Can you believe the holidays are already here? After nearly two years of a worldwide pandemic, it’s more important than ever to support our small businesses as we shop for gifts. We’ve rounded up some awesome U Street businesses to check out as you start your search for the perfect present!

For The Self-Care Guru

Parlour Salon recently launched their online store! This conditioning scalp potion from Cult+King is a botanical miracle that conditions scalp and follicles alike. For the curly girl, Ouidad’s line of curl quenching products are guaranteed to get those coils popping.

Give the gift of self-care with Ivy Wild Beauty. You can shop by price on their website for easier perusing. Shop stocking stuffers like vitamin patches, or go for a bigger gift like the Indie Lee Overnight Oil. Whichever you choose, your friends and family will love Ivy Wild’s selection of skincare and beauty products. 

Treat your loved one to a whole new ‘do at Salon Quency! A digital gift card filled with funds can be used for cuts, color, beard maintenance, and more. 

Turn back the clock with Javan Wellness’s anti-aging treatments. Javan’s multifaceted approach to a youthful appearance would make the perfect gift for that friend that’s always on the hunt for the best serums and spa treatments. Book your buddy a facial, IV cocktail, or any of Javan’s top-of-the-line services through their website!

Is there anything better than a day at the spa? Give your bestie a gift card to Aura Spa and let them choose which service they most want to indulge in. From waxing to cupping, Aura does it all!

For Your Fashion-Forward Friend

Recently voted Best of DC for Best Place to Buy a Suit, Ezra Paul is the perfect spot to find a gift for the fashionable gentleman in your life. From silk ties to custom sportcoats, Ezra Paul is guaranteed to deliver a quality piece that’ll look good for a lifetime. 

Zawadi

Good Wood’s selection of vintage furniture may be the shop’s biggest draw, but their carefully curated women’s clothes and shoes are equally fabulous! The staff is knowledgeable about the independent designers they source their clothing from, and the selection is so unique, you’ll be hard-pressed to find the same pieces anywhere else in the District. Shop in-person Thursday-Monday noon-6pm.

Shop handcrafted African clothing, jewelry, and goods at Zawadi this holiday season! The U street staple stocks a range of gifts from independent labels and artisans, so you’ll support a range of small businesses when you shop their goods. The best part? They ship nationwide!

Gift a sweet new pair of kicks to the sneakerhead in your life from Crushed Skateshop! The self-proclaimed “cultural hub for skateboarding” has retail offerings that even the non-skater in your life will love. Shop apparel, accessories, skateboards, and more through their online store. 

Glasses aren’t just practical — they’re a fashion statement! Don’t believe us? Just check out these stylish frames available for pre-order from Black and White Look Optical. Treat your loved one to a new pair of glasses that are sure to stand out. The U Street opticians office carries a variety of frames for every face, and the experienced staff are sure to guide you to the perfect fit.

For The “Nerd” In Your Life

From graphic novels to cooking comic books, Big Planet Comics stocks a range of reading materials that will turn even the most comic-averse individuals into fans! Check out their online shop to order apparel and comic books, or keep it simple and stick to a gift card. The longstanding comic book store ships nationwide and internationally!

For Your Workout Buddy

Achieving a state of zen has been difficult for many this year. Help your friends and family center themselves with a class from Yoga District. With drop-in classes starting at $11.50 and unlimited memberships at $999, there are options at every price point!

Help your friends build a solid core at the aptly named SolidCore pilates studio! You can purchase by the class, or go full-on with a monthly membership. Either way, your friends will be thanking you when they see the results that SolidCore delivers!

Buy a boxing membership for your buff buddy at NuBoxx! The boxing club offers training for everyone from newbies (or “nubies” as they’re called at NuBoxx) to experienced fighters. Check out their full list of services today.

Gifts For Two (or more!)

An evening at Barkada Wine Bar is a romantic gift for your newlywed friends! Buy a gift card through their online store and add on a bottle of wine for a little something *extra.*

For an extra special experience, give the gift of fine dining at Michelin-rated Jônt. The 2-star concept kitchen can run up to $1695 per person, but take it from the Michelin experts, the experience is well worth it. Purchase a gift card to the sustainability-focused restaurant here.

Latin American-inspired kitchen Seven Reasons is known across the district for it’s inventive dishes that delight the tastebuds. A gift card to the restaurant can be used for private dining experiences, brunch, and dinner!

All that gift-giving can be exhausting! Once you cross everyone off your list, pamper yourself with an appointment at one of U Street’s wonderful salons!