The Washington Post recently ran an article on shopping at museum stores for unique gifts. Fortunately for folks in the Laurel area, it’s not necessary to travel to downtown DC or Baltimore for museum quality shopping. The Laurel Museum’s gift shop stocks up for the holidays, and has lots of unique items—many but not all Laurel-themed—including some very distinctive and affordably priced jewelry and hand-made toys. Personally, I’ve found it a great place for friend and hostess gifts, plus additions to my tree. (I confess I now have one whole tree with Laurel-only ornaments.)

Holiday ornaments are a particular LHS specialty, and collectors can revel in the long-standing series of landmarks and historic churches (St. Mary of the Mills, St. Philip, and First United Methodist). This year’s ornament features the iconic Laurel Cotton Mill in the early years of the 20th Century—with folks out front, complementing the current exhibit: True Life:  I Was a Laurel Mill Worker. The ever popular Laurel Christmas Tree is also available.

The Laurel Museum is having an open house this weekend (Friday, Nov. 30, 10-2; Saturday, 10-2; Sunday, 1-4), so visitors can shop, get free refreshments, and also buy a wreath decorated by the Snow Hill Garden Club.

You can also buy many items online, with holiday shipping for items ordered by December 9. Extra bonus: a chance to visit on a Saturday, and also see the current exhibits before they close for good December 23. The Laurel Museum is at 817 Main Street, Laurel, MD 20707 (www.laurelhistoricalsociety.org, 301-725-7975).