Pink Palm, a Lilly Pulitzer shop, stocks preppy clothes for the whole family. Photograph by Chris Leaman

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The Dandelion Patch

This stationery store has invitations for any event. Employees will help you navigate brands such as Anna Griffin, Vera Wang, and Crane’s, and the store offers engraving, thermography, and letterpress printing. Still can’t find what you want? Custom work is available, plus there are do-it-yourself options. You can also find good gifts for baby showers, holidays, and housewarming parties.

111 Church St., NW, Suite 101, Vienna; 703-319-9099; thedandelionpatch.com.

The Freeman Store

This old-time general store looks much as it did when it opened in 1859. The emphasis is on simple pleasures, evident in a candy counter that stocks butterscotch and cinnamon sticks for a quarter and rock candy for 75 cents. The kids’ section carries wooden toy trains, Chinese finger traps, and books on how to make hand shadows. History buffs will find books about local history and lore. If the shop’s not busy, customers are welcome to go upstairs for a self-guided tour of the building’s 19th-century living quarters. The store is open Wednesday through Sunday.

131 Church St., NE, Vienna; 703-938-5187; historicviennainc.org.

Pear Tree Cottage

Need a bridal-shower or housewarming gift? This tiny home-goods store is brimming with options, some in a French-country style. The merchandise includes whimsical wineglasses, carved wooden serving spoons, wall art, vintage lamps, and a few antiques. There are also votive candles, lotions, and scented oils. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

130 Maple Ave. E., Vienna; 703-938-1331; thepeartreecottage.com.

Pink Palm

There’s something for the whole family at this Lilly Pulitzer shop. Head to the back for a small selection of preppy boys’ clothes plus a larger stock of dresses, skirts, sweaters, and tops for girls. Men can peruse a shelf of bow ties and boxers while women browse the dresses, slacks, and sweaters. The many accessories include Vineyard Vines totes and headbands.

6647 Old Dominion Dr., McLean; 703-556-8750; thepinkpalm.net.

Smith’s of Bermuda

Ladies can find good daywear at this McLean boutique, which pairs classic staples with trendy accents. Popular labels include Brighton, French Dressing, Conrad C., and Tommy Bahama. Multitaskers can gift-shop, too—there’s a small selection of stuffed animals for kids plus seasonal home decor and cute hostess gifts.

6651 Old Dominion Dr., McLean; 703-556-4930.

Squire Chase

This McLean shop is a good stop for wedding and housewarming gifts. The biggest draws are the hand-painted Herend china and figurines from Hungary, but there are also Baccarat and Moser crystal, Mariposa serveware and platters, and elizabethW candles and bath salts. Gift ideas abound for dog lovers—pillows, cookie jars, coasters.

1319 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean; 703-790-5649; squirechase.com.