Sure, it saves time to e-buy. And malls are always reliable sources for holiday shopping. But don't you just love the thrill of finding something wonderful at a small shop where the service is great and you know your gift is one of a kind? The Baltimore area is full of these locally owned boutiques and shops. It's just a matter of locating them. Here are 10 of our favorites that offer a variety of fabulous gifts in a wide range of prices.
Silver Monkeys
326 N. Charles St., Baltimore; 410-528-1568
You've seen fancier gift shops, but none any more cheerful or friendlier. Come here for moderately priced silver gifts; engraving is done on the premises. We loved the small silver shopping bags, just right to slip in a piece of jewelry, and silver and crystal bobeches to decorate candlesticks, both for less than $10.
What's hot: Anything engraved
Hannah Elizabeth
Greenspring Station, Lutherville; 410-296-4600
You need a small hostess gift. How about bar towels or Christmas crackers (the kind that go pop)? More serious shopping can be taken care of with decorative martini glasses, antique dough risers (fill them with snacks for entertaining), Kenyan woodware, and elegant sushi sets.
What's hot: Faux berry wreaths (above, $85) and anything that has to do with home entertaining
aMuse
1623 Thames St., Fells Point; 410-342-5000
How can one store pack so many clever toys and creative crafts into such a small space? Classics like sock monkeys, Slinkys and Silly Putty jostle for space with paint-your-own-piggy-bank kits, puppets, train sets, books and 1,000-piece puzzles. Let's play!
What's hot: The Groovy Girls doll -- the specialty toy industry's answer to Barbie (left, $11.50)
2910 on the Square
2910 O'Donnell St., Canton; 410-675-8505
Few shops balance charming gifts and serious contemporary crafts as well as 2910 does. You can find everything from Judaica to cigar box purses. Don't miss the tiny bathroom filled with bathroom accessories for sale.
What's hot: Handmade mittens and scarves, colorful art glass suncatchers (above, $27)
Rugs to Riches
8307 Main St., Ellicott City; 410-750-8767
This shop is filled with so many delicious gifts and home accessories you won't know where to start. Just check out the collectibles, lamps, gourmet foods, tableware and, oh yes, rugs. And don't miss the Paris flea market upstairs (50 percent off).
What's hot: Anything with beading and tassels; decorative pillows (below, $46)
Plat du Jour
220 Main St., Annapolis; 410-269-1499
This Main Street shop has long been known for its European ceramics and linens, but now it's expanded its holiday offerings to include specialty foods such as marrons glaces and white truffle oil, plus luxury bath products and decorative gifts.
What's hot: Beautiful Italian and French platters that are works of art (right, $56)
Ma Petite Shoe
832 W. 36th St., Hampden; 410-235-3442
Finally. A shop that caters to our two most deep-seated obsessions, high-style shoes and designer chocolate. Every female on your list could use a pair of Goody-Goody Bon-Bon slippers (above, $29.99 and $39.99), and no one will turn down a box of Michel Cluizel chocolates from Paris.
What's hot: Pointy-toe shoes, boots that lace up, chocolate made with green tea
Grillo & Co.
17 Allegheny Ave., Towson; 410-832-5272
During the holiday season, this high-end jewelers expands its selection of specialty giftware, custom-designed jewelry and jewelry boxes.
What's hot: Small, exclusive pieces like cloisonne frames and trinket boxes, private label watches (left, $140)
Katwalk
243 W. Read St., Baltimore; 410-728-9255
Is it Read Street or is it SoHo? Baltimore just doesn't get any more fashion-forward than this. For the right person, giving these clothes will label you as hipper than hip. Check out the antique-looking purses and one-of-a-kind accessories.
What's hot: Beaded tops and fur-trimmed sweaters and coats (above, $490)
Menagerie
316 Wyndhurst Ave., Roland Park; 410-435-4107
We all need a little more whimsy in our lives this time of year, and no place does whimsy better -- especially at these prices. You'll find fun soaps, garden ornaments, beautiful fakes of fine porcelain done in tin, crocheted hats, lots of jewelry, hand- painted glassware and lamps galore.
What's hot for the holidays: Butterflies and other insects (above, $26)