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Despite the fact that going to "the Mall" in D.C. doesn’t mean you’re going shopping, Washington offers fabulous stores that sell serious or silly souvenirs, designer fashions, recycled and green goods, books about almost everything, and handicrafts. Even if you are headed to the mall, our nation’s Mall, that is, you’ll discover that plenty of collections housed along the famous greensward, such as the Smithsonian museums and the National Gallery of Art, sell interesting keepsakes in their gift shops.
Beyond the Mall, smaller one-of-a-kind shops, designer boutiques, and interesting specialty collections add to Washington’s shopping scene alongside stores that have been part of the landscape for generations. Weekdays, Downtown street vendors add to the mix by offering funky jewelry; brightly patterned ties; buyer-beware watches; sunglasses; and African-inspired clothing, accessories, and art. Discriminating shoppers will find satisfaction at upscale malls on the city's outskirts. Not surprisingly, T-shirts and Capitol City souvenirs are in plentiful supply.
Pop into this three-story maze of used, new, and rare books, where the volumes are piled floor to ceiling, and no flat surface is left bare. (Even the bathroom is stacked high.) The knowledgeable staff will help you browse through a wonderful collection of out-of-print history titles, political and fiction writings, and mysteries.
For chocoholics with a gourmet palate, this is one-stop shopping. Offerings are both foreign (Michel Cluizel from France and Amedei from Italy) and domestic (Askinosie from Missouri and Amano from Utah). Selections from D.C.-area chocolatiers make for tasty souvenirs.
This store is simple, sheer fun for adults and kids alike. Looking for clacking, windup teeth? You can find them here, along with unusual greeting cards, whimsical and colorful socks, and unique housewares and handicrafts. If playing with all those fun toys makes you hungry, you can pick up a select line of premium European chocolates.
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.
From ornate mirrors to unique furniture pieces, Cote Jardin has a wide selection of antiques. Located in a town house on O Street, the display will give you inspiration for your home decor.
Don't be fooled by the new dresses in the front—this shop is a consignment shopper's dream. "Current" styles from brands such as Tory Burch, BCBG, Marc Jacobs, and Diane Von Furstenberg just might fit better when you buy them at a third of their original price.
Although it's a small shop, you'll find a wonderful selection of high-end consignment clothing, shoes, and handbags here. In addition to consignment, they also offer ready-to-wear pieces. On any given day, you might discover pieces by designers like Carolina Herrera, Gucci, Stella McCartney, or Zac Posen. The staff is especially helpful and works hard to help you find the perfect ensemble for your next special event or important meeting.
D.C.'s own Everett Hall designs men's suits that are richly classic in their material and cutting-edge in their design, color, and sensibility. Starting at around $1,500, the suits appeal to professionals who want something unique.
The expert staff at this friendly shop will assess your feet and your training schedule before recommending the perfect shoes, apparel, or accessories for running, swimming, soccer, or cycling. The shop also hosts running events, a great way to explore the city.
Pick up a crab cake, Belgian waffle, or small-batch craft spirit made by local vendors at this farmers' market on Wednesday from 3 to 7 in early April through November. Similar fare is available near Lafayette Square ( 810 Vermont Ave. NW) on Thursday 11–2, April–mid-November. Other FRESHFARM markets are in the Capitol Riverfront (Sunday 9–1, May–September), Dupont Circle (Sunday 8:30–1:30, year-round), H Street NE (Saturday 9–12:30, April–mid-December), Penn Quarter (Thursday 3–7, June–mid-November), and elsewhere. All locations also sell local fruits and vegetables.
There's a good mix of retailers at this mall in the center of Georgetown, including Anthropologie & Co. (which has floors devoted to housewares and bridal), H&M, J. Crew, and T.J. Maxx. Stop at the Georgetown Visitor Center inside the main entrance to learn about what's happening in the neighborhood. You can even try your hand at bocce or bowling at Pinstripes, a bistro and entertainment spot with a wonderful patio. Grab macaroons at locally owned Olivia Macaroons.
One thing you will notice in Georgetown is the abundance of runners. If you feel inspired to run, check out Georgetown Running Company, a store dedicated to the sport. Their staff are all runners and offer free gait analysis to determine the best running shoe for you.
The popular New York City nail salon GLOSSLAB opened an outpost in Georgetown. Their sleek and modern nail studios are a great place to stop in for a quick, efficient, and clean mani-pedi before shopping, exploring the sights, or grabbing a bite.
If you're a cook or looking for a gift for someone who is, pop into this small shop across the street from the Eastern Market Metro. You'll find cookbooks, baking pans, aprons, towels and potholders, cookie cutters, barware, grilling tools, specialty foods, and much more. The shop is closed on Monday.
Around the corner from the Phillips Collection, this art space features works from local, regional, and international contemporary artists, and also regularly hosts artist talks and other events. With a mission to support emerging artists and to encourage artistic collaboration across the globe, Hillyer offers intellectually stimulating exhibits that provoke and intrigue. Special events take place on the first Friday and third Thursday of the month, with talks and tours available at other times, too.
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.
You won't find any video games in this gem; rather, you'll discover an outstanding selection of handmade wooden puzzles and mazes, collectible card and travel games, board games, and brainteasers. A bonus to stopping in are the dozens of activities and games for all ages you can play.
Founded by local Bryn Mawr College alumnae, The Lantern is a shop for used and rare books run by volunteers. The profits of the sales go to the college to support students’ summer internships. Inside you can find an eclectic collection of books and rare magazines.
In both its design and its products, the first D.C. brick-and-mortar location of this French-influenced New York perfumerie reflects the cool, indie vibe of the Shaw neighborhood. Preferring "soulful fragrances" to everyday perfumes, Le Labo's manifesto is to create luxurious, handcrafted, non-animal-tested scents for "passionate souls." Visit this unique shop, and take a whiff of bestsellers like Santal 33, Rose 31, Bergemote 22, and Thé Noir 29.
Since 1981, this multilevel used-book store has been selling "rare to medium rare" books with plenty of meaty titles in all genres, especially out-of-print literature. Formerly called Idle Time Books, Lost City Books retains all the charm that has kept it in business for more than four decades, with the addition of thoughtful curation and a well-organized selection of books, making it both easy and enjoyable to browse in a recently remodeled, warm and cozy space.
House and garden accessories are in the mix here, but the emphasis is on 18th- and 19th-century French and Swedish painted furniture, sourced by the owner on yearly buying trips to Europe. Find unique art, mirrors, and sculptures here.
This gallery is devoted to glass, metal, and ceramics. It's worth a look to see the work by some of the world's finest contemporary artists. The intimate, bright space is owned and managed by the daughter of Harvey K. Littleton, founder of the American Studio Glass movement. The gallery is open by appointment only.
Catering to fans of retro glamour and low prices, this weekends-only shop near the bottom of the Adams Morgan strip stocks vintage clothes and costumes (from the '60s through the '90s) for women and men.
The carefully selected vintage clothing and shoes sold here include everything from cocktail dresses to cowboy boots. You will also find jewelry and belts, all handpicked by the owner, Mercedes, who has been in the vintage business since the early '80s. This small shop offers exceptional, personal service and is only open on weekends.
One of the world's most visited museums has a newly renovated gift shop. You can find plenty of toys and games, plenty of souvenirs, including T-shirts and totes, and an extensive selection of Star Wars and Star Trek licensed products for sci-fi fans. The store showcases a wide assortment of kites and books; you can also find flight suits for both the young and young at heart. Space pens that work upside down and freeze-dried "astronaut" ice cream are best sellers.
