DC Area Moms’ Favorite Things 2024

As moms, we love knowing where to find the best things, services, and businesses for our family. Plus, it’s important to share about and support local businesses–something that makes our area so unique! We are thrilled to share our 4th annual Favorite Things Guide! These local gems are what moms need to know about.

We can’t emphasize how important it is to support local. It is helping someone’s dream come true! Please see our 2023, 2022, 2021 Favorite Things Guide too. Once a Favorite Thing, always a Favorite Thing!

Like to win?! Get ready for a Favorite Things giveaway on Facebook and Instagram soon!

Nearly 2 decades of experience (18 yrs,) I’m a pro-makeup artist and educator specializing in photo-ready makeup applications as well as customized makeup lessons for all ages and skill levels.

With an emphasis on inclusion and experience with global complexions, I offer makeup applications for portraits, corporate headshots, special events and editorial publications. I also offer artist education as well as 1:1 makeup lessons for all ages and skill levels which are customized to each client. I teach the client full technique while offering product recommendations along the way.

If you looking for a unique event experience, I also offer mini-makeup bars where your guests can be treated to a mini makeover during your event.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with this free paddle for two at Key Bridge Boat House! Enjoy the sights of the Potomac River as you paddleboard or kayak past the Georgetown Waterfront, Roosevelt Island, the Lincoln Memorial, and under the beautiful Key Bridge. Or, you can wander up river to the C&O Canal for a relaxing day of tranquility and nature. We’re always up for sharing the fun and we know you and your guest will love this superb water adventure!

Alison Bakes Cakes is more than just a bakery. From thoughtfully designed custom cakes to whimsical cupcakes and intricately decorated sugar cookies, every creation is a testament to Alison’s passion for baking and her commitment to making life a little sweeter, one dessert at a time.

But Alison Bakes Cakes isn’t just about indulging your sweet tooth—it’s also about learning and creating. Alison offers engaging cookie decorating classes for both kids and adults, with step-by-step guidance for beautiful and delicious results.

With a focus on convenience and celebration, Alison Bakes Cakes offers pre-order options for holidays and special occasions, with back-to-school cookies being a standout favorite.

As a mother of two, Alison understands the demands of busy family life. That’s why her mission is to give time back to fellow moms by crafting one-of-a-kind desserts for one-of-a-kind days. So, whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply treating yourself to something special, Alison Bakes Cakes is here to make every moment a little sweeter.

We offer introductory lessons as well as guided play for American Mahjong. We also have exciting pop-up game and lesson nights partnering with local businesses. Looking to elevate your next Mahj gathering? We can take your event from basic to fabulous!

Our obsession with Mahjong originally began with a desire to socialize more often with friends (i.e. an excuse to get out of the house on a weeknight for girl talk over margaritas). However, we quickly fell in love with the game, the traditions, and, let’s be honest, all the pretty tiles and accessories! After starting a robust biweekly game with our friends, old and new, we began exploring how to build upon our community and further spread our passion for everything Mahjong.

Enter Mix Mingle Mahj.

Our goal is to share our love of Mahjong, as well as our common reverence of entertaining with colorful details and personalized touches with everyone. We hope after a lesson or event with us, you will love the game and experience too!

We encourage you to follow along on this adventure of ours, which now includes our family and friends, multiple children, other hobbies, general chaotic lives (did we mention full time jobs?) and we look forward to working with you!

Purity Spa boasts a dedicated team of medical professionals, licensed master aestheticians, skin-care specialists, and massage therapists, all committed to providing an exceptional experience from the moment you arrive.

We prioritize delivering desired results through the use of cutting-edge equipment, advanced technologies, and organic products. Our Medi-Spa services, including Botox, Fillers, and various skin-care treatments, aim to rejuvenate and enhance while ensuring convenience, comfort, and affordability.

Experience an array of massages tailored to your needs, from pre-natal and post-natal massages to hot-stone, cupping, deep-tissue, and aromatherapy options. Restore your skin’s glow with our age-defying facials, HydraFacials, plus Semaglutide and experience our Venus Versa machines. Also, address unwanted hair with laser, electrolysis treatments, or waxing. Get Vitamin IV therapy, which rapidly delivers essential nutrients into your bloodstream.

Enjoy our signature offerings such as bridal-spa parties, couple massages, and group treatments, along with our “Queen-of-the-Day” and “Emperor of the Day” programs. We also provide complimentary lactation consultant training for DC Area Moms’ members.

Conveniently located near Arlington Courthouse Metro Station, our flexible hours cater to your busy schedule. We invite you to join our Purity Spa community, whether you walk in, call, or visit our website and social media platforms. Inquire about our coveted Membership plans for exclusive benefits.

LuluMake is your ultimate online art room and content creation hub, dedicated to celebrating all things crafty! Based in Ashburn, Virginia, we proudly serve the entire DMV area with our unique approach to art and creativity. We believe that arts and crafts are a powerful way to spark imagination, encourage learning, and foster a vibrant community.

Our mission at LuluMake is to ignite the spark of creativity in children, enhancing their cognitive abilities and adding a splash of color to their lives. We offer engaging art sessions, tailored for children of all ages, that are designed to unleash their artistic potential through enjoyable and innovative DIY projects.

In addition to our online content, we specialize in hosting art-themed birthday parties in the DMV area. Our parties are packed with hands-on activities that will keep your little ones entertained and create memories that last a lifetime. From painting to crafting and everything in between, LuluMake is your trusted partner for making every event memorable.

Whether you join us for an art session, book us for a birthday party, or explore our online tutorials, we’re here to make creativity accessible and enjoyable. Let’s turn imagination into reality, one craft at a time!

Three Littles is a unique shop specializing in strollers, car seats, children’s gifts, clothes, and nursery items. We are commitment to sourcing the safest, intentionally-made products for parents and littles. You and your little ones are sure to find some of your favorite things!

Stellina Pizzeria is a Michelin-Rated upscale casual concept that modernizes the classic pizza counter with style and dynamic energy. Our simple, yet spirited menu nods to the street food of the southern Italian coast with a selection of fried seafood and veggies served in paper cones called cuoppo; light, flavorful Neo-Neapolitan pizzas with a distinctly crispy crust; house-made pastas; and creative panini served on our signature pizza dough.

With a full bar focused on Italian wines, beers and craft cocktails, we offer an inviting and lively setting for a sit-down meal, in addition to carry-out, online ordering and delivery.

Compass Coffee is a Washington, DC-based, veteran-owned Coffee Roaster that believes Real Good Coffee means more than what’s in the cup — it’s about community, connection, and the power of coffee to always point you in the right direction. Several cafes located in the Washington Metro Area offer a place for people to come together and cultivate lasting experiences. Each cafe serves as a vessel to fuel Compass Coffee’s mission to make people’s days better.

The training toothbrush set is an essential tool for parents to introduce early dental care to their children in a safe, effective, and fun way. A key safety feature of the 360° toothbrush is its non-slip handles and protective handle to ensure a secure grip and prevent over-insertion. It enables simultaneous cleaning of both top and bottom teeth.

Get the oogiebear 360° toothbrush to promote healthy tooth development, reduce tooth decay, and instill good oral hygiene habits in your children from an early age.

Parents who use this product create a positive association with dental care and set the foundation for a lifetime of proper oral hygiene and beautiful smiles. This commitment to safety makes it a trusted choice for parents seeking a gentle and effective solution for baby oral hygiene experience.

We love to shop these Favorite Things and support our community here. Please show your support to some our very favorite businesses. Tag us in your pics!

If you are a businesses and interested in being featured on our site, please send us an email at info @ dcmoms.com. Thank you!