Table of contents
Books
Compiled by Ana Bak
Red Emma’s Bookstore Coffeehouse
3128 Greenmount Avenue
(443) 602-7611
redemmas.org
Red Emma’s is more than a bookstore — it’s a worker-owned cooperative and community hub for radical ideas, local authors, and meaningful conversation. Who better to give us recommendations for their favorite local releases? Stop in for coffee, vegan goodies, and leave with one (or five) of these locally connected reads:
S.H. Fernando Jr., The Chronicles of DOOM: Unraveling Rap’s Masked Iconoclast: A deep dive into the mysterious genius of MF DOOM, exploring his artistry, mythmaking, and enduring legacy in hip-hop. ($21.00)
Emily Lieb, Road to Nowhere: How a Highway Map Wrecked Baltimore: A powerful look at the city’s unbuilt highways and how racist urban planning reshaped Baltimore’s neighborhoods. ($30.00)
Devin Allen, Baltimore: Through the lens of the acclaimed photographer and activist, this stunning photo book captures the city’s resilience, beauty, and struggle through Baltimore’s Black community. ($40.00)
Ben Egerman, Gay Little History zine series: A lovingly researched illustrated series uncovering Baltimore’s queer past, spotlighting 19th-century figures who defied gender and social norms. ($5.00)
Hannah V. Sawyerr, Truth Is: A Novel: A finalist for the 2025 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, it’s a story about a teenage poet grappling with an unplanned pregnancy. ($21.99)
Atomic Books
3620 Falls Road
(410) 662-4444
atomicbooks.com
For the graphic novel lover, Hampden’s Atomic Books — John Waters’ famously preferred mail drop — is the city’s go-to for comics, zines, and beautifully bound strangeness. This year’s picks span superhero epics, history, and surreal storytelling:
Absolute Batman Volume 1: The Zoo by Scott Snyder & Nick Dragotta: A dark, ambitious reimagining of Gotham and Batman in the Absolute Universe, an origin story. ($17.99)
Black Arms to Hold You Up: A History of Black Resistance by Ben Passmore: From political cartoonist Ben Passmore, it’s a boisterous, darkly funny, and sobering march through Black militant history in this illustrated chronicle spanning a century. ($22.00)
Bring Me the Head of Susan Lomond by Connor B.: A debut graphic novel with absurdist dark humor for a queer enemies-to-something-more story. ($11.99)
Friday: The Complete Series by Ed Brubaker, Marcos Martin & Muntsa Vicente: A three-volume deluxe hardcover of Yellowjackets meets The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina in a genre-defying, post-YA graphic novel that’s nostalgic and frightening. ($49.99)
Lovers and Haters: A Love and Rockets Book by Gilbert Hernandez: A continuation of the legendary Palomar saga, this book takes place after the events of 2010’s “High Soft Lisp” about mothers, daughters, aunts, and nieces and complex and often toxic relationships. ($19.99)
Normals Books & Records
425 E. 31st Street
(410) 243-6888
normalsbooksrecords.com
A Baltimore institution since 1990, Normals Books & Records is still owned by three of the original co-owners (it started with nine), although poet Rupert Wondolowski is the only one who still works at the store. As a used bookstore, the hidden gems are aplenty at Normals. Here’s Wondolowski’s hidden gems picks:
Hothouse Bloom by Austyn Wohlers (Hub City Press, 2025): Written in Baltimore and published before the author’s move to New York, this quietly stunning novel truly earns its comparisons to Han Kang and Clarice Lispector. ($24.00)
One More Day On Earth Together by Kelly Xio (Bruiser Press): Wondolowski describes Xio as a poet who expels fire equally on the page and on stage. It’s no-nonsense resonant writing depicting surviving and rising above the system brutalizing those not lucky enough to be rich. ($8.00)
Spree by Lily Herman (Bruiser Press): A tender, lyrical companion from the same publisher to Xio’s collection, it’s “spiritually questing.” ($10.00)
Disinformation Phase by Chris Toll (Publishing Genius): A classic at Normals, this is back in print. For the poetry lover, a must-read from the author who invites readers to see language as both riddle and revelation. (Prices vary)
A Mountain City of Toad Splendor by Megan McShea (Publishing Genius): Another classic at Normals, this book of poetry is deep, refreshing, and often hilarious. ($7.00)
The Big Book of the Dead by Marion Winik (Counterpoint): This gathers Winik’s acclaimed collections from “The Glen Rock Book of the Dead” and “The Baltimore Book of the Dead” into one deeply moving volume. Across more than 300 pages Winik uses her witty prose for elegies for loved ones lost in Baltimore and beyond. It’s a piece that makes you reflect on memory as immortality. ($15.80)
Dreamers & Make Believers
400 S. Highland Avenue
dreamersbmore.com
Nestled in the heart of the Highlandtown Arts District, Dreamers & Make Believers is a community comic shop, bookstore, and coffeehouse — a bright, welcoming space built on imagination, inclusion, and connection. Founded by Miranda Nordell, a former comic shop manager in San Francisco, the shop focuses on a diverse array of books but specializes in graphic novels by women and members of the queer and BIPOC communities. Here are five thoughtfully curated books from Nordell:
Ancestral Recall by Jordan Clark: A five-issue comic miniseries from a talented local writer, blending superhero storytelling that’s been described as “Sinners meets Quantum Leap.” ($4.99)
Gaysians by Mike Curato: This is a shop favorite graphic novel for adult readers! A story of love, identity, and friendship teeming with profound compassion and ferocious wit. ($32.00)
Trans History: From Ancient Times to The Present Day by Alex L. Combs & Andrew Eakett: An essential introduction on the topic — presented in full-color graphic novel format — that is deeply researched, highly readable, and featuring a broad range of voices. ($16.99)
It’s Jeff: The Jeff-Verse written by Kelly Thompson & illustrated by Gurihiru: A story about Jeff the Land Shark, the adorable and downright hilarious pal of all of our favorite Marvel heroes. This collected graphic novel features stories for readers of all ages, who will love discovering that no hero, no matter how strong, is immune to Jeff’s tidal wave of cuteness. ($15.99)
Lu and Ren’s Guide to Geozoology by Angela Hsieh: From local creator Hsieh comes this story for younger readers that follows Lu, a young girl who dreams of being a grand adventurer and geozoologist just like her ah-ma. Readers young & young-at-heart will never want to leave the magical land of Lirrin after discovering its majestic creatures in this tender story of grief, family, cultural divides, and more. ($15.99)
Health and Wellness
Bmore Natural
info@iambmorenatural.com
wearebmorenatural.com
Bmore Natural’s plant-based hair and skin care collection from founder Kila Johnson offers botanical solutions crafted with care. From rosemary moisture mists and herbal deluxe hair oils (starting at around $12) to body butters, perfumed mists, and tea blends, each item mixes natural ingredients with intentional design. If you’re an early shopper, you can take advantage of their current online 3-for-$50 Autumn Release promo featuring features small-batch, plant-based essentials — whipped body butters, herbal pomades, body mists, and oils — that nourish hair and skin while wrapping you in soft, earthy scents. You can also check out their line at Made in Baltimore’s retail shop this holiday season. (Ana Bak)
Morelife Organic Juices
241 W. Chase Street
(443) 267-2007
morelifeorganicshop.com
For the health-conscious, a juice cleanse after the Thanksgiving feast and a Cold and Flu Fighter for the cold months can help your loved ones feel energized and ready for the season. Can’t give them something fresh? They’ll have gift cards available before December. (Emma Akpan)
OK Natural
11 W. Preston Street
(410) 837-3911
oknaturalfoods.com
A Baltimore staple since 1978, OK Natural Food Store is a family-owned, farm-to-table style gem tucked in Mount Vernon near MICA and the University of Baltimore. The shop’s quaint, retro space overflows with organic produce, bulk herbs and spices, natural beauty products, and vegan and vegetarian essentials. It’s the perfect spot for affordable, healthy inspiration. (Kori Skillman)
FOBA Refillery
1434 Fleet Street
(443) 429-0767
fobarefillery.com
FOBA is Baltimore’s first common good refillery, founded by Fran Ngong (FOBA stands for Fran’s Organic Bodycare & Apothecary). It’s rooted in sustainability and community care. Shoppers can bring their own containers to refill everyday essentials — laundry detergent, dish soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, and more — all made with clean, safe ingredients. The shop also features local favorites like seamoss juices from HUE Apothecary and The Purple Flip, plus Ngong’s own line of natural bodycare products. With a recycling incentive (bring six empty deodorant tins, get one free) and a pet-friendly space, FOBA makes sustainable living easy and joyful. Open Tuesday through Sunday. (Prices vary, most items are under $20) (Ana Bak)
Two Strand Salon
1516 Havenwood Road, 8503 Harford Road, Suite 1
(443) 461-4451
twostrandsalon.com
Two Strand Salon is a haven for natural hair care and self-expression. Specializing in Sisterlocks, Microlocks, twists, curly cuts, color, and restorative scalp treatments, the salon celebrates every texture and style across the diaspora with expert precision. Relax and recharge while your hair is being pampered at either of their two locations in Baltimore City. Natural hair haircuts are as low as $30, and the shop even offers gift cards. (Kori Skillman)
Flourish Baltimore
2441 St. Paul Street
443-803-8103
flourishbaltimore.com
If you’re looking for ways to bring calm to your loved ones during the hectic holiday season, pick up some palo santo or bath salts from Flourish Baltimore. Choose from traditional palo santo to cleanse your home or a meditation candle to pair with your morning routine. This is a great gift for a friend who always shows up with a meal or a hug to remind them they can be cared for as well. Other items to add to your ritual are lavender and chardonnay room sprays, stones of carnelian and amethyst, and a variety of tarot cards. (Emma Akpan)
Le Bleu Body Care by Queneisha
lebleubodycare.com
If you’ve got a fragrance lover in your life, you know that perfumes can get real pricey. Le Bleu Bodycare offers handmade fragrances that are beautifully blended, long-lasting, and come in a range of scent profiles — so you’ll definitely find something you’ll like. While owner Queneisha doesn’t have a brick-and-mortar shop, you can catch her vending throughout the year at pop-up markets around the city. Her products are luxury quality without the hefty price tag. (Prices vary, $28-$70) (Tamara Young)
Nose Kandy
Markets around Baltimore and DC
@nosekandy_ on Instagram
nosekandy.net
The holidays are a perfect time to refresh your fragrance wardrobe, and Nose Kandy is the perfect place to find something new. Candles like Shy Boogie, a bright and fruity pineapple and peach blended with vanilla to give to your favorite baker, and warm scents like Big Money and Vanilla Smoke for your friends who love hunkering down in the cooler months. And just in time for the holidays, Nose Kandy will release laundry detergent to pair with your favorite scent: extending the life of your scent well into the day. (Emma Akpan)
Beauty by Samia
@beautybysamia_ on Instagram
beautybysamia.com
For the friend who loves a little glam, a service from Beauty by Samia makes the perfect gift. Founded by Baltimore-based artist and entrepreneur Samia Freeman, this woman- and Black-owned beauty brand specializes in soft, natural glam that enhances every client’s unique features. Freeman, who began her career as a teen and built her company from the ground up, offers hair and makeup for weddings, photoshoots, and special events with packages ranging from $120 to $300. Known for her artistry and inclusivity, Freeman works with all skin tones and hair types, ensuring every client feels confident and radiant. (Ana Bak)
MB Beauty Bar
2133 N. Charles Street
mb-beauty-bar.square.site
Melody Lewis, owner of MB Beauty Bar, is a licensed esthetician specializing in a wide range of facials for any gender. Facials help hydrate and protect the skin, the body’s largest organ, and can be a nice pampering activity for someone who can never find time for themselves. Tucked in an intimate Charles Village studio, MB Beauty Bar is the perfect treat for anyone seeking a refreshing glow-up that leaves them feeling confident, smooth, and renewed. ($85+) (Kori Skillman)
Places to donate
Our Time Kitchen
117 W. 24th Street
ourtimekitchen.com
The business of feeding people is still heavily dominated by cis-men. Our Time Kitchen is helping make it easier for everyone to win by offering support to minority women and marginalized gender identities. “Our Time is a place that is shaking up the system, by providing affordable kitchen space to help new food businesses navigate the start up process, and scale up,” they say. A donation to Our Time is an investment in small businesses here in Baltimore. (Lisa Snowden)
BLAQ Equity
blaqequity.org
If there’s ever been a time to prioritize the needs of Black LGBTQIA+ people in Baltimore and beyond, it’s now. Every October, BLAQ Equity organizes a variety of BLAQ Pride Month activities aimed at centering and celebrating the community. That’s in addition to the programming they organize throughout the year. “Our work to amplify Black queer leadership and creativity, build solidarity, advocate for our political interests, and safeguard our community in the face of escalating fascism, white supremacy, and transphobia is more important now than ever before,” wrote board member Phillip Clark in a recent Baltimore Beat op-ed. (Lisa Snowden)
Stable Baltimore
info@arabbers.com
(443) 683-7218
stablebaltimore.com
Stable Baltimore is keeping one of Baltimore’s oldest living traditions, arabbing, alive through education and experience. Dating back to the 1800s, arabbing is a symbol of Black entrepreneurship and community care in the city for more than two centuries. Today, Stable Baltimore reimagines that legacy through youth mentorship, horse therapy, and food access programs that teach life skills, compassion, and history. Donations help maintain the horses, fund the Junior Arabber Experience, and preserve the rhythmic clop of hooves that still echoes through Baltimore’s streets. (Ana Bak)
Baltimore Safe Haven
814 N. Collington Avenue
(443) 869-6867
baltimoresafehaven.org
Baltimore Safe Haven is a leader in providing comprehensive support services for TLGBQIA+ people in the city. The organization operates a drop-in center and mobile outreach program, offering harm reduction services, HIV testing, safe sex education, HRT and PrEP through a weekly wellness clinic, case management, and assistance accessing housing services. They also distribute groceries and hot meals. Donations can be made directly through their website to support their work creating safe spaces and addressing health, safety, and prosperity barriers for Baltimore’s most vulnerable community. (Ana Bak)
Roberta’s House
928 E. North Avenue
(410) 235-6633
robertashouse.org
Roberta’s House is a lifeline for Baltimore families facing loss. With compassion and expertise, they help children and adults build resilience and restore hope. The behavioral health program serves as a vital anchor, offering trauma-informed care and compassionate support to help residents heal and rebuild their emotional well-being. A donation to Roberta’s House ensures that every person, regardless of age or income, can access care and community. (Kori Skillman)
Farm Alliance of Baltimore
1500 Union Avenue, Suite 2700
info@farmalliancebaltimore.org
farmalliancebaltimore.org
The Farm Alliance of Baltimore is a membership organization made up of urban farmers and community growers working together to build a fair and thriving food system for the city. From the year-round Black Butterfly Teaching Farm to programs to train new farmers, share seeds and soil, and deliver fresh produce into historically food-insecure neighborhoods, donations which can be made directly online, support growing more than just vegetables. It empowers neighbors, nurtures local economies, and strengthens soil and community alike. (Ana Bak)
New community hubs
Two7 Studio
27 W. North Avenue
@two7_studio on Instagram
Two7 Studio is a community gallery space located in Station North. Perfect for artists, curators, or anyone looking to host an artistic event, the gallery also operates as an event space. A rental gift here is not just a venue, it is an opportunity to showcase work, build community with other local artists, and celebrate creativity in an inspiring setting. Renting the space is $70 per hour with a two-hour minimum. (Kori Skillman)
Baltimore Liberation Center
327 Park Avenue, Suite A
baltimoreliberationcenter.org
The Baltimore Liberation Center is a movement hub rooted in solidarity and collective action. Operated independently of any political party, the center brings together working-class Baltimoreans to organize around issues like police accountability, housing justice, and community self-determination. A financial gift to the Baltimore Liberation Center provides people-power that fosters learning and community involvement. (Kori Skillman)
Clothing and retail
Reversed Thrift Shop
1916 Fleet Street
(443) 416-3535
@reversedthriftshop on Instagram
Reversed Thrift Shop was created by owner Ameena Brown, who saw her fellow community members facing financial hardships and wanted to offer relief. From there, she dreamed up an idea in adorable, stylish clothing. This holiday season, when families are stretched thin, Reversed Thrift Shop provides a much-needed lifeline. Born from intentionality, the shop offers a curated mix of vintage and modern fashion at a lower price points than many other stores. (Prices vary) (Kori Skillman)
Jody Davis Designs
110 W. Saratoga Street
jodydavis.com
Jody Davis’s clothes are fun, flirty, and lighthearted — just what we need when there are all kinds of things happening in the news to make us feel anything but. That might be why the Baltimore Orioles tapped her to design an exclusive collection of clothing for the Orioles’ Birdland Hawaiian Shirt giveaway this year. She offers dresses, suits, jackets, tops, and pants. If you can’t decide, you can also purchase a gift card. (Lisa Snowden)
The Paper Herald
702 Saint Paul Street
(443) 835-1402
paperherald.com
For those who love the tactile joy of paper and pen, The Paper Herald is a must-visit. This Mount Vernon stationery boutique celebrates the lost art of letter writing, journaling, and analog creativity through a curated selection of notebooks, writing instruments, and paper goods. Founded in 2021, it’s become a go-to for those who appreciate thoughtful design and craftsmanship, from sleek fountain pens and linen-bound planners to whimsical greeting cards and locally-made stationery. Whether you’re shopping for a new coworker, creative friend, or yourself, The Paper Herald turns everyday writing into an elegant ritual. (Prices vary) (Ana Bak)
From Baltimore with Love
frombaltimorewithlove.com
@frombaltimorewithlove on Instagram
If you don’t have at least one “From Baltimore With Love” item in your wardrobe, are you even from Baltimore? In just seven years, the brand has quickly become that must-have piece in your wardrobe. Every city dweller who takes pride in their hometown has at least one — the I ❤️ NY crop top t-shirt, the Philadelphia Eagles Hoodie, or the Detroit Lions jacket — that’s required for travel. It’s the one you have to replace with a new one when it fades.
“FBWL’s mission has always been clear, to represent The Greatest City in America,” founder Brian Dawkins told us via email. To celebrate their seventh year of becoming one of the most traveled homegrown brands, catch them at the historic Lexington Market starting on Small Business Saturday, November 29, through the end of the year.
A limited seven-year capsule collection designed by Jeremiah “Graffititech” Thompson will be available. Expect collaborations with celebrity makeup artist Ashley Callaway, visual artist Akio Evans, and custom hatmaker Jerrill Sankey of JS Headwear. It’s a top-tier gift for that relative who moved away and still reps the city. Or you can treat yourself to something new. (Eze Jackson)
Black Wall Street
Old Goucher
The bustling Black-owned businesses operating on and around 25th street in Old Goucher are also known as Black Wall Street, and they offer a variety of shops, stores, and eateries where you can spend your hard-earned cash. Get sweatsuits and shorts sets at No Excusez, the clothing brand owned by Baltimore rapper and entrepreneur Yg Teck. Get girly accessories and bodycon athleisure wear at Lady Queen’s Boutique. Go to Unitz by Jaz for wigs, extensions, and more. (Lisa Snowden)
Hooper House
100 E. 23rd Street
hooperhouse.com
@athooperhouse on Instagram
The next time you stop by Mama Koko’s for a drink or a meal, make sure to head upstairs. The Hooper House has a wide selection of unique and stylish locally-owned-and-operated shops and boutiques. Alwaysworking offers impossibly cool t-shirts, sweats, and hats. Heyakilogram has polos, knit hats, and snapbacks. Get scented candles and perfumes at BoundHaus+Prose. (Lisa Snowden)
A Day in June Vintage
1714 Aliceanna Street
adayinjunevintage.com
@adayinjunevintage on Instagram
Bright, soulful, and full of personality, A Day in June is a vintage store in Fells Point that makes sustainable shopping feel like a celebration. The store stands out for its vintage rental program — ideal for photo shoots and special events — and even has a coffee program with ilse coffee out of Connecticut. The store is open from Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and you can also purchase certain items online. (Prices vary) (Ana Bak)
Experiences
Reginald F. Lewis Museum
830 E. Pratt Street
(443) 263-1800
lewismuseum.org
$50
Celebrate and sustain Black brilliance with a $50 year-long membership to the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture. Just two blocks from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the Lewis, a Smithsonian affiliate, stands as a living representation of power, reliance, and creativity of Black people. Membership grants free admission for a year, plus priority invitations to openings, events, and conversations that center and uplift Black stories. The Lewis is a place where Black art, history, and identity are not just preserved, but proudly celebrated and expanded for generations to come. (Kori Skillman)
Full Story Baltimore
1014 W. 36th St, #629
(443) 765-7158
fullstorybaltimore.tours
Scheduling a walking tour is a great gift for a loved one new to the city, visiting for the holidays, or a lump on the log who just doesn’t get outside enough to see how dope Baltimore is. Full Story Baltimore is a walking tour company committed to telling fuller stories of this city, its history, and its people — it tells the truth and does not erase the Indigenous, Black, and brown stories that often get left out of the narratives. Highly recommended is the “Black Reconstruction in Lower Charles Village” tour. Tickets are $12 for students and $15 for adults. (Eze Jackson)
National Great Blacks in Wax Museum
1601–03 E. North Avenue
(410) 563-3404
greatblacksinwax.org
Give the gift of history and heritage with a visit to the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, the first wax museum in the country dedicated solely to African American history. Located in East Baltimore, the museum features more than 150 life-sized wax figures that bring stories of resilience, brilliance, and activism to life, from ancient Africa to the present day. Admission starts at $15 for children and $18 for adults, and memberships are available for those who want to support this vital cultural institution year-round. Open Thursday through Sunday. (Ana Bak)
Cuples Tea House & Vinyl Pages
301 Light Street
(667) 298-6629
cuplesteahouse.com | vinylandpages.com
For the tea lover, music collector, or bookworm in your life, Cuples Tea House & Vinyl & Pages at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor offers a multisensory gift experience unlike any other. Founded by husband-and-wife team Lynnette and Eric Dodson, this Black-owned business brings together tea, culture, and community under one roof. Sip one of Cuples’ 50+ premium loose-leaf blends, explore rare vinyl records, and browse curated book selections, all while soaking in the creative energy of this hybrid tea lounge and retail space.
For an experiential gift, book their Tea Education Series, a four-part journey led by Certified Tea Sommelier Heather Thornton, where guests learn, sip, and master the art of the perfect cup ($33.85 per class or $121.35 for the full series). Or treat someone to their High Tea service, complete with carefully paired bites and an elevated setting that celebrates connection. (Ana Bak)
Classes at OpenWorks
1400 Greenmount Avenue
(410) 862-0424
openworksbmore.org/classes-programs
You know what everyone needs to prioritize in the new year? Getting off our phones. Baltimore OpenWorks offers a wide range of adult education classes to help someone in your life do just that. OpenWorks offers shop safety and introductory courses, skills classes and workshops, foundation classes, and classes for people 55 and up. They also host a quilting club where participants can work on their own projects or create a group quilt. (Lisa Snowden)
No Land Beyond
108 W. North Avenue
410-849-9416
nolandbaltimore.com
Station North is home to Baltimore’s first-ever board game bar, game shop and venue. Now located in a former funeral home — a spacious upgrade from their former home on Maryland Avenue — you can stop in on any night of the week except Mondays. Sorcery Social Club, Magic The Gathering Night, Commander Night or Yu-Gi-Oh are regularly on the calendar. It’s a great place to pick up a special, thoughtful gift for that board game lover in your life.There’s $5 admission to play and no admission to enjoy the bar or browse retail. They also do private parties if you’re looking for a unique location to celebrate that person or any special event of your own. (Eze Jackson)
Canton Games
2101 Essex Street
(410) 276-2640
cantongames.com
Canton Games is at once one of the first and one of the last game stores in the city. Founded by game designer Dan Hoffman, Canton Games bills itself as “your friendly local game store” and reading the comments from regulars, it seems to live up to its name. A lot of spaces dedicated to things like comics and board or video games can be intimidating to those not in the culture. Known for its running games of Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering weekly, Canton Games is the perfect stop for newbie and pro alike. (J.M. Giordano)
Things to get a:
Neighborhood Fiber Co.
405 E. Oliver Street, #350
(410) 989-3770
neighborhoodfiberco.com
For the friend who can’t stop touching the yarn aisle, gift them something from Neighborhood Fiber Co., Baltimore’s celebrated hand-dyed yarn studio. Founded by artist Karida Collins, the company blends rich, vibrant colorways with a mission of social justice, donating a portion of profits to local equity initiatives. While the working studio isn’t open to the public, their online shop offers kits, skeins, and fiber bundles perfect for knitters, crocheters, and weavers of every level. A beautiful way to support local craft and community in one thoughtful package. (Ana Bak)
Drama MaMa Bookshop
8600 Foundry Street, Suite G8
$25+
dramamamabookshop.com
According to Morgan State Dean of the School of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences Paul Tchounwou, journals and planners from Drama MaMa Bookshop are a perfect fit for the student in your life. This Black-owned, Baltimore-bred studio offers stylish, thoughtfully-designed stationery that blends organization with empowerment. You can expect prints that celebrate Black power and liberation. Even better, you can personalize the journal to add names, sketches, or motivational quotes that make it uniquely meaningful. Prefer to let the student choose? Give a gift card and they can create something as distinctive as they are. (Kori Skillman)
the dede. shop
305 N. Howard Street
(240) 650-0126
thededeshop.com
For the new homeowner (or anyone who loves a well-designed space), the dede. shop offers a stunning selection of pieces where beauty meets purpose. With one year under their belt, co-owner Ellie Odio recommends their award-winning, hand-poured candles, like their winter favorite “A Cabin in Aspen” for $89.99, which comes in refillable marble vessels that double as timeless decor. Pair one with their sculptural marble and brass trays or stone canisters ($59.99-$69.99), perfect for any vanity or entryway. Each item reflects the shop’s Afrocentric and contemporary design philosophy, adding warmth, texture, and quiet luxury to everyday living. Gift cards are also available for those who can’t pick just one favorite. (Ana Bak)
The Paper Herald
702 Saint Paul Street
(443) 835-1402
paperherald.com
In the age of rising technology, there’s something beautiful about going back to the art of stationary, real pen and paper. For your co-worker friend, bring a bit of nostalgia. Brighten a new desk with stylish stationery from The Paper Herald, a curated selection of notebooks, writing instruments, and creative supplies in the heart of Mount Vernon. Founded in 2021, this local gem celebrates elegant design and thoughtful gifting. Current favorites include A5 lined notebooks that range from $13.50-$37.05. (Ana Bak)
Keppel & Kismet
3015 Hamilton Avenue, Fl 1
(410) 801-8998
keppelandkismet.com
For the new friend you’re getting to know, Keppel & Kismet offers a variety of items that feel personal and full of heart. Driven by founder Nicole Sullivan’s desire to unite her love for creation with a dedication to sustainability and community, she champions local makers and traditional craftsmanship. Items from their “Baltimore & Maryland Collection,” which ranges from ornaments to cutting boards, is sure to appease a newcomer to the state and the hometown lover. (Ana Bak)
Modern World
1006 W. 36th Street
(443) 835-1846
modernworldbaltimore.myshopify.com
The holidays can often be a time when sober folks feel most unseen socially. Office parties, Friendsgivings, and family gatherings alike all tend to cater heavily to the alcohol lovers. Baltimore’s new non-alcoholic & specialty goods shop Modern World is stocked with all kinds of delicious alternatives to drinking. Whether it’s the zero-proof sparkling rosè, spiritless espresso martini, or one of my personal favorites the heywell drinks, a gift card can go a long way. Stop in and add some items to your own holiday menu for guests — you might be surprised at who’s sober-curious these days. (Eze Jackson)