Don't Give More of the Same This Year

By Broadside Staff Writer Ijeoma Nwatu

Even amidst economic troubles, it is still the season of giving. The only problem is what to give; better yet, where to get a unique gift to impress a friend, significant other or family member. Although a gift card could provide solutions to these answers, there are interesting places to shop in the D.C. metro region. And, if you want to try a different approach, you can design a special outing or activity as a “gift” for someone like ice skating at the Sculpture Gardens in D.C or Build-A-Bear at the mall. Whatever you decide, keeping costs low is the way to go.

ETSY
http://www.Etsy.com

If you are the type that does not get excited about Black Friday or outrageous holiday sales, then online shopping is a good option to try. Etsy.com is an online site where you can “buy and sell all things handmade.” A handmade pot, vintage clothing, and marble magnets are few items you can buy for less than $20. You can request customized items like soap and buttons too. This online store is a cool place to personalize a special gift for anyone.

Paper Source
http://www.paper-source.com/

Locations: Alexandria, Reston, and Washington, D.C.
Their motto, “Do Something Creative Every Day” is best exemplified by the carts, walls, and tables full of cards, notebooks, calendars and so much more for the creative folk. As you walk across the gleaming wooden floors, you have to admit to yourself—there is a way to be creative each day. The bright colors and intricate patterns of their printed paper, card stock, and stamps are a dream. Friends who love to handwrite letters, or notes, would appreciate a gift or a basket full of “decorate-your-own” envelopes, crafting kits, or decorative gift wrap paper. Paper Source is a great place to spruce up your gifts while finding unique designs and specialty stationary.

Ten Thousand Villages
http://www.villagesofalexandria.com/
Location: Old Town Alexandria

No need for a passport to find handmade traditional bracelets, drums or accessories. Ten Thousand Villages is an international store that also supports Fair Trade. The variety of choices in gifts that they offer is extensive and impressive. Crafts come from artisans hailing from countries like Ghana, Indonesia, and Laos will give you the chance to give someone a unique gift, while helping others.

The Wine House
http://winehouseonline.com/
Location: Downtown Fairfax

Feeling a little sophisticated? The Wine House in newly developed Old Town Village Fairfax is a moderately priced place to purchase wine for friends or family members. The Wine House also has wine tastings three days a week. To go the whole nine yards (if you have the money), you can dine and wine because The Wine House offers lunch and dinner, California-French style with American ingredients. Wine is such a classy gift you can’t go wrong.

Dollar City
Location: Fair City Mall, Potomac Mills Mall

When you have run out of time, money or both, then a dollar store is your savior. The Dollar City has a selection of holiday decorations, candy, kids games and a bunch of other random items. They also carry a selection of balloons and gift bags. Most importantly, all of the items are budget friendly.

Five Below
Location: Fair City Mall

First there were dollar stores, and then there was Five Below. The store is an amusing and colorful place to get wacky gifts, sporting equipment, lip gloss, humorous shot glasses, and silly magnets, among other things. As the name suggests, all of the items in the store are $5 or less. If you have friends who can appreciate sarcasm or dirty humor, Five Below has a lot of tongue-in-cheek gifts. The store has practical items too like bags and room decorations. Five Below is a fun place to shop yourself and everyone else on your list.