9 Best Shopping in Washington, D.C., USA

Are you searching for a William Howard Taft candy dish? How about a William McKinley 1896 campaign button? It's all here, whether you need it or not. Capitol Coin is a charming political memorabilia and coin shop (they don't sell stamps, despite the name), just a hop and skip from the White House. In the basement of a building next to the Secret Service, it's not easy to find, but for political junkies, it's worth the effort. It's been in operation at various locations for more than 40 years. The priciest political artifact is a medallion of George Washington's presidency that goes for about $2,000, but most offerings are relatively modest. For mementos, Capitol Coin beats the airport gift shops by a long shot.

This yearly holiday outdoor market is located in Penn Quarter, transforming two city blocks on F Street into a one-stop shop, open-air winter wonderland. The market features local businesses and entrepreneurs across the region, finding unique, festive treasures in the heart of the District starting mid-November and usually going through a few days before Christmas. The outdoor shopping village’s expansive footprint allows for wide aisles for shopping, browsing, and also indulging in food stalls by local restaurants.

What began in 1929 as a repair shop and a pen bar—a place to fill your fountain pen before setting out for work—is now a wonderland for anyone who loves a good writing instrument. You'll find pens in silver, gold, and lacquer by the world's leading manufacturers. If you want to improve your handwriting, the store offers classes in calligraphy and cursive. And yes, the store still offers repair services for all writing instruments—in this digital age Fahrneys' endures.

Despite its name, this venerable D.C. favorite contains six floors of precious and semiprecious wares, including unique gifts, home accessories, vintage pieces, and works by such well-known designers as David Yurman, Penny Preville, and Alex Sepkus. The Federal Collection on the sixth floor features handmade boxes and paperweights with decoupages of vintage prints of Washington commissioned by the Tiny Jewel Box. Even if you're not buying, come in and look around.

Housed in an elegantly renovated Victorian town house, this salon offers complete services—hair, nails, facials, waxing, and makeup. Because it's a favorite of the Washington elite, you might just overhear a tidbit or two on who's going to what black-tie function with whom. Adjacent whirlpool pedicure chairs allow two friends to get pampered simultaneously.

CityCenterDC is an upscale gathering of high-end boutiques, restaurants, residential and office buildings, a park, and an open-air plaza, bordered by New York Avenue and 9th, 11th, and H Streets NW. It's all too easy to spend several thousand dollars in just a few minutes here, with leather goods from Longchamp, Louis Vuitton, and Salvatore Ferragamo; designer fashions and accessories from Burberry, Canali, CH Carolina Herrera, Kate Spade, Loro Piana, Paul Stuart, Zadig&Voltaire; outdoor clothing and sporting goods from Arc'teryx; Tumi luggage; and David Yurman jewelry. For a break from shopping or browsing, grab an indulgent treat from Dolcezza and relax in the plaza with its benches, tables, and fountains.

Like its flagship store (founded in Connecticut in 1902 as a custom shop for Yale University), this Washington outlet keeps with the Ivy League traditions. Harris tweed and classic navy blazers are the best sellers.

Shop for luxurious sweaters, scarves, and outerwear made from Peruvian alpaca. The investment pieces are made by skilled artisans from Peru.

Get pampered with old-fashioned hot-lather shaves, haircuts, massages, and business manicures and pedicures. The hair- and skin-care products—from Kiehl's, Billy Jealousy, and Malin+Goetz, to name just a few—make this a worthy stop even if you don't have time for a service.