Sign up for our free newsletter
Free D.C. news, delivered to your inbox daily.
As 2017 winds down, it’s important to keep in mind the power of the individual. This includes purchasing power. Where and how you spend your money matters. When you spend locally, your money stays circulating within the D.C. economy. Your money goes to jobs. You can talk to the person who designed that hat or stitched together that bag.
Local makers, crafters, and sellers have made it easy to buy local this year through pop-up shops. They’ve banded together in groups all over the D.C. area to give us a plethora of local options in one space.
It’s beyond the typical holiday market prototype, which has always been humming in this city. Makers have taken it a step further by gathering together in groups to give D.C. temporary brick-and-mortar experiences. It’s a way to showcase many artisans at once or to experience a local brand in a new neighborhood.
Take some time to step into a local store. Talk to the owner. Go to a pop-up. See the people who work hard behind the scenes to keep an independent streak running through D.C. The gifts that you give will be personal because you know the story behind what you purchase. Shopping locally is an easy holiday win.
Pop-Up / Independent Market Info:
Please check individual markets for hours and cost of entry.
116 King Seasonal Pop-Up, 116 King St. (Alexandria)
BZB Holiday Gift & Art Show, 12/9, 12/16, 12/22-23, 1510 9th St. NW
Christkindlmarkt at the Heurich House, 12/8, 12/15, 12/22, 1307 New Hampshire Ave. NW.
Downtown Holiday Market, Through 12/23, F St. between 7th & 9th St. NW
Femme Fatale DC, Pop-up through 12/24, 100 Florida Ave. NE
GRUMP Crystal City, 12/9, 1750 Crystal Dr. (Arlington)
GRUMP at Zoolights at the National Zoo, 12/15-17, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW
Indie Does it Better Pop-Up, 12/9-10, 3927 Georgia Ave. NW
RIAMS Procrastinator’s Holiday Market, 12/16, 1300 Block of Rhode Island Ave. NE
Shop Made in DC, 1330 19th St. NW
Steadfast Supply, 300 Tingey St. SE, #140
Transformer Holiday Market & Party, 12/16, 1404 P St. NW
Van Ness Main Street Made in D.C. Pop-Up Market, Fridays – Sundays through 12/17; 4340 Connecticut Ave. NW
Violet Boutique Pop-Up, Through 12/31, The Shay, 1924 8th St. NW
Winterwilds Market, 12/9-10, 12435 Park Potomac Ave., 6th Floor (Potomac)
For the Cook
(1) Havana Good Meal
Take a culinary journey to Cuba with a cookbook written and illustrated by a local artist. Comida Cubana by Marcella Kriebel, $30. Marcella Kriebel Art + Illustration. 716 Monroe St. NE. Studio #14. marcellakriebel.com
(2) Look Sharp
Sharp knives make food prep so much easier. This sharpener is small, budget-friendly, and will become a staple in the kitchen.
Knife sharpener, $5.99. Home Rule. 1807 14th St. NW. homerule.com
(3) Chew Chew
Create a magical holiday (and pretend you are on The Great British Baking Show) with this nine-car baking pan.
Nordic Express baking pan, $38. Hill’s Kitchen. 713 D St. SE. hillskitchen.com
(4) Time Flies When You’re Having Rum
All hail the perfect roommate gift. Your friend gets to be crafty and you get to partake in the delicious outcome.
The Holiday Rum Punch Kit, $50. Hudson & Crane. 1781 Florida Ave. NW, 33 District Square SW. hudsonandcrane.com
(5) Spice Up Your Life
Ceramic spoons are a way to add an artistic touch to your daily cooking routine. Spice spoons, $14-$18 each. Whim and Vigor. whimandvigor.com
For Kiddos
(1) Read to Lead
Announce your child’s priorities without saying a word.
Onesie, $23.99. Miks Letterpress +. mikspress.com
(2) Yes, Toucan!
This toucan is made from natural wood and makes for a delightful push-and-pull toy.
Push & pull, $25. Little Birdies Boutique. 1526 Wisconsin Ave. NW. shoplittlebirdies.com
(3) Makin’ it Wayne
Encourage games of pretend by mixing and matching superhero costumes.
Superheroes magnetic costume builder, $25. Urban Dwell. 1837 Columbia Rd. NW. urbandwelldc.com
(4) All You Knead is Love
Inspire your future chef! This baking kit includes tools that are small enough for little hands and a book of recipes.
Baking Kit, $28. The Cookery. 3414 Wisconsin Ave. NW. cookeryshops.com
(5) It’s Out of this World
Your family will learn about deep space while playing this memory game.
Space Matching Game, $14.99. Labyrinth. 645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. labyrinthgameshop.com
(6) All Over the Nap
Cuddles are on the docket for naps from this day forward.
Napping blanket, $28. Le Village Marché, 3318 Wisconsin Ave. NW. levillagemarche.com
For the Artist
(1) That’s the Idea
Jot down your big plans with a set of pushy (but accurate) notebooks.
Mini-sketchbook (set of 3), $12. Cherry Blossom Creative. 2128 8th St. NW. cherryblossomcreative.com
(2) Come Full Circle
Local artist Leticia Santos creates stunning Mandala art utilizing acrylics on wood.
Serenity, $110. mandalacor.com
(3) You Have a Point
A fresh set of colored pencils opens up a world of artistic possibilities.
Bright Ideas pencils, $14.95. Politics and Prose. 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW, 70 District Square SW.politics-prose.com
(4) Moment in the Sun
If you are into experience gifts take your crush to Suns Cinema. Grab a beer, see an old flick, and spend time together over the holiday season without breaking the bank.
Check website for ticket prices. Suns Cinema. 3107 Mt. Pleasant St. NW. sunscinema.com
For the Home
(1) Lucky Dog
Every dog lover would appreciate their breed of choice on a household decoration.
Dog pillow by Naked Decor, $50. The Cheeky Puppy. 1709 Connecticut Ave. NW. thecheekypuppy.com
(2) Thanks for Owl You Do
Pour a refreshing drink from this pitcher or place fresh-cut flowers in it for a colorful display.
Owl pitcher, $112. Kuzeh Pottery. 716 Monroe St. NE. Studio #18. kuzeh.us
(3) Across the Board
Place gooey cheeses and charcuterie on this D.C.-shaped board.
DC cheeseboard, $38. Urban Dwell. 1837 Columbia Rd. NW. urbandwelldc.com
For the Reader
(1) A Novel Approach
Gabriel Tallent’s debut novel is lauded as one of the best books of 2017.
My Absolute Darling by Gabriel Tallent, $27. East City Bookshop. 645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. eastcitybookshop.com
(2) Works Like a Charm
Tasteful life advice never goes out of style.
Suave in Every Situation by Gonzague Dupleix and Jean-Philippe Delhomme, $24.95. American/Holiday. 1319 Wisconsin Ave. NW.
(3) We Clicked
White House photographer Pete Souza shares more than 300 photographs he took throughout Obama’s Presidency.
Obama: An Intimate Portrait by Pete Souza, $50. Politics and Prose. 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW, 70 District Square SW. politics-prose.com
(4) It’s a Run-derful Life
Pick up Patina by New York Times bestseller (and University of Maryland graduate) Jason Reynolds.
Patina by Jason Reynolds, $16.99. East City Bookshop. 645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. eastcitybookshop.com
For the Host
(1) You’re Oil I’ve Ever Wanted
This mini-bottle set contains the perfect pairing of Herbes de Provence-infused olive oil and red apple balsamic vinegar.
Olive oil & balsamic set, $15. Georgetown Olive Oil Company. 1524 Wisconsin Ave. NW. georgetownoliveoil.com
(2) Gone with the Gin
Shrub District is a D.C.-based company that makes cocktail vinegars. Grab a bottle and show off your mixology skills.
Shrub District cocktail vinegar, $12. Hudson & Crane. 1781 Florida Ave. NW, 33 District Square SW. hudsonandcrane.com
(3) We’re Gonna Get Lit
Not quite sure what holiday your host celebrates? Purchase this sweet-smelling “Merry Everything” candle and you’re covered.
Merry Everything candle, $24. Urban Dwell. 1837 Columbia Rd. NW. urbandwelldc.com
(4) To Brie or Not to Brie
Cheese knives make people assume you know what you are doing. They also make for an effective (and surprising) host gift.
Bamboo cheese knives, $10.99. Home Rule. 1807 14th St. NW. homerule.com
(5) Maybe Hot Chocolate Wants to be Called Smart Chocolate Just Once
Bring a warming and flavorful tea made from a blend of Canadian hemp seed, roasted cacao powder, cacao nibs, nutmeg, and spices.
Spicy Fireside Cocoa Tea, $8. Hemp Kettle Tea Company. hempkettletea.com
For the Traveler
(1) Write Your Ticket
This notebook will entice the budding novelist in your life. It sports a vintage-inspired cover and more than 280 pages of thick paper.
Notebook, $20. Le Village Marché, 3318 Wisconsin Ave. NW. levillagemarche.com
(2) Coffee is a State of Bean
The Zojirushi brand is known to keep liquids hot for hours. The compact 12-oz mug means that it can be thrown in a bag without taking up too much space.
Zojirushi mug, $42 (12 oz). Tabletop. 1608 20th St. NW, 6927 Laurel Ave., Takoma Park, Maryland. tabletopdc.com
(3) It’s In the Bag
Throw incidentals in this bag so they are safe during a trip (or commute). Personalize it with free letter stamping.
Personalized utility pouch, $44. Stitch & Rivet. 716 Monroe St. NE. Studio #24. shopstitchandrivet.com
(4) Wild Card
This unique business card holder is made of molded leather and is the perfect gift for the workaholic in your life.
Business card holder, $42. GoodWood. 1428 U St. NW. goodwooddc.com
Keep You Warm
(1) Pearls of Wisdom
A pearl sweater looks elegant at any holiday celebration.
Pearl-embellished sweater, $65.50. Violet Boutique. 1924 8th St. NW. (Pop-up through Dec. 31.) violetdc.com
(2) Blanket Terms
Enjoy cuddling up with your S.O. throughout the winter in this 50” x 60” blanket.
Holiday throw, $54. Le Village Marché, 3318 Wisconsin Ave. NW. levillagemarche.com
(3) Wax Poetically
The candles in this thoughtful, handmade set are named Gather, Bounty, and Nostalgia, and have a burn time of 20 hours.
Holiday Candle Trio, $42. Handmade Habitat. handmadehabitat.co
(4) Band Together
Wear a headband on cool days to keep your ears warm and the hair out of your eyes.
Headband, $26. Core 72. 5502 Connecticut Ave. NW., 3316 Wisconsin Ave. NW. core72dc.com
(5) Bear With Me
You don’t have to pick between cute or cuddly with this sweet cap made from alpaca, acrylic, and wool.
Bear hat, $48. DeNada Design. denadadesign.com
For Your Pet
(1) (That’s a Good) Boy Toy
Your pup can’t have chocolate for obvious reasons. But, he can play with a soft squeaker toy of hot coco.
Hot chocolate toy, $13.99. The Cheeky Puppy. 1709 Connecticut Ave. NW. thecheekypuppy.com
(2) Seriously, I’m Not Kitten
Your pretty kitty will appreciate this ceramic bowl.
Meow bowl, $11.95. The Cookery. 3414 Wisconsin Ave. NW. cookeryshops.com
(3) Don’t Stop Retrievin’
Your doggo can get in the holiday spirit with a festive bandana.
Dog bandana, $12-$25. The Cheeky Puppy. 1709 Connecticut Ave. NW. thecheekypuppy.com
(4) Stop Trying to Make Fetch Happen
Make the game of fetch more interesting with a dart and sling toy.
ChuckIt!, $16.99. Howl to the Chief. 733 8th St. SE. howltothechief.com
Sporty Love
(1) It’s a Bit of a Stretch
Give the gift of stretching with this fast drying, absorbent yoga mat.
Jade microfiber yoga towel, $39.95. Core 72. 5502 Connecticut Ave. NW, 3316 Wisconsin Ave. NW. core72dc.com
(2) Drop it Like a Squat
If your BFF ever shuts up from talking about the life-changing impact of CrossFit, hand them this posh cleansing kit that will take them from the gym to the office.
The Exercise Freak kit, $68.50. Take Care. 1338 Wisconsin Ave. NW. takecareshopdc.com
(3) It’s Your Sole Mate
Start your 2018 athletic goals on the right foot with a running shoe that boasts exceptional energy return.
Brooks Levitate running shoe, $149.99. Fleet Feet Sports. 1841 Columbia Rd. NW. fleetfeetsports.com
(4) Get a Charge Out of It
It’s a bike light. It’s a phone charger. It’s a two-in-one gadget that will make the logistics of biking so much easier.
PWR Commuter, $59.99. The Bike Rack. 716 Monroe St. NE, 1412 Q St. NW. thebikerackdc.com
Luxe
(1) Get Down, Get Down
Your wee one is going to be absolutely toasty in a water-repellent, down coat.
Makage Leelee Winter Down Coat, $430. Little Birdies Boutique. 1526 Wisconsin Ave. NW. shoplittlebirdies.com
(2) It’s Anybody’s Best Friend
Local jeweler Rachel Pfeffer designed and handmade this stunning amethyst and diamond ring.
Amethyst & diamond ring in 14 karat gold, $880. Rachel Pfeffer. rachelpfeffer.com
(3) The Glow Up
This face oil has a cult following for a reason—it contains botanicals and essential oils that make skin glow.
Vitner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum, $185. Take Care. 1338 Wisconsin Ave. NW. takecareshopdc.com
(4) Follow Suit
Take your office wear to the next level. Purchase one piece as a statement or the whole outfit for a mini-wardrobe overhaul.
100% Cashmere overcoat (fully canvassed), $1595. Sport coat (fully canvassed), $1465. Light blue dress shirt, $165. Navy tie, $89. Pants, $325. Ezra Paul Clothing. 1608 17th St. NW. ezrapaul.com
Pretty Little Things
(1) A Close Shave
Geo. F. Trumper has been making skincare products since 1875. This set includes moisturising shaving soap in a hand-turned wooden bowl.
Geo. F. Trumper’s shaving soap and bowl, $34. GoodWood. 1428 U St. NW. goodwooddc.com
(2) Polish it Off
Enjoy a pop of color with this 10-free, nontoxic nail polish.
Sundays nail polish, $18 each. Take Care. 1338 Wisconsin Ave. NW. takecareshopdc.com
(3) Throw You Off the Scent
This wax-based cologne has a long lasting scent. The gorgeous packaging means you can throw it in a gym bag or pack it on a trip without fear of the product breaking.
Fulton & Roark solid cologne, $42. Hudson & Crane. 1781 Florida Ave. NW., 33 District Square SW. hudsonandcrane.com
For Your Government Employee Friend (Under $25)
(1) Write on Schedule
Inspire your colleague to see the world with a calendar that highlights archival travel prints.
Cavallini wall calendar, $21.95. Tabletop. 1608 20th St. NW, 6927 Laurel Ave., Takoma Park, Maryland. tabletopdc.com
(2) Encourage Mint
Maré Naturals creates handcrafted, natural products using beeswax and honey from Ethiopia.
Mint coffee body scrub, $12. Maré Naturals. marenaturals.com
(3) Faux Real
Purchase a scarf that will have your friend accessorizing like a movie star, while you remain within your budget.
Faux fur scarf, $17. Violet Boutique. 1924 8th St. NW. (Pop-up through Dec. 31.) violetdc.com
(4) I’m So Excited I Wet My Plants
Oh how you’ll grow! This kit provides tools and instructions to cultivate beautiful indoor flowers.
Flower kit, $12. Little Leaf. 1401 S St. NW. littleleafshop.com
(5) Right Up Your Alley
Your work buddy never wears matching socks. Don’t be too hard on him—it’s the dryer’s fault. Solve that problem with American Holiday’s collection of fun socks.
Bowling socks, $14. American/Holiday. 1319 Wisconsin Ave. NW.
(6) It’s Mightier Than the Sword
Ditch BIC and invest in a pen that is all about enjoying small luxuries.
Kaweco pen, $22. Cherry Blossom Creative. 2128 8th St. NW. cherryblossomcreative.com