Shopping

13 Amazing DC-Based Online Retailers to Shop for Gifts

One of the best ways to go holiday shopping is to not actually go anywhere. If you’re smart about it, much of holiday shopping is can done with a hot cup of coffee, a warm blanket, and a seat on a couch. But if you’d rather give your dollars to support local businesses instead of monolithic online retailers, the good news is that you can still do that without leaving the house. There are a number of online retailers based in the DC area, and they’ve got the goods for just about everyone on your list.

Hanuel

We’ve said before how much we love Hanuel’s delicate, trendy jewelry–such as bilat earrings and layering necklaces–and their merchandise makes for particularly perfect gifts for any girlfriends or sisters in your life.

PopNod

Though it’s not technically going to help you shop local, the PopNod website and app was founded by a Washingtonian, Stephanie David, in 2013. The website allows you to shop online from major fashion brands, and for every purchase you make, a portion of it will be donated to a good cause.

Mintwood Home

Perfect for your organization and home-decor obsessed friends, Mintwood Home’s stylish products could turn even the tiniest urban apartment into a chic home. Gold-rimmed dinnerware, wine racks, bar carts, and custom throw pillows all make Mintwood and obvious place to shop for home goods lovers.

Tuckernuck

An online retailer based in Georgetown, this preppy apparel shop truly is a one-stop for everyone on your list–monogrammed cocktail shakers and snug quilted coats for him and leather tote bags and statement jewelry for her–so it won’t take long to fill that online shopping cart right up.

Kicheko Goods

Sure, you’ll find some unique statement jewelry and some fun and flashy geode stud earrings on this DC startup’s website. But you’ll also be helping send kids to school in the Congo with each purchase, so every gift you buy from Kicheko really does double duty.

Lorra Rivers

For handbags with a bit of edge, look no further than DC designer Lorra Rivers. The spike-accented leather bags will add a fierce element to every outfit, even if she’s just headed to the office.

Kaleidos

The new Virginia-based retailer works as a curator of vintage apparel and products from independent designers and makers. From vintage leather jackets to organic sea salt face scrubs, Kaleidos is a perfect place to shop for your loved ones who’d prefer a one-of-a-kind present over a mass-produced cable knit sweater.

Urban Stems

Running really behind on gifts this year? Send your loved one some fresh flowers from Urban Stems–they offer free same-day delivery, so you can send the perfect floral centerpiece for that dinner party you almost forgot about.

Sydney Hale Co.

Based in Purcellville, this small-batch, soy candle company is a perfect option for hostess gifts or friends who you care enough about to care what their house smells like. Plus, ten percent of your purchase will go towards rescuing dogs.

Appointed

Your designer friend or office slave who wants a bit more pretty on their desk will love these locally-made notebooks and office accessories. Set them up with a monogrammed spiral bound and a 2016 desk calendar to add some cheer to their work life.

Meg Biram

To some, she’s a fashion blogger. To others, she’s an artist. But in this instance, DC native Meg Biram is the purveyor of the best organizational paper goods on the block. Biram’s GSD notebook and calendar sets are perfect for the goal-oriented folks in your life (so, like, everyone who lives in DC).

DeNada Designs

Two words: Alpaca. Knits. Incredibly soft and snug, this collection of scarves, hats, wraps, and hand warmers are made by Virginia Blanca Arrisueño, a DC resident who earned her BFA studying fiber art at the University of Maryland.

Framebridge

True, she may have all her photos saved on her 128GB phone, but if her walls are looking a little bare, you can help her out there by turning her Instagram snaps into custom-framed wall art through this Georgetown-based framing shop.

Associate Editor

Caroline Cunningham joined Washingtonian in 2014 after moving to the DC area from Cincinnati, where she interned and freelanced for Cincinnati Magazine and worked in content marketing. She currently resides in College Park.