Christmas will be here before you know it! If you haven’t yet started on your holiday shopping list, it’s time to get the ball rolling! You’re in luck because there are a multitude of wonderful, holiday-friendly shops, small businesses, and local fixtures to explore across the DMV region. Before you know it, you’ll be awarded “gift giver of the year” by your friends and family!
Local Gift Shops, Boutiques, Small Businesses, and More in Maryland
Embarking on a holiday shopping spree around Maryland? Check out local, handmade goods at Locally Crafted in Gaithersburg, or swing by Frederick to explore Emporium Antiques! Books are never out of style, so grab a book or two (or three) at MahoganyBooks in preparation for Christmas.
Locally Crafted
Where? 9 Grand Corner Avenue, Gaithersburg
Find locally made artisan goods at this Gaithersburg shop, sourced from over 80 makers from Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. This community space has ample room for artists to showcase their unique products. Customers can enjoy seeing the items in person, rather than via an online photo. This is a female-owned small business that’s invested in helping other small businesses. The store only carries locally made products, which creates a necessary bridge between local makers and eager customers. Peruse the store and inventory and surprise a loved one with something entirely unique and completely local this holiday season! Whether you have a vague idea of what you’re looking for or you have absolutely no clue — allow the pieces to speak to you.
Emporium Antiques
Where? 112 East Patrick Street, Frederick
This Frederick antique shop can take several hours to explore. The 25,000 square feet of shopping space houses nearly 100 dealers. There is an ever-changing selection of fine antiques, vintage items, and mid-century treasures to be discovered at Emporium Antiques. When you’re searching for that one-of-a-kind gift that’s both thoughtful and curated just for your loved one — this should be the first place you try! Since 1988, this has been one of the East Coast’s largest and finest destinations for vintage furniture and house embellishments. The antique shop is open 7 days a week from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM (12:00 PM on Sundays). On top of the dealers, there are also 3,000 consignors offering furniture, American art pottery, silver, jewelry, china, artwork, prints, clothing, and so much more. This is truly a treasure trove of gift-giving possibilities.
Cecil’s Country Store
Where? 20853 Indian Bridge Road, California
Shopping at Cecil’s Country Store is nothing short of an adventure. From furniture such as antique secretary desks, solid wood dressers, side tables, lingerie chests to all the Maryland gear you can imagine and so much more. Skip the big box stores and instead, find high-quality, durable pieces that have a story to tell great decor and Maryland t-shirts and souvenirs. The inventory at Cecil’s is always changing, so check back frequently to see what’s available. During the Christmas season, you can often find a vintage selection of ornaments that are waiting to come home with you! Cecil’s is also home to talented and creative vendors who bring unique one of a kind items including the largest selection of Mary Lou Troutman’s artwork. At Cecil’s you’ll find a mix of old and new. As the holiday season approaches and many people are faced with hosting family, friends, and loved ones, stop by Cecil’s to find furniture, decor and excellent gifts!
MahoganyBooks
Where? 121 American Way, Oxon Hill
Do you have an avid bookworm in your life? The obvious gift choice for such an individual would be books, of course! Whether you track down a copy of their favorite autographed novel or you opt to surprise them with a gift card so they can shop at their own leisure — MahoganyBooks can be your one-stop shop this holiday season. Their gift selection surpasses just reading material and includes journals, candles, travel mugs, and much, much more! You can even discover recommended reads and the top reads of the year if you’re lost and in need of some direction. Of course, the friendly staff would be happy to guide you towards some of the most popular reads so you can wow your favorite bookworm this holiday season.
Local Gift Shops, Boutiques, Small Businesses, and More in Washington, D.C.
These D.C. area gift shops and boutiques are the perfect jumping-off point for all of your holiday shopping needs. You can either visit in person or shop online. Whether you opt for a gift card or a personalized present that the recipient can unwrap on Christmas morning, they’re sure to be pleased with your selection!
Urban Dwell
Where? 1837 Columbia Road NW
Urban Dwell is an independent, veteran-owned boutique gift shop that offers a curated selection of merchandise that complements the latest trends in home decor, women’s and men’s accessories, books and stationery, kitchen items, and more! You can even shop for baby gifts if your circle has welcomed a little one just in time for the holiday season. Whether you shop for a particular item or you want to surprise the recipient with a gift card so they can embark on their own shopping spree — Urban Dwell is a one-of-a-kind experience that everyone should be able to enjoy at least once (but don’t be surprised if you become a frequent flyer)! Gift cards can be emailed or mailed and values range from $25 to $150.
Shop Made in DC
Where? 10 District Square SW
Shop from 5,000+ products from DC’s best makers at one of the Shop Made in DC locations around town. While these items may be crafted in small batches, they have huge impacts! Surprise your loved ones with unique, one-of-a-kind gifts this holiday season, and watch as their faces light up at such thoughtful presents. You can even shop for holiday gift boxes from Shop Made in DC, which takes the second-guessing out of the process for you. If the recipient has a sweet tooth, consider the Sweet District box with an assortment of tasty goodies that are guaranteed to impress. If the recipient loves all things coffee, there’s a DC Coffee Subscription that provides them with a bag of area-roasted coffee each month from a rotating roaster. This is a great way to experience new blends and discover roasters that they didn’t even know existed!
Salt & Sundry
Where? 1625 14th Street NW
Salt & Sundry is a home and lifestyle boutique that features an eclectic mix of goods from independent makers and designers from the local region as well as locations across the globe. If you’re in the market for something special and one-of-a-kind, add the boutique to your shopping spree excursion this holiday season. Products include engraved cocktail glasses, handmade ceramic mugs, recycled cotton throws, cookbooks and cocktail recipe books, jewelry and so much more. Everything is well crafted and strikingly beautiful, making it difficult to go wrong with any choice that you make. Explore the “gifts” section on the website to find inspiration if you’re not at all sure what you’re even looking for yet!
Local Gift Shops, Boutiques, Small Businesses and More near Arlington, Virginia
These local shops near Virginia’s Fairfax County are some of the best holiday shopping destinations in the area. Whether you’re shopping for someone who craves outdoor adventure or you’re looking to surprise the crocheter in your life with beautiful skeins of yarn — add these shops to your to-do list!
Trade Roots
Where? 5852 Washington Boulevard, Arlington
Every product that you find at Trade Roots tells a story of unique craftsmanship, sustainability, and making a positive global impact. From handcrafted jewelry to home decor and statement fashion pieces — there’s a touch of something for everyone here. If you’re passionate about empowering artisan communities worldwide as well, shop at Trade Roots and help support a great cause while discovering beautiful gifts designed for an array of interests, styles, aesthetics, and more. If you’re perusing the inventory online, you can organize items by best sellers, country of origin, sale, and more. The inventory is diverse, from eco-friendly jewelry, consumables, sustainable housewares, clothing and accessories, child-friendly games and puzzles, and much, much more! Don’t be surprised if you get lost in the selection. You’re sure to come out of your browsing with a handful of fantastic gift ideas for the upcoming holidays.
Casual Adventure Outfitters
Where? 3451 Washington Boulevard, Arlington
Casual Adventure Outfitters has been family-owned and operated in Arlington since 1945! This impressive feat is a testament to community loyalty and support. If you’re seaking adventures this holiday season and beyond or are always in search of durable gear and outdoor wear, a trip to Casual Adventure Outfitters might be on the agenda. From sporting goods, footwear, camping, and travel, to tactical tools and men’s and women’s clothing and accessories — there’s a bit of everything at this local gem. Surprise the outdoor lover in your life with a fresh pair of Blundstone boots, the North Face Summit Series, an Easton Hype Fire baseball bat, or a Benchmade knife from the incredible assortment in store. The shop boasts “We can outfit you from Great Falls to Nepal!”
The Old Town Shop
Where? 104 South Union Street, Alexandria
The Old Town Shop celebrates Alexandria’s charm and historic heritage through unique local gifts. Whether you call Alexandria home or it’s a place that holds significance for you and your loved ones, The Old Town Shop may be an interesting place to stop this holiday season. From regional books, assorted apparel, housewares, holiday ornaments, local food items, and more — it’s likely that you won’t leave empty-handed. Surprise your West Coast family and friends with treats like Virginia Diner’s pecan turtledoves or the Hubs Chocolate Covered Peanuts. Other unique gifts that are just as neat but maybe less tasty include cherry blossom ornaments, cast iron crab trivets, sea captain nutcrackers, and more locally made products and regional apparel.
Fibre Space
Where? 1319 Prince Street, Alexandria
Fibre Space is committed to providing the community with high-quality, natural, and unique materials. The shop stocks a carefully curated selection of yarn and fiber from US sources, unique international makers, and hard-to-find hand dyers. The priority is to support small and independent operations in the industry, with a special emphasis on woman-owned businesses. Surprise the crocheter or knitter in your life with beautiful fibers or even a designer workshop, or yarn tastings that are held at Fibre Space. Classes are kept small, with six students at most in the Introduction and Beyond Basics classes. These project-based courses allow participants to create something tangible while jump-starting or enhancing their skills. If you know someone who’s always been interested in getting into a hobby within this space, surprising them with a gift card could be just the thing this holiday season.
The Golden Fox Boutique
Where? 2700 Clarendon Boulevard Suite 430, Arlington
The Golden Fox Boutique offers shoppers a highly personalized and engaged shopping experience. In an effort to become your go-to lifestyle boutique in the Arlington area, you’ll enjoy quality service and beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces. Customers will be inspired by the carefully curated collection that’s been built by supporting local artisans and women-owned businesses. If you found a piece that you’d love to gift, keep in mind that the return policy states that items must not be washed, worn, or otherwise altered and the item must be brought back within 30 days of the date of purchase. If you’re not sure what the recipient might like, try a gift card instead and let them indulge their fashion whims at this local boutique on their own time!
Happy Shopping in the DMV!
We hope that this list took some of the holiday shopping stress off of your shoulders! Now that you have a game plan, all that’s left to do is put it into action! Check out these local shops and peruse the inventory to see what stands out to you. We’re giving you a virtual high-five for totally rocking your Christmas shopping list this holiday season!