Must-see shopping in Washington, DC

This flagship independent – which leapt into First Amendment history when it refused to release Monica Lewinsky’s book-buying list to Ken Starr's snoops –…

A trove of secondhand awesomeness, this shop has so many books that staff have to double-stack them on the shelves. Categories are, er, unconventional,…

Bright and festive with classic pop tunes playing in the background, Miss Pixie’s is a great browse. It's piled high with relics of the past, from stuffed…

Packed with dusty secondhand tomes, atmospheric Second Story also sells used CDs (mostly jazz and classical), antiquarian books and old sheet music. The…

Not to be confused with the official White House gift shop in the White House Visitor Center, this store sells official souvenirs alongside less-orthodox…

Who says Washington isn’t an adventure city? This 51,000-sq-ft building in the revitalizing NoMa neighborhood – outdoor retailer REI’s fifth flagship…

Rodeo Drive chic may not be the first way you’d think of describing Washington, but this sparkling, open-air oasis of shops and restaurants blows that…

One of the icons of Capitol Hill, this roofed bazaar sprawls with delectable chow and good cheer, especially on weekends. Built in 1873, it is the last of…

The airy space with floor-to-ceiling windows showcases – yes – locally made goods. The selection changes, but you might find nifty illustrated maps from…

A much-loved DC literary hub, this independent bookstore carries an excellent selection of fiction and nonfiction, has knowledgeable staff and is fiercely…

The Renwick Gallery has one of DC’s best museum shops. Handmade textiles and hand-dyed silks are available, as is glasswork, woodwork and unique jewelry,…

It’s as if a Silk Road caravan got lost and pitched up near the Eastern Market. The lovely emporium is stuffed with crafts, carpets and tapestries from…

Representing more than 45 tribal groups in the US, this compact shop sells basketry, weavings, pottery, beadwork, sand paintings and fetish carvings made…

The sales team at this classy women’s boutique makes you feel like a queen while trying on fantastic pieces by Pinko, Iris Setlakwe and other North…

The lengthy name comes from two businesses under one roof. Located in a cute row house in the thick of Book Hill (Georgetown's antique-laden block of…

Not a store per se, Cady’s Alley is a small cobblestone lane lined with ubercool (and often expensive) clothing and interior-design boutiques selling…

Even if you’re not in the market for a midcentury armoire, Good Wood is well worth a visit. The warm, atmospheric space holds a cool selection of antiques…

This much-loved toy shop may look small on the outside, but it has a fantastic selection with all the latest kid pleasers. A daily storytime session is…

If you’ve ever been nostalgic for the great wooden toys of childhood, this hip wonderland has the goods with clever modern touches. Lots of ecofriendly…

On weekends an outdoor flea market sets up on a two-block stretch of 7th St SE, adjacent to Eastern Market. Vendors sell all kinds of cool art, antiques,…