2012 Baltimore gift guide [Pictures]

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)

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  (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  (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)

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)

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  (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  (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)

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  (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)

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.  (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  (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  (Alexis Jenkins/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/The 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)

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)

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.  (Wesley Case/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.  (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.   (Alexis Jenkins/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.  (Doug Kapustin/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.   (Wesley Case/Baltimore Sun)