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 –…
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 –…
Washington, DC
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,…
Logan Circle, U Street & Columbia Heights
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…
Washington, DC
Packed with dusty secondhand tomes, atmospheric Second Story also sells used CDs (mostly jazz and classical), antiquarian books and old sheet music. The…
White House Area & Foggy Bottom
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…
REI Washington DC Flagship Store
Washington, DC
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…
Washington, DC
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…
Washington, DC
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…
Washington, DC
The airy space with floor-to-ceiling windows showcases – yes – locally made goods. The selection changes, but you might find nifty illustrated maps from…
Upper Northwest DC
A much-loved DC literary hub, this independent bookstore carries an excellent selection of fiction and nonfiction, has knowledgeable staff and is fiercely…
White House Area & Foggy Bottom
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,…
Washington, DC
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…
White House Area & Foggy Bottom
Representing more than 45 tribal groups in the US, this compact shop sells basketry, weavings, pottery, beadwork, sand paintings and fetish carvings made…
Washington, DC
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…
Georgetown
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…
Georgetown
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…
Logan Circle, U Street & Columbia Heights
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…
Upper Northwest DC
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…
Georgetown
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…
Washington, DC
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,…
Washington, DC
Three creaky floors are stuffed with secondhand literature and nonfiction, including one of the best secondhand political and history collections in the…
Washington, DC
Crafty types and jewelry lovers should not miss this specialty shop, which carries all things small and stringable. The selection from around the world…
Washington, DC
The Dupont Circle Market teems with locals on Sunday morning buying fresh breads, cheeses, produce, dumplings, eggs, coffee, spirits and beers. It’s part…
Washington, DC
Also known as the best little design store in Dupont, Tabletop is evidence that DC is a lot more stylish than some give it credit for. The whimsical…
Logan Circle, U Street & Columbia Heights
The racks are stacked tight at Fia's, which sells gently used, brand name clothes for women of all sizes. The owner lives in the neighborhood and is super…
Washington, DC
Fedoras, panama hats, short- and wide-brimmed straw hats – they’re all for sale at the Proper Topper, along with children’s books, wallets, jewelry,…
White House Historical Association Museum Shop
White House Area & Foggy Bottom
Located inside the White House Visitor Center, this is the spot to get White House–branded mementos such as the official Christmas ornament, White House…
Washington, DC
A small branch of the venerable independent bookshop in Northwest DC, the Wharf Politics & Prose has in-the-know staff, literary readings and lots of love…
Washington, DC
Next to the inviting cafe of the same name, Teaism sells dozens of loose-leaf teas, from smoky Lapsang souchong to organic jasmine, and rich green teas –…
Georgetown
A cleaner world awaits inside sweet-smelling Lush. The international chain of handmade, all-natural soaps brings high art to the common bath experience…
Washington, DC
Up a narrow row of stairs, Secondi is filled with top-label, secondhand clothing for women, like Marc Jacobs jackets and slightly preloved Manolo Blahnik…
Washington, DC
Shoes for every sporting activity are on sale at this outlet of the national chain, and the personalized service ensures your feet get what they need. The…
Washington, DC
This long, narrow shop bursts with colorful, quality wares amid the sweet smell of incense. Singing bowls, chunky beads, prayer flags, carved masks, flowy…
Georgetown
Staffed with knowledgeable sales clerks and stocked with everything you need for a trip to the great outdoors, this tri-level shop has a giant collection…
American Institute of Architects Bookstore
White House Area & Foggy Bottom
Architecture buffs are in good company in this small specialty shop, which stocks the latest architecture and design titles and periodicals. For the…
Logan Circle, U Street & Columbia Heights
Not just for comic-book-loving geeks, Big Planet appeals to a surprisingly diverse audience, with an excellent collection of limited editions and graphic…
Washington, DC
A great variety of spices, cookbooks, whisks, cast-iron pans and other colorful kitchenwares stuff this 1884 townhouse near Eastern Market. Behold the…
Georgetown
Set in a 19th-century cast-iron building that once sheltered horse-drawn omnibuses, this mall (with skylights and hanging plants) has become a hub for…
Washington, DC
Shoppers love Coup de Foudre for its impeccable customer service and slew of European lingerie brands. The merchandise at this little boutique makes…
Georgetown
Set on Cady’s Alley, Relish sells high-end fashion for the ladies. The two-level store boasts top-name labels and indie designers alike, including pieces…