The holidays are right around the corner, and whether you are someone who leaves your shopping to the last minute or you get it done early, you can find that special gift for almost anyone on your list in Alexandria, Virginia. Alexandria was named one of the best indie boutique scenes on the East Coast by Where Magazine, and it offers a wide variety of stores from small boutiques to large national chains. Here are our favorite downtown Alexandria shops for holiday gifts.
The Christmas Attic
The Christmas Attic is a 35-year old shop owned by a local Alexandria family. It is not only a great place to shop for Christmas gifts but also a must-see stop for any trip to Alexandria any time of year. The shop has two floors of items for every holiday and many unique, hard-to-find gifts. Stop into The Christmas Attic to find handblown glass, holiday village houses and collectibles, and a wide variety of ornaments.
The Hour
The Hour has a large collection of cocktail glassware with both vintage and new items available. The Old Town Alexandria location has two floors filled with everything you need to serve cocktails in style. This is one of the only stores in the U.S. to offer this type of collection, and it includes vintage shakers, trays, and pitchers. Owner Victoria Vergason is also launching her own vintage-inspired line with some of the products available right at the store as well as online.
Hooray for Books
Books make great gifts, and you can find one for everyone on your list at Hooray for Books, This local bookstore is the only independent bookstore in Alexandria. It offers a large selection of new books for children, adults, and young adults as well as toys for the kids, puzzles, cards, and fun gift items.
Red Barn Mercantile
Red Barn Mercantile is located on King Street. The owner of this store offers both antique and new furniture, home décor, kitchenware, and gifts. Red Barn Mercantile carries items for every room in the house, and you are sure to find something for everyone on your Christmas list in one easy stop at this store. Shop for unique bath soaps, candles, dish towels, and woven cotton tote bags. You can even find unusual gifts here, such as a lobster bottle opener or Little’s Q BBQ Sauces.
The Dog Park
You can shop in downtown Alexandria for gifts for your own four-legged friend or for someone who has a dog. This small dog and cat boutique specializes in fun gift items such as mugs, picture frames, and magnets. Stop by to see if you can find something with your breed on it to take home, or buy a gift for your pet sitter or dog walker.
Shopping in downtown Alexandria is always fun during the holidays. There are many local shops offering items you don’t often find in larger stores, and the area is always beautifully decorated for the season.
Image via Flickr by Dougtone/Under use by CC BY-SA 2.0
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