From the salt-bright tang of a steaming crab feast to the soft, weathered rope of a sailor’s bracelet, Maryland hits the senses like a well-loved postcard.

Walk the cobbled streets of Fells Point or the Annapolis City Dock at golden hour and you’ll smell brine, Old Bay, and wood smoke from nearby fish shacks. The cry of gulls and the glint of the Chesapeake make even a quick market stop feel cinematic.

The region’s landscapes like the wide marshes of the Eastern Shore, the piers of Crisfield, the sandy sweep of Ocean City all leave an imprint on its crafts and flavors, from hand-thrown pottery to sun-bleached sea glass jewelry that carries a slip of shoreline with it.

Here’s what to buy in Maryland to bring a piece of its spirit back home.

1. Old Bay Seasoning

Why pick this up:
Old Bay is the scent of Maryland cooking—an instantly recognizable blend of celery salt, paprika, and spices that transforms crabs, fries, and even popcorn into something regionally iconic. A small tin makes a perfect, portable souvenir that instantly recalls waterfront crab houses and backyard clambakes.

What to look for:
Buy the classic small tin for a giftable keepsake or the larger shaker if you want to use it at home; regional specialty stores sometimes stock limited-edition flavors or regional gift tins. If you find locally packaged small-batch spice blends riffing on Old Bay in farmers’ markets, those make interesting variations.

Price bracket (2025):
$4–$15

Where to find it:
Lexington Market and Fells Point shops in Baltimore, Annapolis City Dock stalls, grocery stores across Maryland, and BWI airport gift shops.

2. Smith Island Cake (boxed or pre-sliced)

Why pick this up:
The official state dessert, Smith Island Cake layers thin cakes with frosting in a way that tastes of butter and nostalgia; it’s a slice of Maryland’s Eastern Shore baking tradition. Compact, travel-ready packages or bakery tins capture the multi-layered look and sweet, dense flavor.

What to look for:
Look for labeled Smith Island Cake from Smith Island bakeries (or licensed producers in Annapolis) in vacuum-sealed boxes or refrigerated bakery tins; avoid poorly wrapped versions that can get crushed in luggage. Smaller, single-serving packages are easier to take on flights.

Price bracket (2025):
$18–$45

Where to find it:
Annapolis bakeries, Eastern Shore shops in Crisfield and Cambridge, select stalls at St. Michaels Farmers Market, and specialty counters at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

3. Canned or Vacuum-Packed Lump Crabmeat

Why pick this up:
Maryland blue crab is synonymous with the Chesapeake; vacuum-packed lump crabmeat lets you bring that delicate, sweet seafood flavor home without immediate spoilage. It’s ideal for recreating crab cakes or crab dips in your own kitchen.

What to look for:
Choose refrigerated vacuum packs or reputable canned brands labeled “lump” or “backfin” to avoid gelatinous fillers; ask vendors about harvest location and packing date. Avoid loose, unwrapped crab unless you’re taking it home the same day.

Price bracket (2025):
$10–$40 depending on grade and size

Where to find it:
Seafood counters at Lexington Market, fishmongers in Fells Point and St. Michaels, and specialty seafood shops near Ocean City.

4. Chesapeake Bay Sea Glass Jewelry

Why pick this up:
Polished by sand and tide, sea glass takes on soft, frosted colors that feel like holding a piece of the bay; local jewelers set these shards into rings, pendants, and earrings for wearable shoreline memories. Each piece carries the shallow blues and greens of Maryland beaches.

What to look for:
Seek hand-wrapped or hand-set pieces from local artisans whose work notes the beach origin; pieces with simple sterling silver settings tend to last. Beware of uniformly perfect “sea glass” sold in touristy malls — authentic finds are irregular and matte.

Price bracket (2025):
$25–$150

Where to find it:
Stalls at St. Michaels and Annapolis markets, galleries along Ocean City Boardwalk, and artisan booths at the Baltimore Artscape.

5. Nautical Rope Bracelets & Ship Models from Annapolis

Why pick this up:
Annapolis is the nation’s sailing capital, and its ropework and ship models celebrate a seafaring heritage—small rope bracelets are tactile keepsakes, while handcrafted models evoke the tall ships in the harbor. Both feel maritime and age beautifully.

What to look for:
Choose bracelets made of natural fiber rope with brass or stainless fittings, and for models look for fine detailing, hand-painted hulls, and provenance noting local makers. Mass-produced plastic models belong in souvenir bins; seek wooden, handcrafted pieces.

Price bracket (2025):
Bracelets $10–$45; ship models $60–$400

Where to find it:
Annapolis City Dock artisans, Watermen’s museums, weekend boat shows, and select booths at the United States Naval Academy Museum shop.

6. Baltimore Album-Style Quilts & Textile Goods

Why pick this up:
Baltimore album quilts are a 19th-century tradition featuring appliqué floral and symbolic panels—small quilted items or pillows borrow that exuberant, folk-art look and make striking home accents. They capture Baltimore’s historical craft legacy in cloth.

What to look for:
Look for hand-appliquéd pieces or modern reproductions from Maryland quilt guilds; check stitching quality and fabric weight for durability. Avoid machine-printed “quilt” fabric that copies the look without the handwork.

Price bracket (2025):
$75–$2,000 depending on size and maker

Where to find it:
Craft shows like Baltimore’s Maryland State Fair craft pavilions, Baltimore Museum of Art shop, and quilt guild sales or galleries in Mount Vernon and Hampden.

7. Eastern Shore Pottery & Slipware

Why pick this up:
Potters on the Eastern Shore use local clays and salt-glaze or slip techniques to produce bowls, mugs, and crocks that feel rooted in Chesapeake kitchens. Functional ceramics carry glaze variations and kiln marks that tell a maker’s story.

What to look for:
Seek pieces with maker’s stamps and natural, earthy glazes; hand-thrown rims and slight irregularities indicate authenticity. Avoid uniformly perfect factory-made ceramics marketed as “rustic.”

Price bracket (2025):
$30–$250

Where to find it:
Pottery studios and galleries in Easton and St. Michaels, weekend artisan markets, and pottery booths at the Maryland Renaissance Festival.

8. Local Whiskey or Rye from Maryland Distilleries

Why pick this up:
Maryland has a resurgent craft-distilling scene—bottles from makers like Catoctin Creek or local Annapolis distillers pack regional grain and wood-aging flavors. A good bottle evokes Maryland farmland and its grain-to-glass traditions.

What to look for:
Choose small-batch or single-barrel expressions with clear labeling of grain and age; look for tasting notes and distillery provenance. Ensure you understand your country’s import limits before buying liquids.

Price bracket (2025):
$30–$80

Where to find it:
Distillery tasting rooms in Frederick and Leesburg-area outlets (for MD labels), specialty liquor stores in Baltimore and Annapolis, and distillery pop-ups at farmers’ markets.

9. Wooden Crab Mallet & Crab-Related Kitchenware

Why pick this up:
A wooden crab mallet or decorative crab board is both functional and ornamental—a direct link to Maryland’s famed crab feasts. These items bring the ritual of cracking shells into your home kitchen.

What to look for:
Look for solid hardwood mallets and treated cutting boards with crab motifs; locally engraved or hand-stained pieces make memorable gifts. Avoid flimsy plastic knock-offs sold at tourist traps.

Price bracket (2025):
$8–$60

Where to find it:
Maritime gift shops around Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Annapolis crafts stalls, and Ocean City Boardwalk vendors.

10. Smoked Fish (Bluefish, Trout, or Herring, Vacuum-Sealed)

Why pick this up:
Smoked bluefish and other Chesapeake catches carry a smoky, salty depth that’s unmistakably regional; vacuum-sealed packages travel well and let you extend the taste of Maryland back home. It’s a classic culinary souvenir for foodie friends.

What to look for:
Choose reputable smokehouses that vacuum-seal and date their products; ask about brine and wood used (apple or hickory produce different flavors). Avoid unpackaged smoked fish for long travel.

Price bracket (2025):
$10–$35

Where to find it:
Fishmongers at Lexington Market, smoked-fish counters in Fells Point, and seafood stands along Ocean City.

11. Baltimore & Maryland Sports Memorabilia (Orioles, Ravens, Terps)

Why pick this up:
A team scarf, jersey, or vintage game-day poster taps into Maryland pride—whether it’s Orioles orange or Ravens purple, sports gear feels local and celebratory. These make great gifts for fans and collectors.

What to look for:
Opt for officially licensed merchandise from team stores or museum-quality prints; for vintage finds, check provenance at reputable antique stalls. Avoid cheap knockoffs lacking official logos or licensing.

Price bracket (2025):
$15–$250

Where to find it:
Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium team shops, souvenir stands in the Inner Harbor, and licensed retailers in downtown Annapolis.

Tip: Pack vacuum-sealed foods and fragile pottery in insulated, cushioned layers and declare alcohol or large food items at customs where required. 🧊

Local Shopping Culture & Traditions

Maryland shopping culture is rooted in waterfront trade and seasonal harvests: fish houses, boatyards, and farmers’ markets set the rhythm of what’s available.

Famous markets like Lexington Market in Baltimore (one of the oldest public markets in the nation), Annapolis City Dock stalls, and the busy Ocean City Boardwalk blend long-standing watermen traditions with contemporary artisans selling ceramics, sea glass jewelry, and smoked fish.

Bargaining is not common in mainstream shops, but you can haggle lightly at artisan stalls or flea markets.

Weekend markets and county fairs (like the Maryland State Fair) are where you’ll find pottery studios, quilt guild booths, and live demonstrations. Artisan villages on the Eastern Shore and craft nights in St. Michaels and Easton are particularly good for meeting makers.

How to Spot Genuine Local Souvenirs

Look for maker’s marks, stamps, or tags that name the artisan or studio; hand-thrown pottery will have subtle variations and a potter’s stamp on the base.

For textiles, examine the stitching and fabric weight, Baltimore album-style appliqué should show layered handwork rather than printed motifs. With seafood or smoked goods, prefer vacuum-sealed packaging with clear packing dates and the seller’s contact information; ask about sourcing (Chesapeake-caught is different from Atlantic imports).

For jewelry and sea glass, authenticity shows in irregular shapes, matte frosts, and local provenance rather than perfectly uniform pieces.

Where to Shop in Maryland

• Lexington Market (Baltimore) — historic seafood stalls and local producers
• Fells Point & Inner Harbor (Baltimore) — maritime crafts and galleries
• Annapolis City Dock & Main Street — nautical goods and bakeries
• St. Michaels Farmers Market and Eastern Shore craft fairs — pottery and sea glass
• Ocean City Boardwalk — beachy jewelry, smoked fish stands, and souvenir boards
• Baltimore Museum of Art and Walters Art Museum shops — curated arts and crafts
• BWI Thurgood Marshall International Airport gift shops — convenient regional items

FAQs

Q: Are souvenirs in Maryland expensive?
A: Prices vary widely—market finds like Old Bay tins and rope bracelets are inexpensive, while handmade quilts, fine pottery, or aged whiskey can be costly; expect broad ranges depending on craftsmanship.

Q: Is bargaining common in Maryland markets?
A: Not generally in retail shops, but at artisan stalls, flea markets, or craft fairs it’s acceptable to ask for small discounts, especially late in the day or on bundled purchases.

Q: How do I know if food items will pass customs?
A: Check your destination country’s rules before buying—vacuum-sealed, commercially packed seafood and sealed alcohol are often allowed within limits, but fresh or unpackaged items and some meats may be restricted.

Explore Maryland’s markets and makers to find keepsakes that truly capture the Chesapeake charm.

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!

About the Author

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!