Ten Reasons to Shop Local

IF YOU HAVEN’T yet unearthed that perfect thingamajig for your niece who just moved to D.C., your food-loving son-in-law in Connecticut, your jewelry-obsessed bestie in Boston or anyone else still on your list, let MyLittleBird guide you.

You undoubtedly remember our Shop Opp in November, when we brought together 30 local retailers for a one-day holiday shopping extravaganza? Well, from these home-grown merchants, we’ve selected 10 practical and whimsical ideas to help you complete your list and get on to celebrating the season.

–Janet Kelly

For cold-weather enthusiasts. The lucky recipient of a pair of Skhoop socks ($32) can make a statement while trekking, skiing or just putting up their feet by the fire. Available at Core72 (core72dc.com), 5502 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-686-4258 and 3316 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-244-1100.

Find the breed of your favorite dog owner on one of these pillows made by a local D.C. artist. Irresistible. $50 at Cheeky Puppy, 1709 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202 621-8868 and cheeky puppy.com.

Top off a bottle of Limoncello or olive oil or wine with a little bit of Italian style. This cheery ceramic bottle stopper ($18) is from the Via Umbria store at 1525 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 202-333-3904 and viaumbria.com.

Who knew storage containers could look this good? Scout Bags! This Palm Beach Pink stackable bin ($59.50) with a lid folds flat when not in use. Perfect for a first apartment. See scoutbags.com for area locations.

A black and white marble cheese board. We haven’t seen any cooler. $88, mintwoodhome.com.

Estiletta carries lesser-known Spanish and Italian designer clothing and accessories, including this on-trend Victorian guipure lace necklace by Colette Barcelona. $65, www.estiletta.com.

Stress relief perhaps? Coloring books for adults are flying off the shelves. “Just Add Color: Mid-Century Modern Patterns” ($12.99) makes an unexpected fun gift. A set of four coasters with individual fabric designs on cork board for fans of artist Louise Bourgeois ($25). Both at National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave NW, 202-783-1994 and shop.nmwa.org.