Beauty & HealthHome & GardenTrends 50 Great Gifts By James Meskunas - November 23, 2015 0 2148 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinMixFlipEmailPrintCopy URL GIRL ON FIREThis handmade sterling silver Fireworks Pin designed byZina of Beverly Hills is large and in charge, perfect for the splashy, personality-forward glamour gal—something like Zina herself.$315, at Blanca Flor Silver Jewelry in Harbor East (and Annapolis). DAZED AND AMUSEDA striped knit cap always says nonchalance, but this one alsosays “on trend.” For the chill recipient in the know, the distinct diamond logo tells you it’s very cool Volcom. The Soleil Beanie by Volcom, $24, at the Fells Point Surf Co. at the Shops at Kenilworth. DOWNY AND OUTGet your serious ski bunny this igloo of aScandinavian-designed jacket—a hybrid construction pairs goose down “insulators” with stretchy fleece.Also available in black. $200, at Helly Hansen in Annapolis. FORGET MISTLETOESpice up the 12 days of Christmas with sexy underwear by La Mystére: the red “Sophia” bra—with crystal/lace bow detail and uplifting balconette cup—and matching panty are a very merry way to decorate. Bra, $68; panty, $26, at Necessary Secrets at Green Spring Station. CHARMEDFor the book lover and jewelry buff, these adorable charms celebrate classic works such as The Catcher in the Rye. The seller stocks used and rare books, too. Be sure to pick your friend a real volume or two. Charms, $5 each, at the Annapolis Bookstore. JUST SAY GNOMEThe Kate Spade Blaze a Trail Gnome Clutch reminds us of specialty party purses our grandly attired grandmother used to own.$398, at Handbags in the City in Harbor East. I’M FLYINGParty people and regular travelers alike will appreciatethe W&P Carry-on Cocktail Kit, which comes complete with every little thing necessary to mix two classic Old Fashioneds while aloft—minus the booze, of course. $24, at Sur La Table in Annapolis. PINK LADYThis neatly tailored herringbone coat by Il Cappottino remindsus of something all-time coat queen Audrey Hepburn might have donned. The Italian brand, founded in 2007, aims to improve every customer’s image, one coat at a time. $1,265, at Ruth Shaw in Cross Keys. BICYCLE CHIEFWho on your list is at top risk for…flat tires? On Your Bikevintage-style repair kit comes with non-rubber patches in three sizes, two metal “tyre” levers, a bone wrench, a metal rast, 20 mm. of rubber solution and instructions! $23, at TROVH in Hampden. STATE PRIDEFor local friends and faraway fans of Maryland—namedto honor Henrietta Maria, the wife of England’sKing Charles I—the “Home” T-shirt celebrates place in a laidback way. $24, at Sweet Elizabeth Jane in Ellicott City. ART SCHOOLPicasso said, “All children are artists. The problem is to remainan artist.” Get your kids committed now with these awesome markers and fun drawing book. Triplus Fineliners by Staedtler, $36; doodle book, $7, at Art Things in Annapolis. FETCHINGCan you teach your best friend to catch a crab?Well, maybe a yellow crab squeaky toy, especially one this irresistibly cute. $19, at Paws pet boutique in Annapolis. SUCH A SOFTYCashmere socks by Bella make a fabulous last-minutegift for favorite school teachers, neighbors and distant kin. Only $15 mid-calf (yellow); $12 crew (polka-dot)—but they still say luxury, at Ma Petit Shoe in Hampden. SLICE OF LIFEThe Nambé cheeseboard with magnetized utensils simplifies your party prep by an inch, but maybe more importantly, the sculptural design factor elevates your modern setting. $100, at The Store LTD in Cross Keys. CARDIGAN CULTUREThis sweet Boutique Moschino sweater with bow detailsays holiday spirit like nobody’s business. We can see youwearing it while hoisting your turkey or your hot toddy.Pair it with jeans or a pencil skirt. $595, at Ruth Shaw in Cross Keys. TIEBREAKERFor the family dog who hankers to join thered-and-green scene, this plaid bowtie collar makes for a super-adorable photo op. $24, atPaws pet boutique in Annapolis. PRADA, PRADA, PRADARound tortoiseshell glasses are back big time,but we prefer this shaded Prada pair that createsa more cosmopolitan persona. For your choosiest giftee. $375, at Handbags in the City in Harbor East. IN CASE!Got an iPad-toting tot in your household?Percival the dinosaur adorns this precious iPad Caseby Beatrix New York—attractive and apt to protect the pricy device stored inside. $32, from Wheat in Annapolis. SILVER LININGThe work of William Spratling, “the father of contemporary Mexican silver,” nods to the cultures of early Mexico.This special graduated Spratling-inspired necklace is versatile enough for any female recipient on your five-star list, a gift to last a lifetime.$835, at Blanca Flor Silver Jewelry in Annapolis. PETITESThe mini purse is hot again, and it’s such a relief to be able to find our lipstick and car keys. This downsized Diane Von Furstenberg number makes us smile. $368, Handbags in the City at Harbor East. DRESS RECITALFor the girliest toddler you know,this frothy gray gown twirls with panache. Oh-so-Night Before Christmas.$70, at Wheat in Annapolis. HEEL!The Gianvitto Rossi black lace dress heel is the kind of shoe that could turn a dreaded holiday gathering into an affair to remember. $795, at Ruth Shaw in Cross Keys. BLACK & GOLD These ingenious, attitude-stacked bracelets have magnetic closure and pair well with casual or party clothes–get them for your best-dressed besties now. $72, at Amaryllis in Harbor East. ON SAILThis ridiculously cool recycled duffel,made from yacht sails, is not only for yachties. We can think of a dozen active friends who’d kill to own one. $159, at Re-Sails in Annapolis. 1000 WORDS“Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt,” a black-and-white framed and signed photograph by Frederick Lasarge—the portrait of a bride and groom in Annapolis—is our top-pick romantic give. $400, at the Annapolis Collection in Annapolis. WHAT’S IN A FLAME?Who can get enough artistic candles? These NorthernLights Candles, “Absinthe & Black Fig” and “Whiskey & Tobacco,” are a thoughtful choice for everyone on your list. $18 each,at Phina’s for the Home in Federal Hill. WRAPPED UPThe Snow Cloud Cardigan in soft heather gray seems likesomething Andie MacDowell would have worn in the ‘90s,in an excellently pretty way. The comfy, classy look makes for impressive gifting. $249, at Pendleton at the Shops at Kenilworth. SPELL IT OUTTrying to tell him or her something? This CreativeGifts customizable cheeseboard might just help you say it—in a non-cheesy way. $45 (+$10 for custom message),at Phina’s for the Home in Federal Hill. NO SWEATFunny feminist Jac Vanek serves up Man Tears without apology, and who doesn’t have a gal pal or two who’s plenty thirsty for some?$18, at Brightside Boutique in Federal Hill. SNOWGIRLWe’ll never forget how huggable our baby girl was in her tiny Kate Spade snowsuit. (Or the time she wobbled around the room in her dad’s enormous winter boots.) Garment available in newborn to 24 months. $98, at Wee Chic in Green Spring Station. WINE SNOBThe Flint shoulder bag (in wine) is a practical pick foralmost any fashion-savvy woman who works 9 to 5. Goes from day to evening in a zip. $238, at Hobo in Annapolis. TOO CUTE!Boots add an edge to any look; Bootie Cuties animalboot cuffs by Cupcakes and Cartwheels soften it. Be a kid again this holiday season! $15, at Pandora’s Box in Federal Hill. SIDEWAYSThis Crummins Road 2012 pinot noir’s the perfect holidaybeverage to serve alongside takeout tapas and gourmet popcornfor a night of movie-watching with the family—and the extended fam.$28, at The Wine Bin in Ellicott City. S.W.A.K.This is one envelope she’d be extra keen to receive: The Abbeline Leather Ponte Envelope Shell Top is a standout at any nighttime gathering. $158, at South Moon Under in Harbor East. WORK ITWe’ve been noticing lots of stylish friends lacing up their work boots—now cool kids can do it too. This pair by Steve Madden is mad-affordable, too: $75, at the Towson Bootery at The Shops at Kenilworth. GOT INK?“The Tattoo Coloring Book,” by Oliver Munden, makesan imaginative present for anyone who appreciates body art and/or intricate design. $15, at AVAM’s Sideshow shop. HOLIDAY LIGHTSThese unique metal lanterns from Turkey are made of stainless steel or copper. They add versatile flair—and warmth—to any home or office. $220, at Karavan in Annapolis. EAR ENVYSure, emerald earrings are an ideal gift for any woman with a May birthday (like us), but don’t underestimate the green stone’s dramatic, people-pleasing allure and holiday appeal. $4,125, Bijoux at Green Spring Station GRAPE NUTSOn-the-go wine flasks are in demand because they’re efficiently transportable and reusable. This Tote & Table wine bottle flask blends added humor. $23, at The Wine Bin in Ellicott City. MEOW!Artistic mugs for the animal lovers at yourcoffee table. $27 each, at Paws pet boutique in Annapolis. NEVER FORGETThe plush Bella Tunno elephant is sure to make your little one grin—and a portion of all sales goes to feed the hungry. $34, Wee Chic at Green Spring Station. ORNAMENTALGive your guy an ornament he’ll treasure always, because it speaks to his top hobby: beer. The Beer Growler glass ornament: $20, at Sur La Table in Annapolis. BEHIND YOU!Just like our kids, we’re goners for the backpack trend. This fun number by the Herschel Supply Co., the “Pop Quiz” camo backpack, is on our own wish list. $70, atSouth Moon Under in Harbor East. SAFE COURSEWe know! Get your fancy friend who haseverything a beautiful mariner’s compass. They come in other styles as well. $28, at The Annapolis Bookstore. POP!Perfect stocking stuffer: The anthropomorphic Anna corkscrew is a collectible Alessi piece—available in dark red and light blue. $67, at The Store LTD in Cross Keys. RELAXFor her, Jane and Bleecker lacrosse shorts are comfy duds for your best Maryland-born homegirl. $38, at Lingerie Lingerie at The Shops at Kenilworth. BLACK AND BLUESharp toes make us look taller than rounded toes.These One brand heels in electric blue with black wraparound ankle straps also make our calves looks boss. $400,Matava Shoes in Green Spring Station. CUSHYThis handsome handmade Maryland pillow rootsfor our home state without wrecking our color palette. $58, at Becket Hitch in Green Spring Station. 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