The Baltimore, Maryland area is full of amazing independent shops. As I prepare for a spring full of events around the launch of my picture book, “Call Your Father,” I thought I’d put together a list of some of the amazing places I’m visiting (and more) where you can get a Mother’s Day Gift or Father’s Day Gift. My full list of spring events is here. This is by no means a complete list–feel free to add in the comments. Just a few of my favorite spots!
Obviously, I’m a big reader, so this leans towards book shops. I know many people who’d love to shop more at indie bookstores, but are swayed by lower prices elsewhere. If you don’t grab them a physical book, consider buying a gift card so they have a great reason to shop indie!
Charm City Books: This darling little shop has one of my favorite features: a shop dog! Stop by for pets and goodies ranging from signed books to locally made soaps to games and bookish t-shirts. Grab lunch and Italian specialties to go or for gifts at Trinacria across the street–but maybe call ahead, it’s packed!
426 West Franklin St., Baltimore, MD, 21201
https://www.charmcitybooks.com/
Snug Books in Lauraville: Tucked into Harford Road, this tiny bookshop always has a great selection of books, duh, as well as adorable seasonal items. Walk to The HOUSE Handcrafted for “magical oddities” and grab lunch at Zeke’s Coffee! I’ll be here for storytime on May 16th!
4717 Harford Road Suite 1C
Baltimore, MD 21214
443-869-4022
The Ivy Bookshop on Falls Road: A wonderful place to grab books, locally-connected gifts, and a beautiful walk in the yard. Grab lunch at The Corner Pantry or Pepe’s nearby!
5928 Falls Road
Baltimore, MD 21209
410-377-2966
The Ivy Bookshop in The Shops at Kenilworth: I haven’t been to this new offshoot of the Ivy yet, but I’ve got an event there on June 14, 2026! I grew up going to Kenilworth Mall–they’ve got clothing stores, home goods stores, and more. I love Atwater’s for lunch.
800 Kenilworth Dr. Towson, MD 21204
410-377-2966
Further afield from Baltimore, we have many other amazing shops!
Beaumont Pottery: This is one of my all-time favorite places. Gerry, the pottery, and Janet, who runs the store (they’re married!) are two of the kindest people you’ll ever meet. These mugs make a beautiful gift. You can also find local soaps and candles and–if they haven’t sold out–some copies of “Call Your Mother” and “Call Your Father.” I’ll be there for their spring fair on May 2, 2026!
13726 Jarrettsville Pike, Phoenix, MD 21131
Manor Mill: This restored mill has become a thriving hub for the arts in Baltimore County. They are known for their events and classes, but they have a darling gift shop too. They should have a couple copies of my books (once I make it there to drop them off), but they normally have darling hand towels, locally made crafts, and a great selection of indie, local gifts.
2029 Monkton Rd, Monkton, MD 21111
Park Books and Lit Collab: This little shop has books, gifts, and author events for adults and kids pretty much every week. It’s a wonderful spot in Severna Park. Even better, it’s right next to an amazing thrift shop, Savvy Consignment. Grab lunch at Park Tavern. I’ll be here for a storytime on April 25th, 2026. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to meet shop dogs Darcy and Georgie!
555 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd
Severna Park, MD 21146-3809
4104493100
Park Books on Main: I am going to this new location of Park Books for the first time this spring, and I’m excited! I’m told there’s a Farmer’s Market on Sundays–and Farmer’s Markets are a great place to grab a hand-crafted gift to pair with a book! I’ll be here for a storytime on April 26th, 2026.
Park Books on Main: Sykesville
7566 W. Main Street, #113
Sykesville, MD 21784
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