Gifts are meant to be personal and meaningful, but sometimes, perfecting the act of gift giving can be hard. There’s a simple solution: handmade gifts. Craftsmen at numerous gift shops in the Washington, D.C. area put their skills to work so that residents and visitors have a selection of thoughtful gifts from the nation’s capital, suitable for every occasion. Show someone how much they truly mean to you with a one-of-a-kind present made with care. A handmade gift is always appreciated and one to remember, and don’t forget that handmade cards are always the best.

A Show of Hands
2301 Mt Vernon Avex
Alexandria, VA 22301
(703) 683-2905
www.ashowofhands.biz

The helpful staff at A Show of Hands, also known as the Pyramid Atlantic Community Arts Store, can walk you through the always-expanding gallery of original art and gifts. Over 200 local artists contribute to the Alexandria venue, located in the Del Ray neighborhood. Considered a museum-like shop, gifts range in price. You can find affordable hostess gifts, dainty baby presents, hats or fabulous paintings. A Show of Hands also participates in many community events and helps Alexandria celebrate holidays in style. 

ArtSpring
7014B Westmoreland Ave
Takoma Park, MD 20912
(301) 495-3425
www.artspringsilverspring.com

ArtSpring is a community art store created to support and draw attention to talented local artisans. Gifts vary in purpose and type and include handcrafted pottery, clothing, jewelry, paper goods and knit wear, to name a few. Local artists create 80% of the store’s inventory, and aspiring artists can even attend networking events and workshops on things like photography, painting and color theory.

Related: Best Places To Buy Her A Gift In The DC Area

Covet
5140 Wilson Blvd, Suite B
Arlington, VA 22205
(703) 247-9797
www.covetarlington.com

Covet is a tiny shop with an abundance of character. The owners put a lot of consideration into what goods they sell, making the gift-buying process that much easier. In the words of Covet, the shop is full of “the cutest, coolest and most thoughtful stuff you’ll find in Arlington.” Think homemade candles and vegan leather handbags, products that exhibit both charm and quirkiness. Shoppers can also attend special events at the store like cocktail parties, artist showcases and craft workshops. Connect with Covet on Facebook to see new shipments and updated merchandise photos, or follow them on Twitter at @covetarlington.

Labyrinth Games & Puzzles
645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 544-1059
www.labyrinthgameshop.com

You won’t find a game shop in the D.C. area that compares to Labyrinth. They carry many products by local artisans, including handmade wooden games and puzzles. Bring your friends to the Capitol Hill store for a hands-on visit and try out the games. Labyrinth is very much involved in the community and donates an educational game to a different school every month. You can get involved and vote for a school on the Labyrinth Facebook page. Also be sure to visit the Labyrinth website to sign up for the newsletter and view the events calendar. 

Proper Topper
1350 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 842-3055
www.propertopper.com

This Dupont Circle boutique is a noteworthy gift shop with rave reviews. Shoppers can browse everything from handmade jewelry to all natural body soaps made in Vermont. Proper Topper is a huge supporter of fair trade organizations, which is why many of their items are created by non-profit organizations that give back.  Find adorable baby gifts for new moms, “thank you” gifts like candles, teapots and picture frames, and cute satchels for the traveler in your life. The staff frequently updates the shop’s blog, where visitors can comment and interact with other Proper Topper fans.

Related: Best Place To Buy Him A Gift In The DC Area

Kelly Johnston is a freelance writer living in D.C. She is a soon-to-be University of Alabama graduate who hopes to have a successful career in fashion journalism. Her major is Apparel and Textiles with a Concentration in Fashion Retail and Merchandising and her minor is Journalism. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.