It’s hard to believe how deep we are already into the holiday season. If you’re anything like me, your holiday shopping was mostly accomplished around Black Friday and Cyber Monday. However, my children still seem to ask for specific gifts right up until Christmas day. If you’re looking to share some DC spirit with your loved ones, I’ve compiled a list of gifts that have that DC flair and support our amazing community.
1. Mambo Sauce
Nothing says DC like Mambo Sauce. It is the official sauce of DC and if you know anything about DC wings, it is a must have with Mambo Sauce. Get a six pack of mini bottles to give as stocking stuffers or grab a gallon for that white elephant gift, I promise it will be a popular item!
2. DC Metro Store
Do your children like everything “metro” like mine? DC’s MLK Library is hosting a Metro pop up shop for the holiday season. Here, you can snag replica metro buses, metro trains, mugs, dog leashes, ornaments and more. If you’re unable to make it to the library, you can always check out the selection online.
Click HERE for shop hours.
3. Smithsonian Museum Stores
What do you think of when DCs most visited attractions come to mind? As a resident, the most common question I get asked on the street is “which way is the Smithsonian?” With a big smile, I ask “which one?” We are fortunate enough to have so many. Have you checked out the gift shops? As a resident I typically veer my children away from them but during the holiday season they can offer special gifts. The store at the Museum of the American Indian displays a beautiful selection of native jewelry artists, and the shop at the Hirshhorn Museum has a wide variety of books, one of a kind accessories, and replicas featuring current exhibitions. The Osgemeos coffee table book is currently on my wish list. If you’re unable to make it to a museum store in person, check out their online offerings.
4. Made in DC
It’s no secret, DC is home to many talented artists, chefs, coffee makers, and other creative minds. Shop MADE IN DC makes it easy to support our local makers and artists by bringing their items to storefront and sharing their talents with the community. Want to give a little bit of everything this holiday season? MADE IN DC offers beautiful premade gift boxes so you can share a taste of our talented city with others.
5. Capital Candy Jar
I’d feel remiss if I didn’t mention my favorite DC candy shop, Capital Candy Jar. Now, the location may be inconspicuous but the treats are delightful. When the downtown DC holiday market rolls into town, I make sure to stock on up chocolate covered oreos, chocolate covered pretzels, and giants rice crispy treats. The diet starts in January, right?
6. Experiences
From shows to museums to galleries, DC has so much to offer when it comes to experiential gifts. Check out our guide to the best experience gifts the DC area has to offer. Take some pictures and share them with us!
7. Donate
With the giving spirit in mind, please consider donating to non profit organizations and charities which you can find on our nonprofit giving guide as well as organizations that keep our city thriving, like The Kennedy Center, The Smithsonian Museums, or the DC Police Foundation.
Hope this list covers any last minute local gifts you need! Also check out our Holiday Gift Guide for more ideas. Happy shopping!
