2012 Baltimore gift guide [Pictures]

Algerina Perna, Baltimore Sun

Kanye West requested two pairs of 100 Styles and Running's fur-lined boots a year ago, according to Chad Birenbaum, the managing partner and designer who co-founded the company in 2006 with his brother, Evan. Apparel from the luxury shoe and menswear company, located in Owings Mills and Los Angeles, has been worn by Victor Cruz of the New York Giants and music mogul Russell Simmons.

Colby Ware, Baltimore Sun

This one's great for music lovers -- a general gift certificate they can use for any show at Rams Head Live, as long as it's not sold out. Rock on.

Alexis Jenkins/Baltimore Sun

Totally could beat the crap out of that stupid Elf on the Shelf. $10.99. Natty Boh Gear, 1624 Thames St., Fells Point. 410-276-1038. nattybohgear.com

Josh Sisk, Special to the Baltimore Sun

For years, the hype and accolades surrounding Baltimore's burgeoning music scene have piled on, and yet there are music fans who've somehow resisted the temptation to dive in ears first. Maybe the person is a recent transplant or glowing Pitchfork reviews make him or her nauseous. Whatever the case may be, it's time to show them the errors of their ways. Here are five records released this year (available at the Sound Garden, Atomic Books or online) that should serve as a proper entry point to one of the city's fascinating communities ...

Alexis Jenkins/Baltimore Sun

Splurge alert. Yes, the price may be hefty, but your parents raised you. So if you're going to drop a load of money, it might as well be on them. And this is quite a lamp. The Union Switch & Signal Co. creation manages to be gorgeous, Steampunk and useful at once. Your parents' library needs this guy. $650. Trohv, 921 W. 36th St., Hampden. 410-366-2456. trohvshop.com

Alexis Jenkins/Baltimore Sun

Photo apps such as Instagram and Snapseed have brought the lo-fi filtered look to the smartphone generation. Take it a step further (and actually produce hard copy photographs) with this updated blast-from-the-past. $90. Trohv, 921 W. 36th St., Hampden. 410-366-3456. trohvshop.com.

Alexis Jenkins/Baltimore Sun

Mosaics are nothing new (just ask the Romans). But in untrained Baltimore artist Loring Cornish's hands, mosaics are fresh. His new shop in Fells Point boasts three floors with walls of his inventive, truly one-of-a-kind work, from glass mirrors to larger mural pieces. He's often there, making his work outside and will stop for a friendly chat so you can get the story behind the gift you're about to give. From $40 to the mid $100s. Loring Cornish Gallery, 1622 Thames St., Fells Point. loringcornish.com

Barbara Haddock Taylor, Baltimore Sun

If they want to start a family but aren't quite ready for kids, a cat or dog will do just fine. BARCS' Standard adoption package ($65) covers shots and having the pet spayed or neutered; the Champion package ($75) also includes a microchip (for pet ID). The Best in Show ($100) has all of the other features as well as a leash and training collar for a dog or a carrier for a cat. The warm, fuzzy feeling from adopting a pet is free.

Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun

Picture this: You, tired, trudging through a jam-packed mall. Children. Lots of screaming children. Harried people, pushing into your way at the clothing rack. Christmas music. Now picture this: None of it happening. With this year's b gift guide, none of it has to. Everything is local. No malls, so ditch that scary idea. Yes, it can be done. We've got some suggestions for pretty much everyone on your list: fashionistas, foodies, techies -- even parents who say they don't want anything (don't believe them). So breathe a deep sigh of relief. Consider this our gift to you -- and your sanity. -- By Jordan Bartel, Wesley Case, Sam Sessa and John-John Williams IV

Alexis Jenkins/Baltimore Sun

No one uses maps anymore. We still have several worn maps from post-high-school road trips still crammed in our back seat. But vintage maps are downright cool and artsy and perfect to hold up your grocery list. $14. 2910 on the Square, 2910, O'Donnell St., Canton. 410-675-8505. 2910onthesquare.com

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Monster Racing offers a nice ride-along gift for $99, but why not give them the real deal? The "Drive The Monster Anyday" package lets one drive a race car 10 laps around the track. You must be able to enter and exit through the window opening, which is super cool. $399. Monster Racing at Dover International Speedway, 1131 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, Del. 800-GO-TO-WIN. monsterracing.com

Lloyd Fox, Baltimore Sun

A colorful tie can spread cheer to the fashionable man in your life. That's especially true with this collection of 100 percent silk ties -- designed forJoseph A. Bank by patients at Johns Hopkins Children's Center. Miracle Ties are $79.95.

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Are your parents travelers but still rely on a rental car? Take away all that hassle with Zipcar, which offers different plans for different types of drivers (occasional driving and monthly rates). If they're not in one of the large cities Zipcar operates in, maybe it'll encourage them to visit you in Baltimore and stay for awhile. Rates vary (ex: Baltimore "occasional driving rates" are from $7.50/hr and $76/day). zipcar.com

Alexis Jenkins/Baltimore Sun

Listening to vinyl is great (the hiss, the crackle, the instant credibility!) but also pretty impractical. This vintage-looking player from Crosley solves this conundrum by including a USB port, allowing a user to transfer vinyl records onto the computer. $125. Atomic Books, 3620 Falls Road, Hampden. 410-662-4444. atomicbooks.com. (Also available at the Sound Garden in Fells Point.)

Alexis Jenkins/Baltimore Sun

Sure, everyone claims to be a life-long Orioles fan the season they end their playoff drought, but can they talk like it? This exhaustive, nearly 900-page history will make it sound like you were there for all of the ups and downs. $55. HONtown. 1002 W. 36th St., Hampden. 410-662-4438. cafehon.com/hontown.

Lloyd Fox, Baltimore Sun

The name says it all. Dangerously Delicious Pies are in a class of their own. Why bake something yourself when Rodney "Pie Guy" Henry (who plays Santa on this week's cover) will do it for you? Sweet pies, like the Baltimore Bomb (crumbled Berger cookies and vanilla custard) are $28 and savory ones like Chicken Pot Pie are $35. They're gut busters.

Alexis Jenkins, The Baltimore Sun

Few things say "Baltimore" like brick rowhouses. Local artist Linda Amtmann taps into that sentiment with a super cute series of bricks and wood painted to look like Baltimore homes and businesses. Smalltimore suddenly has new meaning. $26-$52 at 2910 on the Square.

Alexis Jenkins/Baltimore Sun

Make them put a bird on it (er, the wall) with this handmade bird sculpture from Haiti. A variety of shapes and sizes are often available for this popular seller. This example: $79. Milagro, 1005 W. 36th St., Hampden. 410-235-3800. shopmilagro.com

Alexis Jenkins/Baltimore Sun

We have nothing against the overused "live, love, breathe, be, happiness, smile" signs you see everywhere. But AVAM's twist is at once trendy and artistic. Just, maybe, don't get your folks the "What you want, Baby I got it" one. $4-$50. Sideshow at the American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Highway, Federal Hill. 443-872-4926. sideshowbaltimore.com

Karen Jackson, Baltimore Sun

This week, Iced Gems began rolling out its holiday flavors, including Eggnog, Candy Cane and Santa's Bumpy Sleigh (a take on Rocky Road). Buy a dozen ($27), mix and match and the other guests are sure to swoon. At least until the cupcakes are gone.

Wesley Case/Baltimore Sun

In search of a decent sound system for the next tailgate? These officially licensed Ravens speakers are compatible with iPods, iPhones and other portable audio devices. No batteries required, either. Best of all? They're tiny (while still packing an audible punch), so you won't sacrifice any precious beer space. $20. The Rav-in Store inside Kyi Yoo Jewelers, 6901 Eastern Ave., Dundalk. 410-288-6100.

Alexis Jenkins/Baltimore Sun

We've never exactly thought of the American Visionary Art Museum while breaking apart crabs, but what's more distinctly Baltimore than embracing outsider, unconventional art? Plus, the mallets are just how they should be: sturdy, unadorned, ready to do the job. None of those fancy crab smashers please. $4. Sideshow at AVAM, 800 Key Highway, Federal Hill. 443-872-4926. sideshowbaltimore.com

Alexis Jenkins/Baltimore Sun

Make sure they'll always know just where they are -- and belong -- with this stylish and functional (for 15th-century navigators) pillow. $58. Trohv, 921 W. 36th St., Hampden. 410-366-3456. trohvshop.com

Alexis Jenkins/Baltimore Sun

Baltimore artist Joni Palmer is behind these vintage vinyl record albums turned into hand-formed bowls. Makes for a perfect produce holder -- and you can pick the album you want from an extensive list. Mud and Metal, 1121 W. 36th St., Hampden. 410-467-8698. mudandmetal.com

Wesley Case/Baltimore Sun

So ridiculous, we had to include it. It's your standard, stainless steel sandwich maker ... with the Ravens' "B" logo imprinted on the grill. Because why not? $50. The Rav-in Store inside Kyi Yoo Jewelers, 6901 Eastern Ave., Dundalk. 410-288-6100.

Jerry Jackson, Baltimore Sun

This is the bottle of beer you take "for the party" and end up drinking yourself. Six-packs of Resurrection may be more communal, but Ozzy is, well, Ozzy. Full-bodied with a light finish, it's Maryland?s best beer for a reason. $9.99 for a 750-ml bottle. Available at area liquor stores.

Lloyd Fox, Baltimore Sun

Don't feel bad about giving socks when they look like these. This funky assortment from J.S. Edwards is a great gift for the man in your life. From left: Per Pedes, $27.50, Psycho Bunny, $30, Ozone, $22.50, Psycho Bunny, $30, Per Pedes, $27.50.

Red Prairie Press

Comfy yet hip, RPP's stylish scarves, beyond-cute onesies (dinosaurs!) and T-shirts are hand-printed and often made with organic cotton. Lead a friend's bulky-knitted-scarf-wearer intervention and give her one their offerings, such as this Queen Anne's Lace Jersey Cotton Scarf ($22). etsy.com/shop/redprairiepress

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Everyone needs an excuse to drink wine, and with a gift certificate to this 90-minute beginner's course, they'll sample six varieties. BIN 604 also has 102 and 103 courses. Cheers! $29 per person. Held on Saturdays.

Alexis Jenkins/Baltimore Sun

We inched toward recommending texting friendly gloves. And there's nothing wrong with them -- they're trendy and useful. And we love our parents enough to let them text us. But we prefer an old-school -- yet colorful -- hand-warming option. These cute and colorful gloves fit any personality and wardrobe. And may inspire your folks to climb Mount Everest. Maybe. $12. Lynne's Gifts, 817 W. 36th St., Hampden. 410-467-1613. lynnesgifts.com

Colby Ware, Baltimore Sun

This is one of Baltimore's coolest corner bars. It almost feels wrong giving it away to others -- letting them in on the secret. But this is the season for sharing. Whoever the recipient, we're sure they?ll enjoy it. Idle Hour goes down smooth.

David Hobby, Baltimore Sun

The "cookie" is just a vehicle for gobs of chocolate frosting. A carton of about a dozen Berger cookies is only $5.99, so there's plenty to go around. They're as far from organic and homemade as you can get -- which is why we love them. Save us one. Available at area grocery stores.

Alexis Jenkins/The Baltimore Sun

Perfect for nightmarish scenarios (power outage, family camping trip, etc.), this dainty radio can get AM, FM and weather band channels, all through solar power. If the sun's hiding, use the manual hand crank. $34. Trohv, 921 W. 36th St., Hampden. 410-366-3456. trohvshop.com.

Alexis Jenkins/Baltimore Sun

Handcrafted straight outta Philly, Waskerds are the anti-bulging-pant-pocket wallet. You know -- the one your father probably guards with his life because he needs those year-old movie theater tickets dagnabbit. Tell him to ditch all those receipts and give him this slim, handsome alternative instead. $60-$70. Sixteen Tons, 1100 W. 36th St., Hampden. 410-554-0101. orioles.com

Alexis Jenkins/Baltimore Sun

There are many ways to show your town love through your wardrobe. But those whose Suggs jerseys are getting a bit ... worn ... deserve one of these offbeat shirts (Trohv also offers a rat-Boh combination called -- you guessed it -- Ratty Boh). And if you think someone will bristle wearing a rat, remind them to embrace our rodent problem. Because, let's get real ... it's not going anywhere. $24. Trohv, 921 W. 36th St., Hampden. 410-266-3456. trohvshop.com

Doug Kapustin/Baltimore Sun

Sure, these private work-out sessions aren't exactly cheap, but they could be considerably more effective than that trial membership to the Overcrowded and Intimidating Fitness Club You'll Only Step Inside Twice. Sessions can be as narrow (gluteal lift and upper hamstring toning) or broad (safe weight loss) as you like. $70 per session or four sessions for $272. 2318 Boston St., Canton. 410-522-0562. inlineartofexercise.com/privatetraining.

Alexis Jenkins/Baltimore Sun

The Twenty20 Cycling Company is one of the city's most vital supporters of the growing cyclocross and biking communities. Return the love with this sharp full-zip racing shirt. While you're there, pick up a bag of the Twenty20 coffee blend made by local roastery Zeke's. $115 for the shirt; $13 for coffee. 725 W. 36th St., Hampden. 443-759-5620. twenty20cycling.com.

Kenneth K. Lam, Baltimore Sun

No, you don't need to go to the Caribbean to swim with the dolphins. The National Aquarium's Immersion Tours bring you up close and personal with dolphins (and a little less up close with sharks). You can meet the trainers and have a dolphin or shark sleepover. Prices vary.

Alexis Jenkins/Baltimore Sun

It's beginning to look a lot like ... the middle of Ravens season. OK, so we're a little late on this one. But we're sick of the traditional green, red and white garlands. Hear that garland industry? If there is a garland industry. $15 a box. Bobabooi's, 1028 S. Charles St., Federal Hill. 410-564-4650.