DC Area Moms’ Favorite Things Guide 2023

As moms, we are always looking for the best things, services, and businesses that work for our family. We love supporting local, amazing businesses and are thrilled to share our 3rd annual Favorite Things Guide with you! These local businesses serve moms and families well and we are grateful to feature them.

If you haven’t popped by or used these products or services, please do! Supporting local literally helps make someone’s dreams come true! Also, check out our 2021 and 2022 Favorite Things Guide. Once a Favorite Thing, always a Favorite Thing!

Stay tuned for a chance to win a bundle of our Favorite Things on Facebook and Instagram.

At Tuckernuck discover classic yet unique apparel and gifts, curated for a fun-filled life. We want to make shopping fun and easy. We design our own line of clothing and accessories, plus we sell our favorite pieces from hundreds of other designers too. Come visit our Flagship Store in Georgetown, DC or shop online at tnuck.com.

DC Bouldering Project (DCBP) is a 35,000 square-foot facility that offers state-of-the-art indoor bouldering, yoga, fitness, and youth programs! Located in the heart of Eckington and with an emphasis on community engagement, DCBP is a wonderful place for families and individuals to move, play, grow, and have fun.

SCOUT was founded by Deb Waterman Johns and husband Ben Johns in 2004. A working mom of four (plus multiple dogs), Deb needed large, sturdy and affordable totes to carry her family’s stuff without getting weighed down. The bags she needed didn’t exist, so she made them.

19 years later, we remain a favorite of our customers for our large totes coming in an array of fabulous, fun patterns (pictured here, the 4 Boys Bag left, the Errand Boy right) These bag can move mountains, apartments and pack a family of 4 (at least) for the beach. Come visit our flagship store in Georgetown and sign up to participate in product focus groups with Deb, meet our team at special events and more!

Knotty Boutique offers handmade accessories that encourage children to embrace their unique style. From big baby bows to sparkly toddler purses, our products inspire individuality through bold, versatile designs. Our handmade headbands, scrunchies, bonnets, and tote bags are perfect for mommy and me matching. Terrena Smith, the owner of Knotty Boutique, was inspired by her daughter to create styles that protect growing curls. What started as a bow business has blossomed into a collective of parents and children known as the “Knotty Squad.” We are proud to be a Black-owned, Maryland-based business.

It fills our hearts knowing that we can create a safe space for children (and adults!) with nut allergies to enjoy the full bakery experience. Hi, I’m Yael, a former lawyer turned baker. When I used to bake as a hobby, whenever I used a recipe that called for nuts, I’d always remove the nuts. I don’t have anything against nuts – I just don’t think they have any business being in my baked goods. Little did I know that my aversion to nuts would help bring joy to so many families!

When we opened our storefront across from the National Zoo in 2015, customers would come in and ask if we had anything without nuts – to which we’d reply that none of our products contained nuts. Their faces would instantly light up and they would get so excited.

It’s so much more than just making delicious baked goods. It’s about providing a safe environment where customers can walk into our bakery and not have to be on guard the entire time, not have to worry about there being peanuts or tree nuts somewhere in the bakery.

“For six years, my kiddo has had to check (double check) her food. Today, she got a dessert of her own choosing without fear. Thank you, Baked by Yael!” – Sarah L.

We want everyone to be able to enjoy something at Baked by Yael. So, as you can imagine, we didn’t stop at NUT-FREE only. We became Kosher certified and we added GLUTEN-FREE and VEGAN items too.

How to experience the deliciousness of Baked by Yael:

• Visit us across from the National Zoo (curbside pickup available)
• Stop by our farmers market locations in the DC Metro area
• Order online – Nationwide Shipping

Whether you’re popping in for a doughnut date, celebrating something special, or you could just use a little pick-me-up, District Doughnut is here for you and your family! Established in 2012, founding Pastry Chef Christine takes no shortcuts in crafting the world’s most delicious gourmet doughnuts. From the scratch-made Vanilla Bean yeast dough to each of our pastry creams, jams, glazes, and ganaches, she uses only the finest ingredients, real fruits, milk, eggs, and cream. In her words: “you deserve a better doughnut.” Our menu features an assortment of delicious varieties, so we’re sure you’ll find something to love. Gluten Free? Come visit us on #GlutenFreeFriday! For your daily dose of happiness, stop in and one of our doughfessionals would be happy to assist you in any of our store locations : Barracks Row, The Wharf, Union Market, or Georgetown (Coming Soon!).

JoyLet is a premium baby gear and toddler toy rental company that is on a mission to make early parenthood easier and more sustainable. Parents can rent thoughtfully selected gear and toys by the month that children quickly age out of like bassinets, swings, specialty strollers, developmental toys and more. JoyLet gives parents flexibility, while helping them save time, money, waste, space and stress.

Silk Rose Spa, located in Alexandria, Virginia is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a luxurious and relaxing self-care experience. The spa offers a variety of services to promote wellness and rejuvenation, including massages, facials, body treatments, and waxing.

Self-care is crucial for maintaining a healthy mind and body, and Silk Rose Spa recognizes this. The spa is designed to provide clients with a peaceful and serene atmosphere, allowing them to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life and focus on their well-being. Each service is tailored to the individual needs of the client, ensuring that they leave feeling refreshed and revitalized.

One of the things that sets Silk Rose Spa apart is their commitment to using only the highest quality products. The spa uses natural and organic ingredients in their treatments, ensuring that clients receive the best possible results without any harmful chemicals. From their signature facial to their full body massage, each service is designed to promote relaxation and provide lasting benefits.

Pause. Reflect. Reconnect.

Are you a busy parent struggling to balance work and family life? Do you need a reliable and trustworthy nanny to take care of your little ones while you’re away? Look no further than District Sitter, the premier nanny agency in town!

At District Sitter, we understand that finding the right caregiver for your children can be a daunting task. That’s why we go above and beyond to provide you with the most qualified and experienced nannies in the area. Our team of hand-selected caregivers are trained in CPR and first aid, have passed rigorous background checks, and have extensive experience working with children of all ages.

But we don’t just stop there. At District Sitter, we pride ourselves on offering personalized service to meet your family’s unique needs. Whether you need a full-time nanny, a part-time babysitter, or an occasional date-night sitter, we’ve got you covered. We look forward to working with your family soon.

Have you ever felt like you’re the last person who hasn’t figured out what looks good on you? As an Image Consultant with House of Colour, I’m here to tell you, you’re not the only one!

I offer a personalized, time-tested experience that uses the science of color and style to give you a personalized prescription of what fits and flatters you most, so you never have to wonder what looks good on you again. My journey is a reminder that letting go of other people’s definition of “cute” or “chic” doesn’t have to be yours. If you’re tired of trying to figure out how to dress yourself in clothing that feels like you and looks amazing, let me help you! You got it, own it!

We love to shop local 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!