Raise your hand if you still have Christmas shopping to do (raises hand). In fact, I only have one gift...and I have like 15 people to buy for. SO- you could say I'm stressing a bit to finish my shopping before Saturday. Today and tomorrow I'll be living on lattes, water, and you can find me power walking around DC and VA with gifts in tow.
One great thing about living in the DC Metro Area is we have so.many.options at our finger tips at all times- including options for last minute gifts 3 days before Christmas! Since I am also a procrastinator (what can I say, I do well under pressure), I have put together a gift guide of items and ideas you can either purchase or plan online, or purchase in store, all from local DC retailers, restaurants, and businesses. Because- shop local, of course!
Before I get into the gift guide, I want to say a few words in the midst of all of the madness that comes with the holidays. This time of year can be difficult. It's difficult as we miss loved ones who are no longer with us, as we spend all of our time rushing from event to event, and as we stress about buying gifts and fight over parking spots at the mall. Remember to take some time for yourself to reflect on what this season is all about- love, peace, and happiness. We often get lost in the materialistic side of the holiday, so its important to remain balanced and thankful for the joys in our lives. I wish you, your family, and loved ones a very merry and happy Christmas.
I hope this local list of last-minute gift items will help you with all your last minute shopping needs! And remember to gift yourself something special while you're at it ;) In addition to this gift guide, I'm sharing a preview of my holiday inspired Christmas outfit featuring DC curve and plus designer, Twelve26, I'll be wearing over the weekend for celebrations!
For the Food Enthusiast:
Walking Food Tour with DC Metro Food Tours
Pick from 9 different neighborhoods in DC and VA.
Price: Varies per location, starting at $30+
The Balkan Experience at Ambar
Hands down, my favorite restaurant in all of the DMV. Send a virtual gift card, or print and gift the certificate to your foodie friend, family, or loved one so they can experience The Balkan Experience tasting menu for brunch or dinner.
Price: Washington DC location brunch- $34, dinner- $49; Clarendon location brunch- $34, dinner- $35
For the Cocktail & Wine lover:
Winter Cocktail Class at Barmini
Learn the fundamental techniques to create three delicious winter-inspired cocktails during this cocktail class.
Price: $125
Wine Course at DCanter Wine Boutique
Pick from a variety of 6 educational upcoming wine classes.
Price: Varies per class, starting at $35
For the Coffee lover:
Coffee Workshop at Ceremony Coffee Roasters
Choose from a variety of workshops in DC, Annapolis, and Baltimore
Price: Starting at $100+
For the Trend Setter:
Custom CEO or Wrap Skirt from Zophia
Give the gift of custom by pre-ordering a CEO skirt or purchasing a gift card towards a purchase from this fab DC designer.
Price: Gift cards starting at $50+, Skirts starting at $299+
Jewelry from Sophie Blake New York
This DC based jewelry designer has amazing jewelry for anyone on your list. Pick out a gorgeous piece in-store at either the Sophie Blake Flagship at the Mosaic District in Fairfax, VA or the Pop-Up Shop in Tysons Galleria.
Price: Starting at $80+
One-on-One Shopping Experience at Refine
Book an appointment to Refine, DC's best appointment only boutique filled with unique apparel and brands. Gift a gift card with the appointment so your trendsetter can pick out exactly what she wants!
Price: Appointments are free!
To book, contact: info@shoprefine.com
Stylish Apparel and Accessories from Whistle & Wild
This local online retailer specializing in trendy and affordable apparel and accessories is offering hand delivery within the DMV of last minute orders in time for Christmas!
Price: Orders must be over $50 to qualify for hand delivery.
To arrange delivery, contact: contact@whistleandwild.com
Dapper Menswear from Avenue Jack
Pick out some dapper and unique pieces for the trendsetting man in your life from Avenue Jack! Visit their location in Dupont Circle to purchase before Christmas.
Price: Varies, with price points for all.
For the Glam Girl:
Blowout, Viral Color Wash temp color application, or product gift card from Illusions of Georgetown
The talented team at Illusions excels in blowouts and applying temp color (think pink, lavender, blue, etc), as well as other salon services, that any glam girl will love!
Prices: Call for Viral Color Wash prices, blowouts starting at $45+.
To book, call: 202-338-4100
A Wax Treatment at Cera Wax Studio
Book your glam girl (or man!) with a wax session at the super chic Cera Wax Studio in Bethesda- home of the least painful wax in all the area!
Prices: Starting at $18+
To book, call/email: 301.657.2372 / info@cera-studio.com
Mani and Pedi at Varnish Lane
Gift a gift card or book an appointment online for your glam girl who will love this chic nail spa!
Prices: Starting at $20+
For the Interior Designer:
Anything from Salt & Sundry
Seriously. Have you seen their products? Amazing. Visit the location on 14th St or Union Market for purchase before Christmas.
Prices: Varies, with price points for all.
For the Outdoorsy Type:
A trip to the DC REI Flagship store + an REI Class
Class selections vary by camping, skiing/snowboaring, biking, and more.
Price: Varies by course. If you pick a free course, gift the course with a REI Gift Card!
For the Theater Lover:
Yearly membership or tickets to an upcoming show at The Kennedy Center
FYI- Wicked is showing today- Jan 8, and Chicago will be showing this spring!
Price: Membership starting for $60+, ticket prices vary per show
For the DC Sports Fan:
Price: varies per sports event
Holiday Outfit Preview:
Photography by Lauren Joseph
XOXO
Blonde in the District