Appalachian Spring
1415 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007 202-337-5780

Description: GEORGETOWN. Country crafts and all-American items are abundant at this traditional store. Handmade quilts, blown glass, carved wood, stuffed dolls, pottery, jewelry and hand-dipped candles are a few of the finds on display here. Colorful decorator pieces and great crafts for people who are proud to buy things made in the USA. METRO: Foggy Bottom
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Beadazzled
1507 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036 202-265-2323

Description: DUPONT CIRCLE. This store offers an amazing collection of beads from around the world. If you string beads, this is the place to find your supplies. After a quick visit, you will appreciate what masters of the craft can do with colorful beads and a little creativity. Or learn for yourself; classes are offered frequently. In addition to supplies, ready-made jewelry and ethnic art accented with vivid gemstones make this shop a visual feast. METRO: Dupont Circle
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Best Cellars
1643 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009 202-387-3146

Description: DUPONT CIRCLE. More than your typical wine store, this expansive shop features a great selection in an environment that isn't the least bit intimidating. Lifelong oenophiles will love this store, as will those who barely know the difference between a merlot and a chardonnay. Hundreds of wines in custom-made steel display cases line the walls, organized according to taste instead of region of origin. Have a knowledgeable staffer help you make the perfect choice from the eclectic selection. And the best part ­ all of the inventory is surprisingly affordable.
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Betsy Fisher
1224 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036 202-785-1975

Description: DUPONT CIRCLE. This spacious, airy boutique holds some of the prettiest and most unique fashions in the DC area. In a beautifully designed room, you'll find all of the hottest designers such as Cynthia Steffe, Diane Von Furstenberg, Hugo Boss and Donna Degnan. Stylish shoes and contemporary accessories are available as well. Look to Fisher's own line for feminine, modern looks that no one else will have back home. METRO: Dupont Circle
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Bundles of Cookies
4930 Hampden Ln, Bethesda, MD 20814-2914 301-652-8840

Description: BETHESDA. A boutique for those friends who have an insatiable sweet tooth, this shop offers cookies in all shapes and sizes, from bouquets of flowers to herds of animals. As appealing to the eye as they are tasty, the cookies are perfect gifts for bridal or baby showers, housewarmings, birthday parties, or any other special occasion. An assortment is also a terrific thank you for a job well done or a fun gift for corporate partners. Orders can be customized and shipped.
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Capitol Coin & Stamp
1001 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 745, Washington, DC 20036 202-296-0400

Description: DOWNTOWN. You can't visit Washington, DC, without taking home a piece of political memorabilia, and Capitol Coin has the best selection in the city. Whether you're a serious collector, a history buff, or simply curious about the past, this shop will entertain you with its fantastic array of bumper stickers, election pins, T-shirts and political posters that span the entire century. And there are a few items that go back even further, including items from Lincoln's presidential campaign. METRO: Farragut North
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Chenonceau Antiques
2314 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009-1815 202-667-1651

Description: ADAMS-MORGAN. The most important thing to know about this charming antique shop is that it's open only on weekends. The merchandise, including furniture and accessories from throughout the world, is of excellent quality. The shop is also known for carrying a selection of American pieces from the past two centuries. METRO: Woodley Park/Zoo
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Dean & DeLuca ­ Georgetown
3276 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007 202-342-2500

Description: GEORGETOWN. Best known as a market for new and innovative products, Dean and DeLuca has etched out quite a reputation among savvy shoppers and international visitors. Products range from sun-dried tomatoes to cook and kitchenware fit for a gourmet chef. The selection of cheeses is nothing short of spectacular. You will also find some of the finest chocolates available. METRO: Foggy Bottom
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Fahrney's Pens
1317 F St NW, Washington, DC 20005-2001 202-628-9525

Description: DOWNTOWN. Though pens are steadily being replaced by keyboards and personal digital assistants, there will always be a place for a well-made pen that's a pleasure to look at and write with. Pens are a welcome reminder of a time when people actually sent hand-written notes. This store, across from the National Press Building, offers all of the best-known brands, including Cross, Waterman, Montblanc and Parker. There are also elegant gift ideas, such as day-planners, accessories and notebooks. METRO: McPherson Square
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Miss Pixie's
1626 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 202-232-8171

Description: ADAMS-MORGAN. This shop with the cute moniker carries a plethora of goods, most of them antiques. Furniture, accessories, vintage textiles, artwork, pottery, lamps, seasonal garden furniture, and household and serving pieces cover two floors that shoppers can browse through. Prices aren't outrageous, and you're likely to find a bargain or two. For the best deals, head over on Thursdays. New merchandise comes in that day, and you can sort through the latest treasures before others have a go at it. METRO: Woodley Park-Zoo
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Sansar
4805 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814-5201 301-652-8676

Description: BETHESDA. The name is Sanskrit for "material world," and the objects displayed make the most of their respective substances. Objects are formed from wood, ceramic, and glass and fuse impeccable workmanship with creative design. The focus is primarily on art of the American Craft movement, which showcases both function and style in clean lines and beautiful handiwork. Among the pieces represented are furniture, decorative objects, jewelry, lamps, boxes, and occasional tables.
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Skynear & Co.
2122 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 202-797-7160

Description: ADAMS-MORGAN. This store focuses on decorative items from around the world, and unique pieces you can't find anywhere else. The owners travel extensively for inspiration and acquisitions, and they have gathered three floors of finds. Some stylish, modern items are available as well, such as plush armchairs and sleek couches. METRO: Woodley Park/Zoo
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Tiny Jewel Box
1147 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036-4302 202-393-2747

Description: DOWNTOWN. Visitors unanimously agree that Tiny is a misnomer ­ this store offers several floors of stunning souvenirs and gifts. Jewelry is a specialty, and Tiny Jewel Box has the area's most extensive selection of estate jewelry and antique pieces, such as brooches and earrings. New diamond and platinum pieces are here to peruse, and you'll also come upon other gift ideas, like sweaters, crystal candlesticks and hand-painted coffee mugs. METRO: Dupont Circle or Farragut North
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Urban Country Designs Ltd.
7801 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814 301-654-0500

Description: BETHESDA. This full-service shop believes in an environmental approach to design and offers options for wall, window, and floor treatments along with the furniture and accessories they sell. The aesthetic culls influences from a number of different time periods and cultures, so you'll find pieces that are contemporary, ethnic, and antique simultaneously. Everything is top-quality, whether it's case goods or upholstered merchandise. If you need some advice, a team of designers is on hand to help pull all the elements together.
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Wilfred-Rodgers
320 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314 301-661-1366

Description: ALEXANDRIA. In the center of Alexandria, you can't help but window shop at this interesting store. The shop takes advantage of its enviable position and its massive front window, putting on displays to entice shoppers. Once inside, you'll find items to suit discriminating tastes, including beautiful Limoge porcelain, fine crystal, Bulova clocks, globes, music boxes, flasks, and some of the finest china in the world. This is the ideal shop for a wedding gift or a special piece to accent your home.
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Woven History
311 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003 202-543-1705

Description: CAPITOL HILL. The owners of these two interconnected stores have scoured tiny villages and cities around the world to bring together a unique collection of clothing, glassware, textiles, ceramics and a huge selection of colorful, hand-loomed rugs. Made with vegetable dyes and thick spun wool, these South American accents will add an exotic touch to any home. Vases and figurines from Asia, and a broad variety of aromatherapy candles are other popular options. METRO: Eastern Market
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Written Word
1427 P St NW, Washington, DC 20005 202-223-1400

Description: DUPONT CIRCLE. This upscale stationery store specializes in fine letterpress, printing, custom-made paper, handcrafted journals, and a great selection of greeting cards. This is the perfect place to pick out invitations for a special occasion, or pick up a gift. Only the highest quality designs and products are featured. Look for beautiful photo albums and top-of-the-line writing instruments.
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