Finding the perfect gift isn’t easy, but we can help. We scoured the D.C. area to find the best gifts for kids of all ages – and their parents. From the perfect book for any interest to the best experiences in the area, here are the top gifts this holiday season.
For bookworms of all ages
Politics & Prose has book-of-the-month subscriptions for all ages, from toddlers to teens and beyond. Choose to have a book sent monthly, every other month or every three months. Share the lucky bookworm’s reading preferences, interests and favorite books, and the expert staff at Politics & Prose will select the perfect text for each child or grown-up.
Magnatiles that grow with your child
In many households, Magnatiles is the toy that gets played with the most. Even better, they last for years on end. Little ones can use them to build simple structures, then create towers, houses, parking garages and more as they grow. Start with a basic set of colorful tiles, or choose one that includes safari animals, arctic animals, vehicles or more. Child’s Play Toys and Books carries a large variety of Magnatiles.
Self-care for teens
Dazzle Dry nail polish is legendary for its huge range of pretty colors, long-lasting formula and quick-dry system. A set of Dazzle Dry is the perfect gift for the Washington, D.C. area’s busy teens who want to look their best. Or, you can treat them to a mani-pedi at a Dazzle Dry-affiliated salon, Varnish Lane, in Friendship Heights.
Video games to rule them all
Take your tween or teen to a D.C.-area Dave & Buster’s and challenge them to play vintage video games. Wrap a Dave & Buster’s gift card, and then schedule a time for a family showdown. As a bonus, there won’t be any clutter left behind or endless to begging for more video game time once you return home.
D.C.-themed clothing to show your Capital City pride
D.C. apparel company Bailiwick Clothing makes fashion-forward onesies, T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and more. Get D.C.-designed and themed apparel for the little and big ones on your list through Shop Made in DC.
For the builder and creator
One of the best toy stores and gift shops in the D.C. area is nestled in the National Building Museum. It’s a great place to pick up gifts for builders of all ages, including LEGO sets, toy excavators and children’s books like “Iggy Peck, Architect.”
Cheer on your favorite team – together
Start fandom early and put tickets to see your favorite local team at the top of your holiday gift list. Buy a family pack of tickets to the Nationals, the Capitals, DC United or the Commanders. Or, treat the family to season tickets for a gift that keeps giving all year long.
Learn and play all year long
Living in the D.C. area means easy access to a range of family-friendly museums. For kids who already have everything, try a membership to the National Children’s Museum, Port Discovery Children’s Museum in Baltimore, or the National Building Museum. That way, your family will always have somewhere to go on a rainy day all year long.
A holiday experience like no other
ICE! at Gaylord National Harbor is a cherished family tradition for many DMV families. Tickets to see scenes from the Polar Express carved out of ice, race down ice slides, make gingerbread houses and enjoy the Christmas Village make the best gift of all. Or, extend the joy and spend the night. ICE! runs through Jan. 4, so there is plenty of time to visit the interactive exhibit before or after the holidays.
Jellycat brings joy
Jellycat stuffies are a viral hit for good reason. They are the cutest and softest stuffed animals around. From personalized baby gifts to ski-bunny bears and mini stuffed fondue pots, there is a Jellycat for everyone, every age and every interest. Child’s Play Toys and Gifts carries Jellycat stuffies and plenty of other options as well.
A toddler-sized sofa that provides endless playtime
Tired of your kids jumping on your furniture? Nugget sofas are legendary for giving kids their own place to sit and play. If you aren’t already familiar with Nugget sofas, they can transform from a place to lounge into forts, obstacle courses and so much more. Add Nugget’s new ottoman, Chunk, for even more play options. Purchase one through Nugget’s small-business D.C. area partner, Three Littles.
A perfect purse
Lo & Sons is legendary among DMV parents for its professional-looking but ultra-functional purses, backpacks, laptop bags and more. The Ayoma purse is the perfect purse with a convertible strap that makes the purse useful as a crossbody, shoulder bag or handbag.
