markets – Baltimore Magazine

Local and Last-Minute Gift Ideas

Jess Mayhugh — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 16:33:00 +0000

If you’re officially in panic mode trying to find the perfect presents before the holiday weekend approaches, we can relate but also we are here for you. There is still one, big holiday market left (more on that below) and plenty of local stores to go visit without having to obsessively track your package. So take a deep breath and let these creative, Baltimore products inspire your gift list.

Lavender spray from PriyaMeansLove
We guarantee that anyone on your list can use a stress cure. That’s why we love this organic lavender spray from PriyaMeansLove, which can be used to spray on skin, linens, or hair. Proved to have a calming effect, the spray contains a lavender tincture with a bit of earthy vetiver oil. Priya’s products are available at B. Willow.

The Food Market cookbook
We’ve all wondered how we can possibly recreate that beer-cheese that comes with the soft pretzels at The Food Market in Hampden. Well now we can find out. The restaurant’s chef/owner Chad Gauss came out with a cookbook filled with countless recipes for brunch, dinner, and drinks. Available at Trohv during the day and The Food Market at night.

Jerseys and gear from Sassy Cyclist.
We all have at least one member of the family or coworker at the office who is really into biking. So why not browse the products of Sassy Cyclist, which makes cycling jerseys, headbands, and gear with a feminine touch. Their line, and tons of other goods (like these chocolate crabs!), will be available at the Made in Baltimore holiday store open through Christmas Eve.

Earrings from Elyse by Nicole
If you’re tired of having the same jewelry as everyone else who shops at chain stores, check out the unique designs of Elyse by Nicole. From tassels to champagne glass, her materials make for sturdy yet pretty pieces. Her jewelry is available at a pop-up shop at Cross Keys until December 31.

Creative King tees and hats
Some dudes are notoriously hard to shop for and that’s why we love the neutral, cool styles of Creative King. The graphic art on all of their products is modern with just the right amount of edge and would fit right in with any wardrobe. Many items available at Double Dutch Boutique in Hampden.

Swag from Diamondback Beer
This Locust Point brewery has some of the best graphic designs around (thanks to creatives at Gilah Press) so why not show it off on hoodies, t-shirts, and pint glasses to take home? We are particular fans of Diamondback‘s tulip glass with signature turtle shell pattern. Available in their taproom, where you might just have to have a beer.

Candle-making kit from Knits, Soy, and Metal
We loved the idea of candle-making classes at Knits, Soy, and Metal‘s Mt. Vernon location, which they share with Keepers Vintage. With this kit, you can gift that experience to anybody and choose from four scents: lemongrass, pumpkin, patchouli, and blue spruce (the latter sounds particularly festive). Available at the shop or at their last holiday pop-up at Bird in Hand.

Yoga mat from Prosper Wellness
The gyms and studios will be crowded in January, so why not bring your a-game to yoga class with the journey mat from Prosper Wellness. We’ve tested these out and the cork material makes them lightweight and super slip resistant—even in the most stifling of hot yoga classes. Available at M.Power yoga studio in Brewer’s Hill.

Give the gift of pizza
This honestly requires no explanation because pizza is the ultimate comfort food. But we found the packaging on the &pizza gift cards particularly adorable, as they are housed inside mini versions of their rectangular pizza boxes. All your recipient has to do is pick the toppings. Available at the Federal Hill location.

Cards and wrapping paper from Rowhouse 14
Once you get the gifts, you have to worry about making them look pretty. Local stationary makers Rowhouse 14 feel your pain and offer cute Baltimore-themed cards and even taco(!) wrapping paper. Visit their stand at Last Stop Hops & Shop, the final holiday market of the season, at Peabody Heights on December 21.

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Gift That Keeps on Giving

Jess Mayhugh — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 09:30:00 +0000

Liz Vayda wears a lot of hats: She is the owner of plant retail paradise, B. Willow, and also the front woman of ethereal electronic band Vayda, which recently opened for indie duo Best Coast at the Ottobar. But Vayda is bringing more than just indoor plants and dreamy melodies to the Remington community. Nearly two years ago, she launched For the Greater Goods, a craft market designed to give small businesses and artists in the area a space to sell their goods that also donates a portion of all booth fees to charity.

“Being able to have an open setting where I could meet people, they could see my work, and we could talk about it was really impactful when developing my business,” Vayda says. “I just wanted to do that for other people.”

For the Greater Goods started out small, with the first market having only 18 vendors inside Bolton Hill artist collective Dust Town Studios. From there, it gradually grew through social media and word of mouth, moving to Hampden’s Church & Company events space before making R. House in Remington its new home base in May.

While For the Greater Goods was held more sporadically in the past, R. House is allowing the market to take over its garage space on a Saturday at the beginning of each month, with the first events being held November 4 and December 9, ideal for holiday shopping. The upcoming markets will feature more than 40 vendors—including Drunken Rum Cakes, 3angles, and Pearlswirl jewelry to name a few—with a wide array of handmade goods, food, and accessories.

“I want to revive the notion of the commons or the town square,” says Vayda. “I think it would be cool to see people coming in month after month to see what’s going on in the community.”

And while the exposure is great for the small businesses, the market’s name implies its larger goal. Each month, the market picks a charitable cause, donates a portion of vendors’ booth fees to that organization, and gives the group a free booth to help spread its mission.

“I definitely get a lot of gratification thinking about how, in some way, this is stimulating our local economy and giving Remington another attribute that is different from the new development,” Vayda says. “This creates a sense of pride for small businesses.”

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15 Local Holiday Craft Markets

Jess Mayhugh — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 12:07:00 +0000

As the gift-giving season creeps closer, it seems that everyone is in the market for the perfect market. It’s easy to understand why: There’s hot chocolate to sip, delicious bites to nibble, and copious amounts of crafts and clothes to buy from Baltimore businesses. Whether it’s a bazaar, pop-up, fair, or fest, there’s no better place to find one-of-a-kind presents for your loved ones during the holidays.

Nov. 20-Dec. 27: Holiday Delights Pop-Up Shop
The Women’s Exchange, 333 N. Charles St. Fri. 4-7 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Women’s Exchange is partnering with the Industrial Arts Collective to bring Charles Street a sampling of locally made goods from over 90 Baltimore businesses. The pop-up will host a preview party on Nov. 20 from 5:30-7 p.m., a monument lighting gathering in Mt. Vernon from 4-8 p.m. on Dec. 3, and a closing party on Dec. 27 from 2-4 p.m.

Nov. 21: Friends School Holly Fest
Friends School of Baltimore, 5114 N. Charles St. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.
The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without the Holly Fest from the Friends School. In its 30th year, the fest will have no shortage of charitable cheer this year. Along with the standard stalls of vendors, the event will feature a multitude of student-run booths such as UNICEF and Habitat for Humanity, and a silent auction of class gift baskets that supports the school’s parents association. And though there is no admission fee, attendees are encouraged to donate to the school’s mission fund. Foodies can chow down on dishes from Gourmet-to-Go and La Cakerie in between all the philanthropic fun.

Nov. 26-Dec. 27: Christmas Village in Baltimore
West Shore Park, 501 Light St. Sun.-Thur. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
This market is hard to miss. Smack dab in the harbor, the Christmas Village is pretty much a winter wonderland. In addition to the copious amounts of food and array of gift vendors, each weekend has a different theme: German American weekend on Dec. 5-6 and Stocking Filler weekend on Dec. 19-20, to name a few. As if that wasn’t enough, they also offer wine, cheese, and chocolate tastings; musical performances; and family fun days throughout the week.

Nov. 28: Bazzart
American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Highway. 10 a.m.-5p.m. Free.
For all things wacky, weird, and wonderful, head to the AVAM to shop creations from more than 40 different artists and to support Small Business Saturday. Expect all the ordinary holiday market wares like apparel and paintings, plus sculptures, metalworks, and more. When you’re worn out from spending, re-up at the museum’s new restaurant, then take a spin around the museum itself.

Nov. 28: Charm City Flea Market’s Small Business Saturday
St. John’s Church, 2640 St. Paul St. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.
The first-ever holiday Charm City Flea Market will make it way easier to support small Baltimore businesses this holiday season. With the community in mind, there’s almost no excuse not to step out and grab fabulously made soaps, jewelry, and housewares from this Baltimore staple.

Nov. 28: Miracle on Main Street Waverly Holiday Pop Up Farmer’s Market
East 32nd Street and Brentwood Avenue. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free.
Come support dozens of Baltimore’s most creative artisans at this one-day event during Small Business Saturday. The market will be giving away free “Shop Small” canvas tote bags at their table throughout the day, so how could you say no?

Dec. 3: Artifact Coffee Holiday Bazaar
1500 Union Ave. 6-9 p.m. Free.
One of our favorite coffee spots is hosting a holiday bazaar. Gather ‘round with a coffee or cocktail in hand to browse and purchase local wares for your loved ones, coworkers, and everyone else on your list. If you miss out on the fun, don’t freak. Bazaar vendors will be featured on the shop’s retail wall throughout the month of December.

Dec. 3: Park School Holiday Artisan Market
2425 Old Court Rd. 3:30-7 p.m.
Get your hands on some Buddha Bites, quirky aprons, organic skin care products, and other unique goodies at this artisanal market. Members of the Park School community will be on site selling their wares as well. The wide variety of enticing makers will likely tempt you into grabbing a present for yourself, too.

Dec. 5: Holiday Barn Sale
Star Bright Farm, 2950 Garrett Road, White Hall. 1-6 p.m.
What’s more adorable than a barn decorated with twinkle lights that’s brimming with holiday cheer? Absolutely nothing, in our opinion. Warm yourself with wine at Star Bright Farm while you browse the sale’s intimate selection of homemade goods from the Sassy Cyclist, Stella and Dot, Words with Boards, and a handful of others.

Dec. 5: Makers Alley
Local Color Flowers, 3100 Brentwood Ave. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free.
Makers Alley is bringing together local food and craft vendors for a third joyous year. Get there bright and early and grab some Woot Granola and Kinderhook Snacks to munch on as you mingle amongst awe-worthy, hand-screened designs from Highway to Hill, crafted pieces from Rebcycle, Papercuts by Annie Howe, and more.

Dec. 6: Merry Mart
Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free.
Members of the Baltimore Etsy Street Team, Charm City Craft Mafia, and other artisans will showcase their creations in a juried holiday market just in time for you to grab gifts for the deserving guys and gals in your life. Between browsing, stop in to the mart’s arts workshop at any time for a free craft session that will keep your kids chipper.

Dec. 9-12: MICA Art Market
Brown Center, 1301 W. Mount Royal Ave. Wed.-Fri. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free.
Get acquainted with artists new and old at the art school’s annual market. There’s really no excuse to give your mom, brother, and the like a mediocre present when you can gift them a piece lovingly handmade by a MICA student, faculty member, staff member, or alumni. What’s best? A portion of the proceeds generated during the four-day event will go toward MICA scholarships.

Dec. 12: Holiday Heap
St. John’s Church, 2640 St. Paul St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.
Didn’t get enough Charm City Craft Mafia goods at the Merry Mart? Fret not. The crew will showcase and sell their unique array of goods once again at Holiday Heap. If you’re a morning person, grab yourself an early-bird ticket available Dec. 1. The ticket allows you to shop for an hour before doors open, mingle with the artists, and snack on complimentary eats from Carma’s Cafe. You’ll even get a swag bag filled with exclusive goodies. Tickets are limited and not sold at the door, so get ‘em before they go.

Dec. 17: Last Stop Hops ‘n’ Shop
Peabody Heights Brewery, 401 E. 30th St. 5-9 p.m.
Charm City Craft Mafia is almost single-handedly ensuring you finish up your holiday shopping this year. Finish mingling at Holiday Heap, then head over to 30th Street for vendors galore, beer, and a free tour of the Peabody Heights Brewery. Aren’t all the best purchasing decisions made after a few beers?

Dec. 19: Charm City Flea’s Holiday Market
St. John’s Church, 2640 St. Paul St. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
For the ultimate procrastinator, Charm City Flea hosts a second holiday event this season, this one the weekend before Christmas. Didn’t think you’d need to get your boss’ wife or your distant cousin a present? You’ll look nothing but poised and prepared when you hand over their one-of-a-kind gift from one of the market’s 35 vendors.

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