall on December 2, 9, and 16 from 6
p.m. until close to get their photos taken with Santa. Feel free to pose
with your furry friends.

When
you purchase more than $150 in store merchandise at IKEA December 14 or
15, you can eat for free at its restaurant. (No limit on how many
people or the amount of food!)

Howard County

Shop Late, Sing a Song, & See the Lights
(Ellicott City, Columbia, Savage)

Historic Ellicott City
Midnight Madness
On
December 6, visit Historic Ellicott City and enjoy shopping at your
favorite stores until midnight. During the Midnight Madness event, there
will be a tree-lighting ceremony and carolers.

Savage Mills
Lighting of the Bollman Truss Railroad Bridge
Help
Historic Savage Mill celebrate its first-ever lighting of the historic
Bollman Truss Railroad Bridge on December 7, at 5 p.m. Afterward, visit
Baldwin Common for Miracle on Foundry Street, which includes the annual
Christmas tree lighting and holiday décor done by The Becker Group of
Baltimore.

During Ellicott City’s Midnight Madness, shoppers can enjoy shuttle service to ensure stress-free parking.

Anne Arundel County

Local Goods, DIY Ornaments, & Live Music
(Annapolis, Hanover)

Annapolis
Farmers’ Market
Saturdays
during December (except for December 28) from 7 a.m. until 12 p.m.,
visit the Anne Arundel County Farmers’ Market on Harry S. Truman Parkway
and Riva Road. You’ll find local vendors selling items like wreaths,
coffee, candy, seasonal produce, and more.

Hanover
Ornament Decoration Class
The
Simon Kidgits Club (the mall’s kids club) at Arundel Mills mall is
hosting a Kidgits Ornament Decorating class on Saturday, December 7,
from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Stop by the food court, and the little ones will
have an opportunity to make their own ornaments and enjoy other
activities like balloon twisting and face painting. This is a free event
to Kidgits Club members. Non-members can sign up for $5 a child.

Annapolis
Midnight Madness
On
Thursdays from December 5-19, the stores located in downtown Annapolis
along Maryland Avenue and West Street will stay open until midnight.
While shopping is a priority during Midnight Madness evenings, you can
also enjoy food, drinks, and musical performances.

On December 7, the Anne Arundel County Farmers’ Market will celebrate its Holiday Festival.