9 Best Shopping in Washington, D.C., USA

National Gallery of Art West Building Shop

The Mall Fodor's choice

This expansive shop, one of four in the National Gallery, offers a vast series of books, paper goods, apparel, fine jewelry, and knickknacks that all relate to or reflect the museum's art collection. Prices range from little over a dollar for a pencil to well over $100 for designer jewelry. Some items were created by the museum; the rest are specially curated and sourced by museum buyers. Grab a Monet umbrella on a rainy day or some Andy Warhol pop-art crayons to pair with your favorite artist-themed coloring book. Here you can find whatever you need—and many things you didn't even realize you wanted.

Shop Made in DC

Dupont Circle Fodor's choice

This Dupont Circle shop offers a rotating selection of strictly locally made goods. Find art, books, T-shirts, and even baby onesies made by area designers and artists. An on-site café sells local coffees, teas, beers, and spirits to accompany a rotating selection of fast-casual food. The gift boxes are highly prized.

Museum Store in the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

The Mall

This unique museum store offers a slew of books, including memoirs, to further your knowledge of the Holocaust and the plight of other persecuted peoples throughout history. It's also a great place to buy mezuzah scrolls, menorahs, kiddush cups, seder plates, and other Jewish heritage items, as well as secular souvenirs.

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National Air and Space Museum Store

The Mall

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

Upper Northwest

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

Eastern 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

The Mall

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

Foggy Bottom

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

U Street

The name means "gifts" in Swahili, but you may want to buy the beautiful African art, textiles, home accessories, and jewelry for yourself.

Washington, D.C.

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