Last-Minute Gift Ideas

Uh oh…is Christmas around the corner, already? It seems like only yesterday you were setting the table for Thanksgiving! You’ve got to get those presents wrapped and ready to put under the tree. But there’s one small problem…you still have to buy the presents! Maybe you were so busy putting up decorations or attending school concerts that you didn’t get a chance to shop. Or maybe you have a few relatives who are a little late giving you their wishlists. (I won’t name any names…but you know who you are!) We have gift ideas for those who want experiences to remember, or a precious object to keep. And we’ve made sure to include every price range from do-it-yourself to a little extravagant. 

The Kids Who Want Everything

We know that kids can get a little ambitious with their lists for Santa—that’s part of the fun of Christmas! However, it can be tricky for parents to pick and choose, while keeping expectations realistic. And you still want to give them a surprise gift that will delight them. That’s why we selected options to cover all your bases.

Annapolis Mall

The Gift: Build-a-Bear Workshop, The LEGO Store, and Urban Outfitters are safe bets for all ages and stages.
The Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM on Christmas Eve. See their holiday hours for specific days.
The Address: 2002 Annapolis Mall, Annapolis, MD 21401

Lights on the Bay

The Gift: A drive through Sandy Point State Park to see festive light displays. 
The Hours: Open every night from November 23 to January 1. Sunday to Thursday, 5 PM to 9 PM. Friday and Saturday 5 PM to 10 PM.
The Address: Sandy Point State Park, 1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21409.

Third Eye

The Gift: A digital or physical gift card so your kids can browse for comics, records, toys, and board games at Third Eye’s flagship store in Annapolis.
The Hours: December 15-19, 10 AM to 9 PM. December 20, 9 AM to 9 PM. December 21, 10 AM to 8 PM. December 22-23, 9 AM to 9 PM. December 24, 9 AM to 5 PM.
The Address: 209 Chinquapin Round Rd., Suite 200, Annapolis, MD 21401

DIY Option

Their favorite cookies. Try this recipe for sugar cookies (at the end of the article) to bake and decorate together.

The “Him” Who’s Always Hard to Shop For

Dad. Husband. Brother. Sometimes it’s hard to know what to get your favorite guy. They might enjoy golf, baseball, or cars…but not every man is into those things. Here are a few ideas that you may not have considered, and that they didn’t know they wanted!

Ceremony Coffee

The Gift: A coffee subscription with four options to choose from. 
The Hours: Russell Street location: Every day, 7 AM to 4 PM. Riva location: Monday to Saturday, 6:30 AM to 7 PM. Sunday, 7 AM to 5 PM. 
The Address: 90 Russell St., Suite 500, Annapolis, MD 21401 and 2329 Forest Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401

DodgeArrows

The Gift: A gift certificate to use for a play date with friends (yes, grown men need play dates, too). 
The Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 3 PM to 7 PM. Saturday, 11 AM to 7 PM. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
The Address: 8855 Veterans Hwy, Millersville, MD 21108

Woodcraft Artisans

The Gift: A Chesapeake Bay wall clock or wall art. Their Main Street shop has a variety of items that you won’t find on their website. Visit them for furniture, decorative items, kitchen tools, and more.
The Hours: Christmas Eve, 9 AM to 5 PM.
The Address: 155 Main St., Annapolis, MD 21401

DIY Option

A paperweight. You can buy the materials pre-made and add photos. If they are a dad, the kids can paint stones they find in nature. Or you can make a paperweight by hand with resin. 

The “Her” Who Doesn’t Want the Same Old Things

Just like the many gift ideas for men that involve playing golf, women tend to get pigeonholed into certain gifts. Scented candles, a cozy bathrobe, or a nice scarf are all wonderful options. But let’s mix it up with some ideas that are gorgeous, thoughtful, and special—just like her.

Zachary’s Jewelers

The Gift: I’m just going to go ahead and say it…diamond stud earrings. Or for something different, one of these beautiful, sleek nautical cable bracelets.
The Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM on Christmas Eve. Visit their website for their special holiday hours on other days. 
The Address: 100 Main Street, Annapolis, MD 21401

Even Keel Wellness Spa

The Gift: A luxurious massage, of course! You could even keep it going with a massage membership. 
The Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 8 PM. Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM. Closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The Address: 31 Old Solomons Island Road, Suite 101, Annapolis, MD 21401 and 1667 Crofton Center, Crofton, MD 21114

Your Local Bookshop

Park Books

The Gift: A cozy read, such as mystery, romance, or humor.
The Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10 AM to 7 PM. Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM. Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM. Sunday, 10 AM to 3 PM. Christmas Eve, 10 AM to 3 PM.
The Address: 555 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd., Severna Park, MD

Old Fox Books

The Gift: An Old Fox mug to enjoy a warm drink from their cafe. And a book by a local author.
The Hours: Every day, 8 AM to 5 PM. Christmas Eve, 8 AM to 2 PM.
The Address: 35 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401 

Wyrd Bookstore

The Gift: A Crateful, a fabric basket filled with themed books, notebooks, mugs, and more. Find them around the store.
The Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 8 PM. Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The Address: 135 Mitchells Chance Road, Edgewater, MD 21037

DIY Option

Tataki-zomé art, which is art made from leaves and flowers hammered into paper or cloth. Kids will love to join in on the fun!

The Parents or Grandparents Who Have Done So Much For You

Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Grandpa have given you so much that it can feel impossible to repay them during the holidays. But you know they’ll love anything you give them! (No, really, it is the thought that counts!) Show them you appreciate everything they do with one of these special gift ideas.

WildFlower Florist

The Gift: A bouquet of flowers from their holiday collection. For ongoing beauty, give them a weekly, biweekly, or monthly subscription. 
The Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Saturday, 9 AM to 4 PM. Christmas Eve, 9 AM to 3 PM. Closed on Christmas Day.
The Address: 1460 Ritchie Hwy Suite 107, Arnold, MD 21012

Watermark Tours

The Gift: A Jolly Express Cruise with the family. 
The Hours: Check their website for availability. Jolly Express Cruises will continue until New Year’s Day.
The Address: The Piers at 1 Prince George Street, Annapolis MD, 21401

Wilder Fresh Kitchen

The Gift: A meal delivery plan or a gift certificate if they are in the Annapolis area. 
The Hours: Deliveries occur on Tuesdays, noon to 2 PM and 3 PM to 6 PM.
The Address: 875 Harry S. Truman Pkwy., Annapolis, MD 21401

DIY Option

A hand-painted flower pot or vase. They could use it for the bouquet of flowers you give them!

The Workplace Secret Santa Pick

Trying to pick a present for someone you work with can be a bit difficult. Unless you know them really well, there’s always a chance you might get it wrong. But with these gift ideas, you’ll have them wondering, “Who’s my secret Santa!?” 

Homestead Gardens

The Gift: A food item from the market, a Christmas ornament, or a cute succulent for their office.
The Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 7 PM. Saturday, 9 AM to 8 PM. Sunday, 9 AM to 6 PM. Christmas Eve, 9 AM to 5 PM.
The Address: 743 West Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD 21035 and 522 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park, MD 21146

Navy Athletics 

The Gift: Tickets to the Army-Navy Basketball Double-Header in Annapolis.
The Hours: January 24, 2026, at 11 AM. 
The Address: Alumni Hall, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD 21412

Maryland Hall

The Gift: Gift certificate for either a class or an event.
The Hours: Open Monday to Saturday for classes, gallery visits, scheduled performances and events.
The Address: 801 Chase Street, Annapolis, MD, 21401

DIY Option

Hot cocoa in a jar would be a great treat.

The Holiday Party Host

You may be heading to a dear friend’s Feast of The Seven Fishes party like every year. Or you might be invited to a co-worker’s Christmas party for the first time. Either way, show them some appreciation for hosting with these gift ideas. 

Annapolis Pottery

The Gift: A food-serving dish, such as this cracker tray.
The Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM. Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM. Will close early on Christmas Eve, likely around 2 or 3 PM.
The Address: 40 State Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401

Blue Crab Cupcakes

The Gift: Pick up some cupcakes or macarons at their bakery.
The Hours: Monday, 11 AM to 4 PM. Tuesday to Friday, 11 AM to 6 PM. Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM. Sunday, 11 AM to 1 PM.
The Address: 1580 Whitehall Road, Annapolis, MD 21409

Tastings Gourmet Market 

The Gift: A gift card so they can get ingredients for their next party.
The Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11 AM to 5 PM. Sunday, 11 AM to 3 PM. Christmas Eve, 11 AM to 5 PM.
The Address: 1410 Forest Dr., Annapolis, MD 21403

DIY Option

Simmer pot recipe in a jar to make their house smell like the holidays.

The Fur Babies

For dogs, every day with their owner is Christmas! But still, it’s fun to buy something special for your pet. Give them something fun to play with or tasty to eat this year while the rest of your family opens up their presents on Christmas Day. 

SPCA of Anne Arundel County

The Gift: Make a donation in your pet’s name.
The Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11 AM to 4 PM.
The Address: 1815 Bay Ridge Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403

Sea Dog Pet Boutique

The Gift: A festive gingerbread man toy to love and chew on. 
The Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM. Christmas Eve, 10 AM to 3 PM.
The Address: 172 Main Street, Annapolis, MD 21401

DIY Option

Handmade pet enrichment from recycled items will keep their tail wagging.

Everyone on your list can have a present under the tree on Christmas morning. And you don’t have to do an online rush order to make it happen. You can support local while giving them something thoughtful and special—even in gift card form!