As spring winds down, there are graduations to attend, teachers to appreciate, birthdays, baby showers, wedding showers, and more. It doesn’t matter if you are shopping for someone in your family or someone you barely know, a gift card is always appreciated. While not sentimental, it can still be a useful and thoughtful gift, if you know where to buy it.

There are two ways of going about buying a gift card. First, there are gift cards for places they go to regularly. Your contribution will take a bite out of their usual expenses, which can go a long way for young adults, in particular. Second, there are gift cards that allow the recipient to treat themselves to something nice. We have a list of local, convenient shops, restaurants, and more that anyone in your life will enjoy. 

The Necessities

Grocery Stores

Help offset the rising cost of their weekly grocery bill with a gift card they’re sure to use right away. Perfect for everyone from the organic-only gourmand to the expert coupon-clipper.

• Graul’s, West Annapolis/Cape St. Clair
• Weis Markets, Edgewater/Odenton
• Giant Food, Multiple Locations
• Wegmans, Waugh Chapel
• Green Valley Marketplace, Arnold

Pet Supply Stores

Your loved ones’ little critters deserve an extra treat—some new décor for their digs, fun new toys, or just their fancy, vet-prescribed food. Cards from one of these shops will be perfect for their furry, feathered, and scaly friends.

• Pet Supplies Plus, Bay Forest Shopping Center/Edgewater
• PetSmart, Parole
• PetCo, Severna Park/Waugh Chapel

Clothing and Shoes

Did you know that kids just keep growing? The shoes that fit them yesterday are suddenly causing blisters today. And as for the grads and grown-ups, a gift card to a clothing store gives them a reason to freshen up their wardrobe.

• Janie and Jack, Annapolis Mall
• Carter’s, Forest Drive/Waugh Chapel
• The Children’s Place, Annapolis Mall
• Urban Outfitters, Annapolis Mall
• Lululemon, Annapolis Mall
• DSW, Annapolis Harbour Centre/Waugh Chapel

Home and Garden Stores

Smashing open a piggy bank to deal with a household issue will always hurt. Your gift recipient can hold onto the card for emergencies or finally put it toward a back-burnered project. Whether the project is indoors or out, they can get to work.

• Ace Hardware, Various Locations
• Homestead Gardens, Davidsonville/Severna Park
• The Home Depot, Parole/Forest Plaza

The Extras

Wellness and Beauty Services

For someone who isn’t used to spoiling themselves, these gift cards offer a welcome excuse to relax and recharge. And don’t let them say no, because you know they deserve it.

• Blush Hair Salon, Solomons Island Road
• Euna Aesthetics, Parole
• Even Keel Wellness Spa, Annapolis/Crofton

Furniture, Housewares, and Décor

Only the most passionate minimalist won’t appreciate an opportunity to spruce up their surroundings. And even they won’t mind investing in items that spark joy.

• Details & Design Shoppe, Eastport
• Uncharted, Festival at Riva
• Crate & Barrel, Annapolis Mall

Coffee Shops

Let your gift recipient treat themselves to a fresh cup, some food, or their own coffee beans for home (and some places may sell their own grinders). With or without caffeine, these local options all have something delicious.

• Rise Up Coffee Roasters, Downtown Annapolis/Parole/Severna Park/Arnold/Edgewater
• Ceremony Coffee Roasters, Annapolis/Riva
• The Big Bean, Severna Park/Annapolis/Millersville

Classes and Activities

They can learn a new skill or just have some fun! These places will keep minds sharp and bodies strong. Having fun and making friends…a perfect combo!

• Maryland Hall, Annapolis
• Pure Barre, Annapolis Harbour Centre/Crofton
• Sky Zone, Waugh Chapel/Glen Burnie

Books, Movies, and Games

The bibliophiles, cinephiles, and, of course, the gamers, will be delighted to have a card in their pocket for one of their favorite places. They can spend it on the newest release or a beloved classic. Either way, their gift card won’t last long!

• Park Books, Severna Park
• AMC Theatres, Annapolis Mall
• Third Eye Comics, Annapolis Design District

Restaurants and Entertainment

Getting a night out can be a challenge. Take the thinking out of it by giving a gift card to a local restaurant or an entertainment venue. Then all they have to worry about is getting a babysitter. (Here’s a tip: offer to watch the kiddos.) 

• Rams Head Tavern and Rams Head on Stage, West Street
• Julep Kitchen & Bar, Forest Plaza
• Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, Annapolis Town Center

The graduate in your life, the loved one starting something new, and the teacher who has gone the extra mile for your child will all love something from any one of these places. Whether you want to help them offset their normal costs, or give them something that they would never get themselves, these Annapolis-area businesses offer opportunities to show them they’re worth it.