Last-minute D.C. gifts that'll impress anyone left on your list
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Gift a great local book. Photos: Courtesy of MarketingHero
Looking for last-minute gifts? Shop cool local items!
Why it matters: No rush fees, no big-box basics.
Between the lines: A few holiday markets are open for procrastinators, including the big Downtown DC market and the Dupont Circle market (through Dec. 23).
- Go for skin care, hand-made apparel, jewelry, candles and more.
On our wish list this year:
🎂 "Bodega Bakes," the highly acclaimed first cookbook from local pastry chef and genuinely delightful talent Paola Velez.
- Sure, you can buy it online, but go to Bold Fork Books in Mt. Pleasant. The culinary bookshop also carries pretty cards, cool kitchen items, kid's books and more.
- And while you're in the neighborhood, grab stocking stuffers at Each Peach Market (e.g. candies, spices) or Spanish bottega, Nido Wine Shop + Market (tinned fish, sherry).
😋 Also for foodies: We want everything in the Dupont's Gemini x Happy Ice Cream holiday shop. Especially the Champagne, caviar and fancy chip set. And a wine camp subscription!
- The shop is hosting a last-minute holiday market on Saturday with friends and cool vendors starting at 12:30 pm.
For a one-stop-local-shop neighborhood, it's tough to beat the Union Market area. Think pour-your-own candles at District Candle Lab, enviable knives — or the great gift of knife sharpening — at District Cutlery, cool Vintage Vintage Vintage finds and anything and everything at Salt & Sundry.
Ⓜ️ Transit fans, there's still time to shop Metro's pop-up at MLK Library (through Dec. 21), which is also selling some cool DC Public Library swag. Or buy online.
🎨 Smithsonian museum shops are treasure troves for unique gifts, whether you're shopping for a nephew who loves space, or art aficionados.
- Personal favorites: the National Gallery of Art for stationary, ornaments, and reproductions. The National Museum of African Art (stunning jewelry and baskets). And the National Museum of Asian Art (e.g. artful scarves and robes).
🌸 Another sweet idea: Gift and give back to D.C. The Trust for the National Mall's Adopt-A-Cherry-Tree Campaign lets gifters adopt a whole tree ($1,000) or little bud ($25) in someone's name, with a commemorative certificate. Donations help protect and grow more trees.