Elizabeth’s Shop Local Gift Guide: Old Town, Alexandria
As you are reading this you might be trying to figure out how to get your last-minute Christmas shopping done. Well, look no further than Old Town Alexandria. This year, like most, I try to get as much of my shopping done locally as possible. If you are still trying to cross people off your list this late in the game, then you really have to buy for them in a brick-and-mortar store. I thought I would share how I checked a long list of people of all ages off my list—all in Old Town.
First off my nephew Wesley wanted a truck. No specific kind since he is four, but Monday’s Child had lots of truck options and so does Pippin Toy Co. So if you need toys for toddlers or younger kids, both store are great options.
Next up: my younger nieces. Once again, lots of options. My 9-year-old-niece, Reilley, specifically asked for dangly earrings. I of course headed to She’s Unique, and there were tons of options. Next up was her older sister, Victoria. She had a very specific request: Sol de Janeiro perfume. I couldn’t find this at an independently owned store but I was happy I could find it at Sephora.
On to my older nieces. Once again, I could have found something for my 18-year-old niece, Hallie, at She’s Unique, or my store, but her mom won’t buy her Lululemon so I decided to splurge and get her a “set,” crop top and all. I am sure my sister-in-law will be thrilled with me. My 20-year-old niece, Zoe, is a lover of Anna Beck so I picked out a new style that just hit our store. That made my shopping easy.
Then of course my daughter, Blair. She is the easiest to shop for in Old Town. She loves makeup, books, knitting, jewelry and clothes. We are headed to Vienna after Christmas and she needed a New Year’s Eve dress, and Bishop Boutique had the perfect dress by Lisa. Then she had a long list at my store so once again, shopping made easy. There was a pair of Freda shoes she’s been wanting and a new bag from Clare V.
My husband and son are difficult to shop for and the departure of Yellow Jacket didn’t make it simple. Luckily for me, Old House Provisions opened and Brad has nice sneakers and ties on his list. Done and done! I’m so excited for our new second floor neighbor to join the retail community. He is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 to 6pm, so stop in for some last-minute shopping. The store is a little too nice for my son, Coleman. I will admit a 15 year-old-boy is not the easiest to shop for in Old Town. I did have to order Bose headphones, but I could pick up some Ugg slippers at Comfort One.
The grandparents are never easy. I decided to give them framed photos of their grandkids and picked up some beautiful frames at Patina Polished Living.
Finally I have a long list of friends and hostess gifts that I needed. This is truly the easiest thing to find. There are so many great home and gift stores. I went in Boxwood, Patina, Red Barn Mercantile and Eries and found tons of great options. Of course I had to pick up a few items for myself as well!
As you can see, there is something for everyone. You really don’t have to go further than the streets of Old Town to get all of your shopping done and most stores gift wrap so it makes it even easier. The small business owners all appreciate it more than you know as well.
Happy Local Shopping!
