Finding the ideal gift for a friend or family member can be a real challenge. Big stores don’t always have what you’re looking for, especially if you want something unique. That’s where we come in!

Downtown Partnership has crafted a line-up of holiday gift ideas from local businesses in the heart of Downtown. Skip the usual stuff and check out these distinctive finds to show your loved ones that you put some thought into their gifts this year (while also supporting small businesses)! In addition to this roundup, we encourage you to check out this year’s Downtown Holiday Guide — a one stop shop for all things holiday happenings in Downtown Baltimore.  

For the Style Icon 

DIFFERENTREGARD is a must-visit boutique featuring both men and women’s fashion in Mt. Vernon.

• Benedetto Haberdashery | 324 Park Avenue
  Kevin Scott, designer and owner of Benedetto Haberdashery has tailored a new style of men’s clothing in the Baltimore fashion scene. Specializing in formal, athleisure, and footwear, a gift from here will surely have heads turning.
• Chickie & Co | 801 N. Howard Street
  Bold colors, trendy pieces, and a bit of razzle-dazzle can elevate your next look! Chickie & Co runway inspired looks set them apart from other boutiques.
• DIFFERENTREGARD | 825 N. Charles Street
  Baltimore native and co-owners Steven White and Dominick Davis blend ready to wear chic with sustainability. Specializing in both men and women’s fashion, they have tailored their clothing selection for weddings, prom, and date night. Expanding their talent, DIFFERENTREGARD has recently incorporated kids’ fashion into their rap sheet.
• The Doll House Boutique | 403 N. Charles Street
  Innovating fashion staples, Doll House Boutique prioritizes couture but simple clothing for the everyday woman. Working alongside designers from all over the DMV, owner Natalie Karyl clothing has appeared on celebrities and publications such as Vouge and Vibe Magazine.  
• Elite Secrets Bridal | 339 N. Charles Street
  Wedding bells will ring, wedding bells will chime! This Black woman-owned bridal boutique located in Mt. Vernon sources beautiful gowns from all over the world direct to Baltimore brides. Entrust Tonya Turnage with your special moment as she has been working in the beauty and bridal industry for decades. If you are looking for something unique, visit her second location, Elite Design House – a Downtown BOOST business.
• Gian Marco Menswear | 517 N. Charles Street
  Sourcing creative inspiration from the fashion centers of Europe, Gian Marco focuses on the smaller details of men’s fashion. Silk paisley printed handkerchiefs with bold colors have worked their way into Gian Marco’s designs.
• Jody Davis Designs | 110 W Saratoga Street
  Recognized as the best in Baltimore fashion, this boutique will have you looking right! With over 25 years of industry experience and a client roster ranging from celebrities and media personalities, to  the everyday women. Jody is known for stylish but functional dresses and workwear. Schedule an appointment to stop by her store in Downtown Baltimore or check out her designs Friday-Saturday.
• Tigerlillyship Jewelry | 520 Park Avenue (Inside Mt. Vernon Marketplace)
  ‘Simple, Elegant, and made from Nature’ is how owner Allison Fomich, describes her handcrafted jewelry pieces. Located in Mount Vernon, this quaint shop holds an assortment of earrings, necklaces, and bracelets that are individual and truly unique.
• Paris West Optical | 521 N. Charles Street
  This full-service luxury boutique features artisan collections from all over the world. From sleek sunglasses to bold, unique frames, Paris West has been upping Baltimore’s eyewear game for the past 65 years.

For the Self-Care Obsessed

NKVSKIN prioritizes all-natural ingredients for their in-house skincare line. 

• Luxury Nail & Spa | 330 N. Charles Street
  In the heart of Downtown,  kick back and relax at Luxury Nail & Spa. From pedicures, massages, and waxing— help elevate your love ones’ self-care routine.  
• NKVSKIN | 113 N. Charles Street
  Come unwind and rid your body of day-to-day life stressors. Another proud BOOST business, Owner Nikia K. Vaughan has created a welcoming storefront inviting guests to relax and enjoy the wonders of self-care with a focus on facials and waxing. Her luxurious in-house skin care line is all-natural and kind to even the most sensitive of skin types.
• The QG | 31 S. Calvert Street
  The QG is more than a store — it’s an experience. Within their building you’ll find a bundled-up cigar lounge, barbershop, social club, retail store, and restaurant. The QG offers an assortment of clothing, valuables, and experiences — you’re sure to find a unique gift option here.
• Zen and the City | 811 N. Charles Street
  Heal the mind, body, and soul at Zen and the City. Founder Gary Davenport has created a sanctuary for relaxation. Book a massage, or grab a gift card for that special person in your life this holiday season.

For the Creatively Inclined

The next hub for the community, patrons can enjoy game nights, book clubs, or poetry slams at Vinyl & Pages.

• Current Space | 421 N. Howard Street
  Think outside the box at Current Space. This art gallery and bar is artist run. Working alongside non-profit Fractured Atlas, Current Space hosts monthly events to welcome artists, activists, performers, designers, curators, and thinkers throughout Baltimore.
• Lumiere Candle Studio | 411 N. Charles Street
  Explore a new sensory adventure at Lumiere Candle Studio this season. Craft your own bespoke scent in one of their classes, with candle prices ranging from $27 to $40. Elevate your experience with with Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB).
• The Museum Store at The Walters | 600 N. Charles Street
  Embark on a journey through 7,000 years of history and art at The Walters Art Museum in Mount Vernon. Explore 36,000 diverse art objects throughout the galleries, and don’t miss the chance to discover unique handcrafted jewelry, culturally rich books, and exquisite decor at the museum’s retail store. Immerse yourself in the past, beautifully curated for your enjoyment.
• Black Genuis Art Show | 106 N. Eutaw Street
  Guided by his motto ‘create everyday’ Media artist Bryan Robinson is behind the 200 illustrations of Black Genius Art Show. A BOOST recipient, Robinson was able to open a storefront to display his creations from 2021. If someone close to you enjoys whimsical cartoon caricatures, check out the Black Genius Art Show. 
• Vinyl & Pages | 407 N. Howard Street
  Artists and avid readers, check out this exciting creative space in the BromoArts District. Enjoy literary pieces and vinyl records at Vinyl and Pages! Co-owners and spouses, Eric and Lynette expanded their business to unite the community. Hosting book clubs to game nights, this imaginative place invites self-expression, growth, and learning. Explore this vintage yet cozy spot!
• Viva Books | 326 N Charles Street
  Owner Viva Stowell houses an assortment of used novels in her downtown bookstore. Find books ranging from Stowell’s favorites’ to art history; be sure to call ahead if there is a special book you’d like to gift your special someone this season. 

For the Foodie 

Crust by Mack famous flocked pies, crab pies topped with honey old bay wings.

• Lucky’s | 601 E. Pratt Street
  Looking for a sugary stop? look no further than Lucky’s Ice Cream and Candy Shop! This small business has scooped their way into the cones of Baltimoreans. Owner Alexis “Lucky” Thompson, began her business from her love of old-fashioned candy shops she frequented as a child. Her business has expanded from just candy to, ice cream, to now serving Starbucks coffee! We are cone-fident you will find a sweet gift at Lucky’s!
  
• Trinacria | 406 N. Paca Street
  You won’t need a plane ticket to visit this part of Italy. For over three generations, this family-owned business has filled Baltimore with fresh bread, amazing sandwiches, and affordable prices. Named a must stop within the city, a true foodie wouldn’t skip this place!  
• The Peanut Shoppe | 222 N. Charles Street
  Nestled in the Street Market Café, find this salty but sweet dessert shop for a quick snack! The nutty aroma fills the air as the assortment of chocolates, gummies, candy, and sweets envelopes the room. Roasted daily, owner Bonnie guarantees the freshest product possible.  
• Lexington Market | 112 N. Eutaw Street
  Open 6 days a week, this food market has fueled Baltimore for more than 200 years! As the oldest public market in America, there is something for everyone. Lexington Market is home to local merchants selling food, groceries, and having a place to build community. From shoe cobblers to freshly butchered meats, Lexington Market has been a prominent hub in Downtown.
• Crust by Mack | 201 E Pratt Street
  Sink your teeth into the flaky goodness of these sweet and savory pastries at Crust by Mack. Black owned and family lead, Amanda Mack is the owner and baker of Crust by Mack. Serving up their famous crab cake pies, Crust vows to serve customers with love, respect, and kindness! Discover this pastry shop when you’re in Baltimore. 
• Codetta Bake Shop | Order Online
  Looking for a sweet finish to your meal? Check out Codetta bakery in Baltimore. This premium bakery shop was founded and owned by baker-in-chief, Sumayyah Bilal. With a selection of cheesecakes, cupcakes, and cakes—Bilal expands her menu to include her ever growing consumer base. Keep an eye out for her storefront coming to Howard Street in 2024 as a part of the BOOST program.

For the Beverage Enthusiast

Various Tea flavors from Cuples Tea.

• Spirits of Mt. Vernon | 900 N. Charles Street
  Spirits is your neighborhood spot for wine and spirits. Stop in to enjoy a wine tasting, pet the owner’s dog, or just grab a quick bottle as a last-minute host gift on your way to the 10th holiday party of the week.
• Cuples Tea House | 409 N. Howard Street
  Husband and wife duo Eric and Lynette Dodson co-own Cuples Tea House in Baltimore, right in the heart of the Bromo Arts District! Fueling a healthier community long with educating on the medicinal at this tea shop find premium looseleaf teas along with savory bites to accompany.
• Urban Cellars | 222 N. Charles Street
  Visit Urban Cellars for their family operated wine, beer, and spirits liquor store. With a focus on product quality, selection, and diversity–Urban Cellars invites our furry friends too!
• Pillion Tea | 42 W Biddle Street
  Tea, books, and motorcycles is how co-owners Eric Mitchel and Zena Lichter describe their tea shop. Opened back in 2019, Pillion Tea was made to create a third space that provides quality direct sourced teas. Take a sip this season, as Pillion Tea welcomes their diverse customers base, acknowledging the education and production of tea culture.
• Dear Globe Coffee | 422 W. Mulberry Street
  From a curiosity of how espresso machines worked, founder, LieAnne Navarro, soon opened a coffee shop in the Mount Vernon neighborhood. Dear Globe Coffee was created on the principles of coffee being a community adventure and a daily source of inspiration and connection.

President’s Tour

On Small Business Saturday DPOB President, Shelonda Stokes, alongside leaders like Senator Cardin, Delegate Stephanie Smith, Chris Mfume of The Civic Group, Delali Dziraza of Fearless, and Tiffany Majors of the Greater Baltimore Urban League, went to tour and shop some of Downtown’s finest small businesses. Read below for a recap of some of Shelonda’s must-visits.

Shelonda Stokes, Senator Ben Cardin, Delegate Stephanie Smith and other Baltimore leaders visit The Black Genius Art Show in Downtown’s Bromo Arts District. 

• The Doll House Boutique
  President Shelonda Stokes enjoys rocking her stylish pieces from Doll House Boutique. Always the right stop if you’re looking for unique, stand-out pieces to add to your collection.
• Pandora’s Box Boutique
  This eclectic, vibrant, lifestyle boutique houses unique pieces from jewelry, to apparel, to home decor. Inspired by her love of fashion and accessories, owner Monesha Philips became a business owner to evoke realness, humor, and charm within her boutique.
• SCRAP Baltimore
  SCRAP is a donation based creative reuse center. Using the approved list, SCRAP takes the public’s un-used items to create an original piece. Shelonda Stokes appreciates the message and mission of upcycling. It is a pleasure to house a center like this, right in the heart of Baltimore.
• Cuples Tea House
  Eric and Lynette are close friends of President Stokes, so much so that patrons can frequently find Cuples Tea catering at DPOB events! Cuples Tea has also expanded to encompass vintage vinyl records and books with their location next door, Vinyl & Pages. The next hub for the community, patrons can enjoy game nights, book clubs, or poetry slams.
• The Black Genuis Art Show
  As remarkable as she is, President Stokes loves being a witness to like-minded individuals. Bryan Robinson has Baltimore in the palm of his hand with the Black Genius Art Show. A young creative brings a lightheartedness to the city that makes people want to come back!
• Jody Davis Designs
  Ready for any occasion, President Shelonda Stokes always brings it! Designer, Jody Davis is behind some of Stokes’ most memorable looks.