The holidays are approaching fast. Fortunately, if you’re still holding out for the perfect gift, there are plenty of last-minute options around Foggy Bottom for everyone on your list.
GW Campus Store
2125 I St., NW
$5 and up
GW and D.C. swag crowds the aisles at George Washington University’s state-of-the-art Campus Store, which offers a range of gifts from mugs, pajamas and hoodies to top-of-the-line electronics, athleisure, kitchen gear and more. Proud relatives may appreciate a GW-branded ornament, while options for teen siblings include a new pair of high-end headphones or trendy drinkware in their favorite color. The store’s lower level features a round-up of kid-friendly goods, including classic picture books and even a Taylor Swift crochet kit. At the time of publication, the store is also offering 20% off select brands.
Among the many options on offer at the Campus Store are commemorative ornaments ($14 and up) and, for little ones, Dr. Seuss classics ($16.99) and cuddly toys ($20 and up).
Artisans Gallery at the George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum
701 21st St., NW
$10 and up
The Artisans Gallery is more than a gift shop. It’s an educational gallery where visitors can purchase and learn about handmade textiles from traditions around the world, including Indonesian batik, Uzbekistani ikat and Nigerian adire, a resist-dyeing technique named for the Yoruba words “adi,” meaning “tie,” and “are,” meaning “dye.” The gallery’s gorgeous home goods, clothing, accessories and other gifts are fair trade, sustainable, handmade and culturally authentic. GWorld cardholders get 15 percent off all items.
Featured offerings at the Artisans Gallery include an indigo-dyed adire tote from Nigeria ($38) and luxurious silk velvet ikat pillow ($100).
Western Market
2000 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
$5 and up
Everyone likes food. If your giftee lives on campus, they can probably find a cuisine to suit them at Western Market. Many of the food hall’s dozens of vendors offer gift cards, including Arepa Zone, Duke's Grocery, Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls and Roaming Rooster.
White House History Shop
1700 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Open Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
$5 and up
The White House Historical Association’s official retail outlet is just a few blocks from campus and is a one-stop shop for history buffs and political junkies. Of particular interest to collectors are the annual ornaments, which each year are designed to honor either an individual president or a significant White House anniversary.
Georgetown
A 10-minute bus ride from both Foggy Bottom and the Vern, window-shopping in D.C.’s toniest neighborhood is practically a holiday must. Reliable chains offer plenty of options, but for unique options at a range of price points, it’s hard to beat Made In D.C. (1304 Wisconsin Ave., NW), a showcase of work by local jewelers, ceramicists, beauty gurus, painters, candlemakers and chefs. Options range from stylish homeware to eye-catching jewelry, adorable baby gifts, DIY kits for curious makers and much more.
Works by ceramicist Kelly Brooke are among the hundreds of unique local offerings at Made in DC. (Ruth Steinhardt/GW Today)