The FindFavs Gift Guide

Crab mallet and pick set

For anyone who knows a Maryland crab feast is a full afternoon event. Wooden mallets and picks for the whole table.

Good to know: Pair it with a bushel from a crab spot on our MD Eats list.

Old Bay seasoning gift set

Created in Baltimore and on every table from Ocean City to the Wharf. For the friend who puts it on fries, corn, and everything else.

A cookbook from a DC chef

Cook like your favorite DC restaurant at home. Chefs like José Andrés and Kwame Onwuachi have books that bring their kitchens to yours.

Good to know: Choose based on the cuisine they love most.

Cast iron skillet

For recreating that steakhouse sear at home. Lasts for decades and gets used every week.

Good to know: Heavy; needs a quick dry and oil after washing.

Cocktail shaker set

For the friend who's been to every speakeasy on our DC Drinks list. Shaker, jigger, strainer, and bar spoon in one box.

Cocktail smoker kit

Brings the smoked old fashioned from their favorite cocktail bar home. A fun one to unwrap.

Good to know: Needs wood chips and a torch; most kits include both.

Clear ice cube molds

Big, slow-melting cubes like the ones at a good cocktail bar.

Good to know: Takes a day in the freezer.

Insulated wine tote

For the friend planning their next Loudoun County winery weekend. Carries bottles home and keeps them cool.

Waterproof picnic blanket

For vineyard lawns in Virginia and Maryland and summer picnics on the lawn at Wolf Trap. Folds up small.

Wine aerator

Opens up a bottle in the time it takes to pour. Great with a bottle brought home from a local winery.

AeroPress coffee maker

For the coffee shop regular who wants that quality at home. Smooth, strong coffee in about a minute.

Good to know: Makes one or two cups at a time.

Burr coffee grinder

Fresh-ground beans make the biggest difference. Pair it with a bag from a local roaster.

Pour-over coffee dripper

An easy way into pour-over for anyone who orders it at their favorite café.

Good to know: Needs paper filters.

Cheese and charcuterie board

The centerpiece for game nights, holiday spreads, and the after-party once everyone's back from dinner.

Route 11 potato chips variety pack

Kettle chips made in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. An easy, local crowd-pleaser for any spread.

Countertop pizza oven

Pizzeria-style pies at home in minutes. A big wow gift for the friend who always hosts.

Good to know: Takes up space; check that they have room for it.

Insulated tumbler

Keeps coffee hot on the drive out to Shenandoah and water cold on the trail at Great Falls.

Cooler backpack

For tailgates, beach days at Sandy Point, and day trips around the region. Hands-free and easy to carry.

Portable lawn chair

For outdoor concerts, festivals, and food truck nights. Folds flat and fits in the trunk.

Good to know: Venues have different chair rules; check before you go.

Microplane zester

Citrus zest, Parmesan, garlic, nutmeg. Small, cheap, and something every cook reaches for.

Good to know: Very sharp; store it with the cover on.

Hot sauce sampler

A few new bottles to try. Easy, fun, and always opened right away.

Instant-read meat thermometer

Takes the guesswork out of steak and chicken. Reads in a few seconds.