Gift Guide – For that Special Someone | Union Market District
  • Gift Guide – For that Special Someone

NOVA BOSSA

La Cosecha, 1280 4th St NE 

NOVA BOSSA is a lifestyle brand where artisanal techniques meet cutting-edge design. Founder Carolina Furukrona partners with 40+ slow fashion, beauty and home décor brands from the Americas, featuring a new style that is modern, authentic and rooted in the desire to preserve traditions, champion better lives and respect the environment. Shop small and make a difference this holiday with NOVA BOSSA’s mixed media handbags, silk scarves, sunglasses, jewelry and home décor for the stylish and conscious fashionista.


Grand Cata

La Cosecha, 1280 4th St NE 

Grand Cata knows that cold weather means cozy wines. Impress even the biggest oenophile with a subscription to Grand Cata’s Wine Club (Subscriptions from $40 per month). Each month, Wine Club members are introduced to two wines from a selection of Latin American countries. In addition to vino, memberships include exclusive tastings at monthly release parties and exclusive perks and discounts.


SHELTER

SHELTER, 1258 5th St NE

SHELTER, the eponymous jewelry shop and studio by designer Mallory Shelter is home to nearly 100 independent designers from around the country—there’s always something new and sparkly to covet. Pick up a no-brainer gift for the aspiring minimalist in your life or send a *hint, hint* to your significant other. Unlock cool-girl vibes with a whisper-weight Diamond Drop Necklace ($465) and matching studs ($295).


Cotton & Reed

Cotton & Reed, 1330 5th St NE

Come and get that rum! Make the holidays a little easier with Cotton & Reed’s most seasonably appropriate bottle, Allspice Dram ($35). A half ounce at a time, Allspice Dram will enrich a wide variety of cocktails with a bit of sugar, a whole lot of spice and nearly everything nice. Like a fruit cake, just way better.


The Village DC

The Village DC, 1272 5th St NE 

The Village DC began as a community café but has grown into a community hub and event space with workshops, art shows and panel discussions. The Village is an all-day café with a rotating menu of standout breakfast and lunch favorites, like the waffle sandwich with a fried egg, cheddar, maple syrup and berry preserves. Plus, they’ve got some of the best coffee around. Gift a bag of locally roasted beans ($15) and a logo mug ($20) to support a Black-owned business at the same time.


The District Fishwife

Union Market, 1309 5th st NE

The District Fishwife is DC’s premier destination for seasonally available regional and sustainable seafood and quick-serve dishes like fish and chips, poké bowl, salmon burgers and changing seasonal specials. Channel your inner Martha Stewart and add Fishwife’s spicy Sambal ($9) and house-made fish seasoning with lemon, garlic and dill ($4) to your holiday dishes. Treat your four-legged best friend to a gourmet (and healthy) treat: dried Atlantic salmon fish skins ($6).


Salt & Sundry

Union Market, 1309 5th St NE

Salt & Sundry has been our go-to gift destination for 10 years, with delicate glassware, earthy ceramics, seasonal candles, jewelry, children’s toys, textiles and paper goods from over 200 independent makers and designers. Box up a set of 202 etched rocks glasses ($22) for your first-time homebuyer friend, gift your coven mates an aura affirmation card deck ($40) and level up your bar cart game (and ward off evil spirits) with standout evil eye cocktail picks ($24).


Three Littles

Union Market, 1309 5th st NE 

Scoot & Ride HighwayKick ($130) is a 2-in-1 kickboard for the littlest riders. When your tot is ready, the seat easily folds into the handlebar converting the scooter into a stand-up kickboard. The best part? No tools are needed!


KREWE

Union Market, 1309 5th St NE

KREWE’s bold statement frames are just begging to get outside. The design-oriented company believes eyewear from New Orleans is more than form and function, it’s a lifestyle. Visit KREWE’s tiny house on Neal Place in front of The Market or shop online for unexpected and flattering frames with a healthy dose of character. Pictured: BEAU NYLON in black ($445), MARGOT in caffe dolce ($255) and SADIE in poppy + petal ($315).


Politics & Prose

Politics and Prose, 1270 5th St NE
A multi-talented kitchen staple, the wok can stir-fry, deep fry, steam, simmer or braise. In The Wok: Recipes and Techniques, ($50) learn not just how to use this amazing device but get detailed, scientific and clear explanations, plus more facts and advice on preparation, ingredients and organization. More than 200 recipes from the US, China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam and Thailand are brought to life with gorgeous photography.


ArtTepuy

Each piece from ArtTepuy has a story. Founder Tamara Barnabei sells handmade jewelry, home décor, art prints and accessories supporting and empowering artisans in Latin America. This year, gift everyone on your list something unique and meaningful: Yekuana baskets made by women deep in the Amazon of Venezuela, clutch bags supporting the traditions of the ancient Wayuu community in Colombia, a tortilla warmer made in Jalisco, Mexico, and traditional hand-carved nativity scenes from Venezuelan artisans.
Handcrafted Parota Solid Wood Tortilla Holder Made in Jalisco, Mexico: $110-$140
Blue Fibra Cesta Tote bag: $64-$110
Yellow Fibra Backpack: $148
La Cosecha, 1280 4th St NE


Arcay Chocolates

La Cosecha, 1280 4th St NE 

Arcay Chocolates are created by Anabella Arcay, an award-winning Venezuelan Master Chocolatier. Arcay is internationally recognized for her mouth-watering (and beautiful!) chocolate bars, bon bons and chocolate-covered nuts. Indulge your palate with a custom box of truffles (box of 25, $65) filled with unique flavors like Blackberry Cardamom, Lemon Basil, Tamarind and Lavender. Arcay’s chocolates are crafted from selected single-origin cocoa and the finest ingredients, without preservatives.


Elcielo

La Cosecha, 1280 4th St NE

Take a magical trip through Colombia with Michelin-starred, Elcielo and Chef Juanma Barrientos. Elcielo believes in creating experiences for the senses through dishes and rituals. By combining ancestral and avant-garde cooking techniques, Colombian fruits and vegetables and local ingredients, Elcielo tells a story in a stunning 23-course tasting menu. Feeling extra fancy? Add caviar service ($120) to your Elcielo experience. Choose from five styles of Colombian arepas (corn, yuca, rice or quinoa) to top with the finest caviar.


RON DAVID

RON DAVID, 1262 5th St NE 

RON DAVID‘s eponymous fashion brand leans into fun and unique ready-to-wear pieces for men and women, including his signature leather croc-embossed handbags, small leather goods and uber-popular eyewear collections. Get ready for holiday party season and embrace the mini bag trend with a sparkler in yellow gold, silver and rose gold.


Quavaro

La Cosecha, 1280 4th St NE 

Founded by a husband-and-wife team who dreamed of working together in a creative capacity, Quavaro is a DC-based leather brand producing stylish, high-quality goods. Grab that special someone an ethically made laptop bag ($195) or backpack ($235) from one of the leather capitals of the world: Leon, Mexico.


SOMEWHERE

SOMEWHERE, 1285 4th St NE

Get your kicks at SOMEWHERE, a brand born in DC and built for the world. Shop for most-wanted footwear from Nike, New Balance, Crocs, Vans, Adidas and Clarks. Rep the 202 with SOMEWHERE’s in-store private label brand of apparel, accessories and soft goods.

SOMEWHERE mug: $15
S’Well water bottle: $48
SOMEWHERE season tee: $46
SOMEWHERE logo tee: $46


Warby Parker

Warby Parker, 1285 4th St NE

However you celebrate, Warby Parker has merriment-inspiring frames, gift cards, and accessories to make your season a success—and all winter long, every pair of glasses or sunglasses comes in eye-popping, ready-to-unwrap packaging designed by artist Amrita Moreno. Purchase any two or more prescription pairs, and receive 15% off, like magic. (Restrictions apply.)