Your Local Holiday Gift Guide 2025

This holiday season, shop for gifts Washingtonians actually want (no, we don’t want another Washington Monument ornament, thank you so much). All these gifts are locally made or designed and will please even the pickiest gift getters!

Metro Sleighs Holiday Sweater

Bound to be spotted at D.C. holiday parties everywhere this year, Metro outdid themselves with this stunningly ugly holiday sweater. The “Metro Sleighs” written on it is just the cherry on top. Perfect for your punny uncle, secret santa, or Metro crush. (Price: $50)

‘To Die For’ Cookbook

This newly published bestseller is a collection of recipes preserved on gravestones. Author Rosie Grant began the project during her internship at the Congressional Cemetery and several of the recipes come from there. (Price: $21)

Other’s Coffee Roasters Choice Subscription

The best (and cheapest) local coffee roaster subscription out there in my opinion. Gift your coffee snob friend a few months of locally roasted coffee from this great community cafe. Maybe add in one of their adorable mugs as well. (Price $14/month)

Capitol Hill Books Grab Bag

Get a personalized book grab bag curated by Capitol Hill Books. Tell them the recipient's favorite genres and a budget, and they will handpick and ship a pile of books from their stacks. (Price Varies)

The Dumbphone by Offline Community

The perfect present for your “chronically online” friend (me). This classic flip phone comes from D.C. start-up Offline Community comes connected to your phone number and has unlimited calling and texting and a satisfyingly-grainy camera. They also host weekly tech-free IRL meetups and challenges to unplug and recharge. (Price: $25/month)

Centrolina Pasta Kit

Chef Amy Brandwein’s gourmet pasta kit includes six hand-rolled pastas like gnocchi and pistachio fettuccine, alongside decadent sauces and a full 8 oz of parm. All you have to do is boil the pasta. Voila, dinner is served. ($175)

A ‘Hard To Kill’ Plant from ReWild

Giving a plant sometimes feels like hoisting a chore onto the recipient. But these hardy guys can go for weeks without water so you can give them guilt-free. Because honestly, if they can kill a cactus, that’s on them. (Price $6 - $30)

Secondhand Giving

The DMV is host to a ton of great thrift spots where you can find hidden gems for gifting like unique kitchen, glassware, and books. Or get crafty and embroider something personal on some napkins or tablecloth.

Pottery Workshop At Kuzeh Pottery

This tiny Persian-inspired pottery studio in Brookland hosts one-day workshops year round like this adorable Tic-Tac-Toe workshop. Or just pick up one of their stunning mugs or decorative pomegranates. (Price varies)