best gifts to buy & causes to support in baltimore this winter

Need some last-minute gift ideas this holiday season?

We’ve curated a list of some wonderful places to get local gifts in Baltimore.

If you want to give a different type of gift this year, we’ve also listed causes we champion that you can donate to as well.

Whether you’re giving a gift to loved ones, yourself, or an community organization, you’re sure to find something on this list.

best places to buy local gifts in baltimore

casa figlia candles

Casa Figlia’s hand-poured, vegan candles are made with love from the home of the company’s founder, who is a full-time caregiver for her father in the city. Danielle DiBlasi is a big believer in the concept of hygge, which is a Danish and Norwegian word that describes a general feeling of coziness. Her clean burning and toxin-free, and are crafted from sustainably sourced ingredients.

We love the Charm City candle, a gift inspired by the classic Baltimorean lemon and peppermint stick snack. The vanilla, lemon, and peppermint scent of this candle will bring the Flower Mart to your living room this winter and remind you of warmer days.

mouth party caramels

This local shop in Timonium, MD sells delicious caramel treats that would be perfect gifts to bring to your office holiday parties (or for anyone else with a sweet tooth). They sell caramel sauces, gift boxes, and gift bags of sea salt caramels.

Our office loved the bags of sea salt caramels last year; they really were a party in your mouth.

You can get Mouth Party products at their storefront in Timonium or in a number of speciality stores throughout Baltimore. 

lovelyarns

If you know someone who loves to knit or crochet, you’ll appreciate Lovelyarns in Hampden. 

This local favorite shop has all kinds of yarns from gorgeous bulky yarns for sweaters to handspun art yarns. They also sell other types of crafting materials for your projects like beads, buttons, and other accessories. You can also get kits that make specific projects, which would be great for a beginning knitter or someone who needs some inspiration on what to make. 

greedy reads gift card or curated bag

Located in Remington and Fells Point, Greedy Reads is the place to be for bookworms. 

You can check out their staff gift guide if you’re stumped on what to get the reader in your life, or buy a curated bag. 

Curated bags come with 1, 3, or 4 books. All you have to do is tell them 3 books that the person you’re buying for loves and they’ll fill a bag with personalized recommendations. You can also stick with the classic gift card option.

cuples tea house

We’re glad it’s tea season again, and Cuples Tea House is the perfect place to stock up on teas in Baltimore. Cuples Tea House is Black-owned and woman-owned company dedicated to promoting healthier communities through tea. They sell a variety of loose leaf teas and accessories. 

Here are some flavors we recommend:

• Blood Orange Tea
• BlueBerry Passion Herbal
• BMore Chai
• Bourbon Black
• Honeybush Hazelnut 

mt. royal soaps

Mount Royal Soaps sells handcrafted luxury soaps, bath, and skincare products that would make perfect gifts. They also sell candles and are currently offering their “wickedly festive” holiday collection, which includes scents like Holly Berry (sugar plum and holly berry) and Alpine for You (blue spruce and oak moss). 

You can visit Mount Royal Soaps at their storefront in Remington or at Lexington Market. 

causes to support in baltimore

bmore art subscription

Supporting quality arts journalism is a noble cause, however, you might choose to purchase a Bmore Art  subscription for yourself to be able to attend their fabulous subscriber events. While you’re shopping, their branded goods and publications are really top notch. A stylish gift for the creative in your life.

baltimore symphony orchestra

One of America’s leading orchestras is right here in Charm City, and attending their concerts is always a good night out. If you need some events to look forward to in 2025, becoming a member and subscribing to their concert series is an ideal solution. From symphonies to movies you’ll be amazed at their wide range of offerings. 

black women build

In their words,  Black Women Build – Baltimore (BWBB) is a community and wealth-building initiative that restores vacant and deteriorated houses for homeownership. This pragmatic organization offers women a pathway to homeownership by teaching trade skills. This group is remarkable.

maryland spca

The Maryland SPCA does incredible work that can be supported by donating or volunteering. In particular, we’re fond of making a donation in honor of a friend as a holiday gift. Those donations go to feeding pets and providing life saving veterinarian care. If you’ve got room for a new cat or dog, the Falls Rd location offers adoption services, including adorable bios for eligible pets on their website.  

spreading holiday cheer

No matter who you’re shopping for, Baltimore has some fabulous local shops where you can find unique local gifts.

There are also important causes to support if you’re looking to give a gift to your community.

We hope you found something great on this list and wish you a bright holiday season.