‘Zipcar ad’
courtesy of ‘Karon’

So like me you’ve waited until the last second and now you’ve got to hazard the crowded shops and DC streets to finish up your Christmas shopping. You’re fairly limited with online shopping opportunities, you have no time for brainstorming, and you’ve got a gazillion other things to do, so you’ve got to put your nose to the grind stone and pound these last little (or big) tidbits out. Lucky for you, and me, there are plenty of cool DC-related gifties out there waiting to be scooped up.

Many of us will be heading through Union Station today and the shops there offer some fantastic last minute gift pick up opportunities.  You can find historic memorabilia and inauguration items at America!’s Spirit, or small paintings, pottery and jewelry at Echo Gallery Mezzanine Kiosk, or perhaps Lids, where you can pick up a Redskins or Capitals branded baseball cap. There’s also a solid wine and spirits shop that can provide that much needed Jameson for eggnog or bottle of bubbly for Christmas morning drinkypoos.  These shops are a hurried travelers delight and are definitely worth checking out, if you’re still gift hunting or needing to fill up those stockings.

If you’re in Georgetown and haven’t check off that sweet toothed loved one from your list, then I suggest picking up a four pack of assorted Baked & Wired (opened until 3pm) cupcakes.  They’ve got seasonal flavors like pumpkin, cinnamon/cardamon spice and chocolate peppermint. The cupcakes come wrapped in a beautiful white box with pink stickers and make a tasty (and sharable) Christmas morning surprise.

Near the Mall and the museums, then quickly swing by the Smithsonian museum gift shops.  Each shop will offer museum themed gifts, as well as an assortment of other souvenirs.  WeLoveDC author Tiffany says, “these gifts aren’t DC-themed specifically, but “I got it at the Smithsonian” is a pretty cool DC-only thing to say” and I concur. Can’t make it down to the mall in time? Fortunately, you can also find Smithsonian Stores at Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport and they offer a wide range of items from elegant jewelry to charming souvenirs and toys.

Should you be purchasing gifts for a DC resident then I’d suggest pulling together a gift certificate good for a two person double decker tour of DC. The tour allows rides to hop on and off at 25 DC hotspots and is good for two-days. These tours are a fantastic way for residents to learn about and tour their own city. My suggestion is that the recipient wait to claim their gift until the weather warms and they can enjoy DC and the open topped second deck.

And let’s not forget CVS! Every shop in the area has a wonderful assortment of DC related tchotckes like coffee mugs, snowglobes, keychains, t-shirts, scarves, hats, magnet, spoons, postcards, etc. You could easily throw together a DC themed gift basket or these could be great stocking stuffers.

So get out there! Throw some elbows! And pick up the fantastic last minute christmas items that DC has to offer!

Seasons Greetings!