Pictured above: Mid-century modern holiday houses at In Watermelon Sugar in Baltimore’s Hampden neighborhood.

Each year the Preservation Maryland team compiles a holiday gift guide filled with unique local merchants and makers so you can shop small and support local businesses. Browse our staff curated gift guide from across the state and grab something special in time for your celebration!

A Monstera from House Plant Baltimore
Preservation Maryland’s Event, An Antietam Evening, held at McClintock Distillery

In Watermelon Sugar on the corner of Chestnut and The Avenue in Hampden is one of my favorite local shops. You won’t be able to miss them with their winter wonderland window displays. When you walk in you are always greeted with the most amazing aroma. From their skin care products to their home décor, the owners of Watermelon Sugar know how to create an environment that makes you want to shop, shop, shop!

Patrick Mooney, Development Manager

Located at the Shepherd’s Old Field Market with several other shops and businesses, Botanic Cafe is delicious and has a historic tie: it’s located in a building that was originally a maintenance shop for the phone company but in 1959 that became the Leonardtown Building Supply company. That closed in 2011 and it was then rehabbed c.2019.

Christiana Limniatis, Program & Outreach Manager