cool girls are last minute gift-givers
too busy living (or is it that 9-5)? no worries, your local nova small business gotchu
'Tis the season of gift guides galore—but let’s be real, the "cool girl" lists floating around are stuffed with stuff. So, instead of grabbing the latest trendy trinket, why not give something meaningful? Support a local gem, grab a thoughtful gift for your loved one, and give a little love to the business owner too.
Most, if not all, the businesses listed are ones I have personal experience with. I am not paid to promote any of these businesses!
For The Crafty One
My favorite quilt and fabric shop (#iykyk)! Not only do they have the cutest fabrics (printed in Korea or Japan), but they also offer the best classes (you don’t even need to have a machine). Instead of just giving an object, why not gift a skill?
Fibre Space (Alexandria, VA)
I took my knitting classes here and they were fabulous. Not only that, their selection of yarn could force one to learn to crochet/knit just to use the yarn! I also find the staff incredibly helpful — when I need help picking out yarn for a pattern, I can lean on the Fibre Space team for help.
For The One Who Likes to Dress Up
Kaleidos (Falls Church, VA)
Curated vintage shop and concept space with open studio time. I love Amanda Vega’s (owner) curation. Kaleidos also holds “Co-Work Club”, where you get to work in their space & meet new people! Gift a ticket to the club!
There’s not too many boutique clothings stores around in Northern VA and when they popped up on my Explore page featuring St. Agni, I was sold! The owners hand-pick the brands they carry in-store. I especially love how they also offer pre-loved luxury items!
I thought dreadful bra-fitting was standard across the industry, till I had my sister-in-law introduce me. I never could've guessed I would have a wishlist for bras. Beautiful selection and amazing customer service.
the BEST SOCKS EVER. My Docs feel like cloud 9 whenever I have a pair of Shezzas on! I wear them with my sneakers if I have a long day of walking ahead (hello sambas and shezza combo)! I continue to enjoy watching Tiffany build her brand. Can't wait to see these in a Target aisle one day.
I can wear my platform goth babies while at work because of my Shezzas! Les Jardins De Bagatelle LLC (Middleburg, VA)
A gem of a store with an abundance of imports from France. Hand-selected by the shop owner, Nora. Do NOT get the “viral” tortoiseshell headband or french pin from Amazon or TT shop. Ms. Nora has it here! (I’m sorry there’s no online store, but I have to share it!)
For the One Who Likes to Nest
Emily Rae (Online)
Taste really can’t be bought, even if you could, just buy something from Emily! She specializes in home goods and her curation is *chef’s kiss*. Vintage sourcing is really difficult, but Emily makes it easier for you.
Look at these blue & white teacups. So adorable. So cutesy. Creme de la Creme (Middleburg + Leesburg, VA)
A large selection of French/Italian inspired goods. I love home/kitchen items — especially ones that make me feel like I’m in Europe.
Their motto, “Nest, Feast, Toast”. My kind of living. An eclectic assortment of items! The shop owner and I bonded over these eucalyptus board placemats we found in two different countries (she saw them in a little shop in London, I saw them in a little shop in Italy).
Puddin’Head Eucalyptus Placemats - art pieces, can’t even fathom putting a plate on them! For the One Who Collects Physical Media
They have a YA Book Club!!! Are you kidding?! If this existed when I was younger, I’d be there! Plus many more clubs. If you can help it, refrain from buying books from Amazon. The Open Book has a great online shopping experience. Jeff Bezos is a meanie!
They have a wide variety of genres and are constantly updating their inventory. I never walk out empty-handed. You can sell/trade your vinyls here too! Plus, they have a few great vintage clothing items.
Every Little Something (Middleburg, VA)
Stationery, Pens (even the Japanese brand Zebra), and notebooks galore. It felt like Nicole curated the store just for me. The stationery sets are to die for (letter writing is not dead)! They lit a candle or two during my visit, couldn’t decide which one to get, so I brought home both! My personal favorite: Nette “Sunday Chess”
Friendly staff and beautiful space. I love the brick and mortar experience.
For the One Who Drinks Too Much Matcha/Tea/Coffee
Cafein (Centreville/Chantilly, VA)
Please someone get me a gift card for this place…please… They make their own oat milk too! Can you imagine a shot of espresso that doesn’t make you jitter and sweat? I can. This place has it. They sell the beans they use too!
Seven Tea House (Leesburg, VA)
It seems like matcha is sold out this season — except for this small gem! Their matcha is SOOO GOOD. It’s great for beginners. Plus, shop owner is extremely knowledgeable about tea, she and I could talk for hours. Their little “tea pets” are my life. Keep you company while you drink tea. Durian puppy…
Durian Puppy I am referencing, he needs me.
For the One Who Doesn’t Need More Stuff
French Academy DC (Washington, D.C.)
I emphasize on gifting skills this season! Just in case Timothee Chalamet says his next girlfriend HAS to speak french (Lol). There are online/in-person classes available. This is actually on my personal wishlist, hehe.
I also love scrolling through D.C.’s Shop Small site, to find even more hidden gems!
As we dive headfirst into the holiday frenzy, let’s remember that shopping small isn’t just about finding cute, unique gifts (though, that’s a big perk). It’s about giving back to our communities, supporting the business owners who put their hearts into their craft, and maybe even snagging something that actually feels personal.
So, instead of adding more big-box items to your cart, why not go for something with a little more soul? Shopping small is like wrapping your gift in a hug—thoughtful, cozy, and way more meaningful.
ciao,
xx kc xx