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City Cast DC

Kaela Cote-Stemmermann

This holiday season, shop for gifts Washingtonians 

 want (no, we don’t want another Washington Monument ornament, thank you so much). All these gifts are locally made or designed and will please even the pickiest gift getters!

Bound to be spotted at D.C. holiday parties everywhere this year, Metro outdid themselves with this 

. The “Metro Sleighs” written on it is just the cherry on top. Perfect for your punny uncle, secret santa, or Metro crush. (Price: $50)

 preserved on gravestones. Author Rosie Grant began the project during her internship at the Congressional Cemetery and several of the recipes come from there. (Price: $21)

Other’s Coffee Roasters Choice Subscription

 out there in my opinion. Gift your coffee snob friend a few months of locally roasted coffee from this great community cafe. Maybe add in one of 

 curated by Capitol Hill Books. Tell them the recipient's favorite genres and a budget, and they will handpick and ship a pile of books from their stacks. (Price Varies)

The perfect present for your “chronically online” friend (me). 

 comes from D.C. start-up Offline Community comes connected to your phone number and has unlimited calling and texting and a satisfyingly-grainy camera. They also host weekly tech-free IRL meetups and challenges to unplug and recharge. (Price: $25/month)

 includes six hand-rolled pastas like gnocchi and pistachio fettuccine, alongside decadent sauces and a full 8 oz of parm. All you have to do is boil the pasta. Voila, dinner is served. ($175)

Giving a plant sometimes feels like hoisting a chore onto the recipient. 

 can go for weeks without water so you can give them guilt-free. Because honestly, if they can kill a cactus, that’s on them. (Price $6 - $30)

 where you can find hidden gems for gifting like unique kitchen, glassware, and books. Or get crafty and embroider something personal on some napkins or tablecloth.

This tiny Persian-inspired pottery studio in Brookland hosts one-day workshops year round like this adorable 

. Or just pick up one of their stunning mugs or decorative pomegranates. (Price varies)

Your Washington, DC Holiday Gift Guide 2025

Your Local Holiday Gift Guide 2025

Find the best of everything that DC has to offer.

DC’s Best

DC's Best

Find presents for everyone on your list at these favorite local spots, plus a few unusual ones.

 – A District standby, this shop has four locations dedicated to only products made in town. Think art, soap, ceramics, and cards.


 – For the plant parent in your life, this shop is the leafy sister to Salt & Sundry with just as many aesthetic goodies.


 – There are 27 artist studios along this block, with something for everyone. I have some mugs from 

 – This outdoor shopping village has over 70 local vendors and runs till Dec. 23. There are many other 

 – Reader Darell Z. says, “Three Littles is a fantastic children's store with sustainable toys and clothing. It's where we get all of our children's gifts for our family and friends.”


 – A jewelry boutique with pieces from local independent designers at varying cost points. 


 – Reader Amirio F. says “I’m *obsessed* with finding little treats to make my pantry and home bar feel fancier, or to gift to the foodies in my life. My go-to spots for natural wines, fringe condiments, and more are 

Where to Shop for Local Gifts

Tips and tricks for living your best DC life, by locals, for locals.

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Your Local Holiday Gift Guide 2025

Where to Shop for Local Gifts

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Your Local Holiday Gift Guide 2025

Where to Shop for Local Gifts