9 Best Places to Shop in Washington, D.C., USA
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Despite the fact that going to "the Mall" in D.C. doesn’t mean you’re going shopping, Washington offers fabulous stores that sell serious or silly souvenirs, designer fashions, recycled and green goods, books about almost everything, and handicrafts. Even if you are headed to the mall, our nation’s Mall, that is, you’ll discover that plenty of collections housed along the famous greensward, such as the Smithsonian museums and the National Gallery of Art, sell interesting keepsakes in their gift shops.
Beyond the Mall, smaller one-of-a-kind shops, designer boutiques, and interesting specialty collections add to Washington’s shopping scene alongside stores that have been part of the landscape for generations. Weekdays, Downtown street vendors add to the mix by offering funky jewelry; brightly patterned ties; buyer-beware watches; sunglasses; and African-inspired clothing, accessories, and art. Discriminating shoppers will find satisfaction at upscale malls on the city's outskirts. Not surprisingly, T-shirts and Capitol City souvenirs are in plentiful supply.
Shop Made in DC
Museum Store in the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
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National Air and Space Museum Store
One of the world's most visited museums has a newly renovated gift shop. You can find plenty of toys and games, plenty of souvenirs, including T-shirts and totes, and an extensive selection of Star Wars and Star Trek licensed products for sci-fi fans. The store showcases a wide assortment of kites and books; you can also find flight suits for both the young and young at heart. Space pens that work upside down and freeze-dried "astronaut" ice cream are best sellers.
Periwinkle Gifts
A panoply of gift options are available in these warm and welcoming surroundings: boutique chocolates, cases of nutty and gummy treats, handmade jewelry, Stonewall Kitchen snacks, hand-designed wrapping paper, scented bath products, and printed note cards.
Radici Market
The name means "roots" in Italian, and this little shop has quickly settled its roots into the Capitol Hill neighborhood. The charming owners have created a warm and inviting gathering spot and store with its brick walls, Venetian glass light fixtures, terra-cotta tiles, beautiful food, and handmade Italian gift displays and tables both inside and out. This is a lovely spot for an afternoon pick-me-up of espresso and cannoli or an end-of-day glass of wine and cicchetti Veneziani (small bites). You'll also find everything you need for an Italian-themed picnic. Wine tastings are held on Thursday evening.
Store of the National Museum of African American History and Culture
After traversing the many floors of the museum, shop here for a mug, a T-shirt, or a model of the museum building to commemorate your trip. Some of the merchandise is traditional and/or handmade, including sweetgrass baskets, jewelry, scarves, and even food items. You can also find the award-winning Sweet Home Café Cookbook featuring recipes of the Sweet Home Café at the shop.
White House Historical Association Retail Shops
The White House Historical Association operates two shops: The flagship store is in the White House Visitor Center, adjacent to the White House at 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, and the smaller History Shop is in the historic Decatur House on Lafayette Square at 1610 H Street NW. Both shops sell the association's historic and official merchandise, all of it carefully crafted. Highlights include official White House Christmas ornaments (from 1981 to present day), jewelry inspired by First Ladies, ties with architectural motifs, and beautifully made porcelain.
Zawadi
The name means "gifts" in Swahili, but you may want to buy the beautiful African art, textiles, home accessories, and jewelry for yourself.