Holiday Gift Guide Header

Guide to Alexandria Holiday Shopping

Looking for the perfect gift for your partner, friend or family member? Shop in person and online this holiday season in Alexandria, VA, the Shop Small headquarters of the D.C. region and one of the Most Magical Christmas Towns Across the World according to Oprah Magazine. Be inspired by the holiday offerings at nearly 50 of Alexandria’s independent boutiques including curbside pick-up, shipping, private appointments and more. Find more ideas with our roundups of online stores, Black-owned businesses and more.

Enter the Alexandria Santa-gram Giveaway each week through Dec. 20 with your receipts from retailers in this guide and you could win one of 5 weekly personalized video greetings from Santa.

Scroll through the guide below or browse boutiques by category:

For Foodies...

Treat the home chef in your life to upgraded kitchen tools, a one-of-a-kind bar ware set or a night out at one of Alexandria’s independent and iconic restaurants. Bon appétit!

For Art Admirers...

From the world-renowned Torpedo Factory Art Center, home to 82 working artists' studios, to private art galleries, Alexandria is the perfect place to shop for the art lover in your life. Discover local artists

For Kids...

Searching for gift ideas for the kid—or kid-at-heart—in your life? From puzzles and games the whole family will enjoy to DIY chemistry and art kits that will keep kids occupied for hours, find it here.

Shop Online for the Holidays with These Alexandria Boutiques

For Book Lovers...

Independent bookstores are having a moment, and we’ve got two small and mighty ones with cult-like followings in Old Town. Get the literary lover in your life a new novel to curl up with this holiday season. Find a page-turner

For Beauty Connoisseurs...

Pamper your partner with a rejuvenating face mask, clean makeup upgrade or luxurious gift set from these boutiques. Glam and glowing

For the Fashion Forward...

Browse boutiques for ideas of where to buy designer dresses, sustainably-sourced scarves and curated selections of clothing, accessories, shoes and more. Start shopping

Black-Owned Alexandria Businesses to Buy from This Holiday Season

For Jewelry Lovers...

Show your love this holiday season with something that sparkles. Find custom hand-crafted rings, necklaces, earrings and more at these boutiques. Brilliant and beautiful

For Pets...

Shopping for a four-legged family member or the pet-lover in your life? Alexandria is home to several dog and cat boutiques where you can stock up on toys, treats and pet-themed holiday gifts. For Fido

20 Places to Shop for Made in Alexandria Holiday Gifts

For Home and Design Lovers...

From cozy throws to mood-setting candles, Alexandria’s independent home and design stores offer perfect gifts for the homebody. Discover decor

Household Holiday Party Planning Tips

Make your household holiday party memorable with these tips from Alexandria experts:

The importance of ambiance:

“Ambiance is everything. Lights should be dimmed, and add some candles too.” –Jessica Shea, founder, J Shea

Creating a beautiful tablescape:

“Pick a main color and supporting color and go from there. Go high and low—taper candles plus tall floral centerpieces and bud vases.” –Leah Donahue, co-owner, Boxwood

Choosing the perfect playlist:

“The more you know your audience, the better. A combo of joyous and contemplative is never a bad thing.” –Michael Jaworek, booking and marketing director, The Birchmere

Find everything you need for holiday hosting at Alexandria’s home and design boutiques

Christmas Tree Circle

For Makers...

Shopping for someone crafty? Alexandria is a maker’s dream destination with boutiques devoted to sewing, knitting and more. Buy a DIY to-go kit. Find a new pattern. Grab a cross-stitching stocking stuffer. Give creativity

6 Fair Trade and Sustainable Spots to Shop in Alexandria

For Vintage & Antique Aficionados...

For the friend who always finds the antique store when traveling, loves one-of-a-kind finds and is obsessed with Mad Men. Shop Alexandria’s dozens of boutiques devoted to items that have aged to perfection.

Monte’s Must-Have’s

Alexandria resident and fashion director on TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta shares his holiday favorites.

My 3 favorite Alexandria boutiques:

The Dog Park, ALX & Co., & Old Town Shoe and Luggage

Great gifts that can’t be tied up with a bow:

The gift of adventure, excitement, celebration, friendship and family gatherings

My favorite thing about Old Town during the holidays:

Wandering the historic streets, looking in shop windows and enjoying the festive decor on doors, windows, lampposts, trees and boats. It’s all about the magic and charm of Old Town.

Salon Monte Circle

For Those Who Love National Brands...

Sprinkled into our independent shopping scene in Old Town are national brands you love like Anthropologie, Lululemon, Patagonia, West Elm and Warby Parker. Find favorites

Discover More Gifts

Need more holiday shopping inspiration? Check out Old Town Boutique District’s Love Local Old Town Guide.

Holidays in Alexandria

Located on the waterfront just minutes from Washington, D.C. and recognized by Oprah Magazine as one of the Most Magical Christmas Towns Across the World in 2020, discover Alexandria’s nostalgic holiday wonder.

Health & Safety

Don’t forget to don your mask if shopping in person. Learn what Alexandria businesses are doing to keep shoppers safe. Prefer to shop from home? Browse our guide to shopping local and online.

Parking in Old Town

Need tips on where to park in Old Town? From street parking to information on lots and garages, many which are just $5 on evenings and weekends, learn more.

#VisitALX

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Guide to Alexandria Holiday Shopping

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