{"title":"Best Maryland Gifts and Souvenirs: What to Buy and Why","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaryland has a personality all its own. The Chesapeake Bay, blue crabs, the bold state flag, Old Bay seasoning, University of Maryland traditions and Baltimore sports all give shoppers plenty of ways to show their connection to the state.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhether you are shopping for a lifelong Marylander, a student, a graduate, a seafood lover or a visitor, the best Maryland gift is one that connects with what the recipient loves most. This guide explains the symbols and traditions behind popular Maryland gifts and helps you choose a souvenir that feels personal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"gmail-artifact-docx-preview_heading2\"\u003eWhat are some gifts that represent Maryland?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe most recognizable Maryland gifts feature the state flag, blue crabs, Old Bay or University of Maryland traditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMaryland flag gifts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaryland's flag combines the black-and-gold Calvert design with the red-and-white Crossland design. The state officially adopted it in 1904, according to the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/msa.maryland.gov\/msa\/mdmanual\/01glance\/html\/symbols\/flag.html\" title=\"Maryland State Archives\"\u003eMaryland State Archives\u003c\/a\u003e. Its distinctive colors and pattern make it easy to recognize on shirts, hoodies, hats, mugs, magnets and other keepsakes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor someone who wants to wear their state pride, start with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/maryland-gifts.com\/collections\/clothing-and-apparel\" title=\"Maryland apparel\"\u003eMaryland apparel\u003c\/a\u003e. For smaller gifts, browse \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/maryland-gifts.com\/collections\/cups-and-mugs\" title=\"Maryland mugs and drinkware\"\u003eMaryland mugs and drinkware\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/maryland-gifts.com\/collections\/magnets\" title=\"magnets\"\u003emagnets \u003c\/a\u003eand \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/maryland-gifts.com\/collections\/keychains\" title=\"keychains\"\u003ekeychains\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMaryland blue crab gifts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blue crab is closely associated with the Chesapeake Bay. The \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/dnr.maryland.gov\/fisheries\/Pages\/fish-facts.aspx?fishname=Shellfish+-+Blue+Crab\" title=\"Maryland Department of Natural Resources\"\u003eMaryland Department of Natural Resources \u003c\/a\u003edescribes it as one of the Bay's most important commercial and recreational species. Crab-themed shirts, hoodies, hats, mugs and accessories make strong gifts for seafood lovers and anyone who associates Maryland with summer crab feasts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/maryland-gifts.com\/collections\/maryland-crab-themed-t-shirts-for-men\" title=\"Maryland crab-themed T-shirts\"\u003eMaryland crab-themed T-shirts\u003c\/a\u003e or explore the broader \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/maryland-gifts.com\/collections\/maryland-gifts\" title=\" Maryland Gifts collection\"\u003eMaryland Gifts collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOld Bay gifts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOld Bay is closely tied to Baltimore and Chesapeake seafood culture. McCormick describes the seasoning as an iconic Chesapeake Bay favorite with more than eight decades of history. An \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/maryland-gifts.com\/collections\/old-bay\" title=\"Old Bay gift\"\u003eOld Bay gift\u003c\/a\u003e, such as a shirt, hat, mug, tumbler, keychain or pair of socks, is a playful choice for cooks, crab lovers and Maryland food fans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUniversity of Maryland gifts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUniversity of Maryland apparel is a natural choice for students, alumni, parents and Terrapins fans. The university's diamondback terrapin mascot, Testudo, has been part of campus tradition since the original statue was funded by the Class of 1933, according to the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/umd.edu\/about\/history\" title=\"University of Maryland\"\u003eUniversity of Maryland\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShop \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/maryland-gifts.com\/collections\/university-of-maryland\" title=\"University of Maryland gear\"\u003eUniversity of Maryland gear\u003c\/a\u003e, including \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/maryland-gifts.com\/collections\/maryland-crab-themed-t-shirts-for-men\" title=\"shirts\"\u003eshirts\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/maryland-gifts.com\/collections\/university-of-maryland-hoodie-and-sweatshirts\" title=\"hoodies\"\u003ehoodies\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/maryland-gifts.com\/collections\/hats\" title=\"hats\"\u003ehats \u003c\/a\u003eand other \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/maryland-gifts.com\/collections\/clothing-and-apparel\" title=\"fan apparel\"\u003efan apparel\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat are some famous products from Maryland?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaryland is known for more than blue crabs. The \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.visitmaryland.org\/things-do\/made-maryland-food-drinks-art-more\" title=\"Maryland Office of Tourism\"\u003eMaryland Office of Tourism \u003c\/a\u003ehighlights locally associated favorites such as Old Bay, Fisher's Popcorn, Berger and Otterbein cookies, and Goetze's candy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmith Island Cake is another well-known Maryland specialty. It became the official state dessert in 2008, and the traditional version has eight to ten thin layers of yellow cake with chocolate frosting, according to the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/msa.maryland.gov\/msa\/mdmanual\/01glance\/symbols\/html\/dessert.html\" title=\"Maryland State Archives\"\u003eMaryland State Archives\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFood is not always practical to carry or ship, so merchandise inspired by Maryland's food culture can be a useful alternative. Old Bay apparel and drinkware, crab-themed clothing, flag accessories and Maryland mugs let recipients keep a reminder of the state long after the food is gone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat things is Maryland known for?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Chesapeake Bay and blue crabs: A defining part of the state's landscape, economy and food culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Maryland flag: A distinctive design based on the Calvert and Crossland family arms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOld Bay and seafood traditions: A familiar part of crab feasts and Chesapeake cooking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe University of Maryland and Testudo: A source of school spirit for students, alumni and fans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBaltimore sports: Orioles and Ravens merchandise gives fans another way to represent Maryland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegional food traditions: Smith Island Cake, local cookies, popcorn and candy are frequently associated with the state.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause Maryland is known for several different traditions, there is no single best gift for everyone. A crab shirt may be right for a seafood fan, while a flag hoodie, UMD hat or Baltimore baseball item may better match someone else's connection to Maryland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat souvenirs should you buy in Maryland?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose a souvenir based on how the recipient will use it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFor an easy-to-pack keepsake\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaryland \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/maryland-gifts.com\/collections\/magnets\" title=\"magnets\"\u003emagnets\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/maryland-gifts.com\/collections\/keychains\" title=\"keychains\"\u003ekeychains \u003c\/a\u003eand \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/maryland-gifts.com\/collections\/postcards\" title=\"postcards\"\u003epostcards \u003c\/a\u003eare compact, affordable and easy to take home after a trip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFor everyday Maryland pride\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Maryland T-shirt, hoodie, baseball cap, beanie or pair of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/maryland-gifts.com\/collections\/socks\" title=\"socks\"\u003esocks \u003c\/a\u003ecan be worn throughout the year. Browse Maryland T-shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts, hats and socks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFor the home or office\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Maryland flag mug, Old Bay tumbler, crab magnet or Maryland flag can holder adds local character to a desk, kitchen or gathering space. Explore \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/maryland-gifts.com\/collections\/cups-and-mugs\" title=\"mugs and drinkware\"\u003emugs and drinkware\u003c\/a\u003e for practical gifts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFor students, alumni and sports fans\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/maryland-gifts.com\/collections\/university-of-maryland\" title=\"University of Maryland merchandise\"\u003eUniversity of Maryland merchandise\u003c\/a\u003e for a Terrapins supporter or browse \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/maryland-gifts.com\/search?q=orioles\u0026amp;options%5Bprefix%5D=last\" title=\"Baltimore Orioles apparel \"\u003eBaltimore Orioles apparel \u003c\/a\u003efor a baseball fan.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[],"url":"https:\/\/maryland-gifts.com\/collections\/best-maryland-gifts-souvenirs.oembed","provider":"Maryland Gifts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}