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Gifts Worth Giving

We’ve got ideas for everyone on your list, nautical and nice.

For Jefferson, editor-in-chief

Jeff Holland is always on the go, researching stories or playing concerts around the Bay, so he needs sneaks that keep up with him. Kiziks do the job, with cushy Rabbit Foam outsoles, breathable knit uppers and hands-free, slip-on lacing. Because as they say in their tagline, there’s more to life than tying your shoes.

Lima shoe, $109; kizik.com

For Caroline, creative director

The cockpit of Caroline’s Tartan 4400 is a great entertaining spot, but nothing ruins a boat party like a broken glass. Enter these deceptive Strahl polycarbonate glasses. At first glance, they look and feel like the real thing, but there’s no damage if you drop one (except the spilled drink). Available as rocks glasses, stemless wine glasses, champagne flutes and more, all customizable via printing or engraving.

$75 for set of 4; rossmarineideas.com

For Susan, contributing editor

Susan loves cooling off in the Bay on a summer afternoon, but not so much in August when the jellies are cooling off with her. Enter this lightweight but sturdy floating net ring bed. It packs to the size of a sleeping bag for easy storage. When you anchor, just unbox, inflate and jump in and cool off, with protection from surprise stings.

Floaty ring bed, $699; sunchill.com

For the Boat Host with the Most

Are you a sucker for Yacht Rock like we are? Nothing says Michael McDonald like this Cocktail Captain cap, a conversation starter on land or sea.

Cocktail Captain Trucker Hat, $19.99; westmarine.com

For the Hostess Who Has Everything

Who says everything has to be nautical? This whimsical set of pewter shakers from Vagabond House is impeccably detailed, and sure to please both chef and gardener any time of year.

Garlic salt and pepper set, $65; vagabondhouse.com

For the Engine Room Mechanic

Every handyman/woman knows it’s hard to get things done when you’re holding a flashlight. They also know that things tend to break in the dark. Which is why every boater (and camper, hiker and hunter) needs a good headlamp. The StripLamp Pro has a 230-degree wide-angle LED light with a long battery life, and it’s waterproof. 

$29.99; odelfi.com

For the Cocktail Aficionado

A proper Chesapeake Bay Bloody Mary needs lots of Old Bay. In 2022, George’s Beverage Company teamed up with McCormick & Company to create this spice-infused vodka that’s sure to up your cocktail game. It’s distilled in Maryland by McClintock Distillery, and it won Double Gold at the San Fransisco World Spirits Competition.

Price varies; oldbayvodka.com

For the Classic Gamer

Scrabble, rummy and poker are all great games. But cribbage—said to have been invented by an English gambler in the 1600s—just might be the best boat game out there. It’s perfect for travel as it doesn’t require much in the way of space—just a deck of cards and a board. This retro boat board is cute enough to display when you’re not playing.

$34.95; shiptoshoremarine.com

For the Parent/Grandparent

Few things in life are a sweet as reading to your child or grandchild, especially when that book shares your passion for the Bay. Author-illustrator Cindy Freland creates characters like Curtis the Crab, Jordan the Jellyfish and Olivia the Osprey to raise awareness about the Bay, in stories that are both uplifting and educational.

$18/hardback, $12/paperback; cbaykidsbooks.com

For the Snacker

Set sail for happy hour with this ingenious serving boat. The Rowboat serving bowl has four compartments, serving spatulas and a mast to hold the napkin sails.

$85; uncommongoods.com

For the Model Maker

Pass those long winter months working on a smaller project with this Skipjack Model Kit. Wooden Boat Store has been making and selling model kits since 1974, along with plans and kits for full-size boats, books on the craft, and all manner of woodworking tools and parts.

Skipjack Model Kit, $80; woodenboatstore.com

For the Traditionalist

This gorgeous brass lantern (based on a traditional miner’s lamp) would look amazing on a holiday mantle or front walkway. The hurricane-proof glass keeps the flame burning as long as there’s fuel, and it can be engraved for personalization.

Brass Yacht Lamp, $249; weems-plath.com

For the Napper

Cozy up under this dreamy throw and dream about summer sailing season. This soft fleece blanket is just one of the beautiful prints by Annapolis artist Kim Hovell. She also offers candles, barware, wool rugs and more, based on her original paintings.

Port Tack blanket, $90; kimhovell.com

For the Cruiser

The definitive guide to cruising the Bay returns in spring 2023! Price includes the guide, CBM subscription and online content.

$100, Chesapeakebaymagazine.com/subscribe

Otter Masterpieces

Each painting is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece done by one of our three otters: Chumley, Calvert and Chessie Grace. Tail drags, paw prints or otter hair are included with this unique gift that directly supports CMM. Limited edition, signed and numbered.

$45, available exclusively at the museum store; calvertmarinemuseum.com

Oyster Pendant

Our exclusive hand-carved oyster pendant comes cast in sterling silver or 14K gold with a 6mm cultured pearl. A Chesapeake Jewelers favorite, this simple yet elegant piece measures 1 inch tall. We design this as a ring bracelet and earrings. Check out our website or give us a call at 410-251-0394.

Prices start at $180; chesapeakejewelers.com

Annapolis School of Seamanship Classes

Need a gift for the boater in your life who has all the gadgets and gear they need? Give the gift of nautical know-how! Gift cards are personalized and available for any class or a dollar amount that can be applied to future class registrations. Class dates can be selected at a later date. Cards are valid for 5 years and can be purchased for any current or future class offerings:

  • Diesel
  • Electrical Systems
  • Weather
  • Navigation

asoscapt.regfox.com/giftcards

Spice Up the Holiday

Let J.O. spice up your gift giving this holiday season. This 5th-generation family-owned business has everyone’s taste buds covered. Choose a box set favorite or customize a unique gift for everyone on your list. J.O. is more than spice…. specializing in a variety of customizable gift items. This is just a taste of the wide range of offerings from J.O. Spice.

We have something for everyone’s budget. The pictured box is $31.95 but we have some starting at $14.95. We can do one or 10,000. Bulk discounts available.

store.jospices.com

The Perfect Oyster Opener

The Original Chesapeake Chip and Shuck™ Oyster Opener is revolutionizing the way restaurants, caterers and all oyster lovers quickly, safely and easily open raw oysters and clams. Our built-in edge chipper creates a seam for the shucking wedge, which quickly and easily powers open the toughest shells—while saving the oyster liquor for best flavor and freshness! The Chip and Shuck™ Oyster Opener is manufactured in the U.S.A. of American-made parts. See the Chip and Shuck in action and order yours today!

$249; theoysteropener.com

Historical Maps & Framing

Wimsey Cove is your local picture framing, fine art printing, art gallery and historic map shop! Reproductions of historic maps, urban city plans, shipwreck maps, nautical maps, county district maps, bird’s eye views and more are beautifully and artistically framed for any need.

Wimsey Cove Framing & Fine Art Printing is located at 209 Chinquapin Round Road, Suite 101, Annapolis; open M-F 10-6 & Sat 10-4; 410-956-7278

Annapolis MD 1878 Downtown Map, from the Hopkins Atlas,  25″ x 16″, $40 unframed. wimseycoveframingannapolis.com