This gift guide will probably look familiar, and that’s because you’ve likely seen it before — a version of it, anyway. Over the 10+ years I’ve been sharing it, the general ideas haven’t changed much (nor has most of this intro, for that matter). While the specifics are always updated, the overall concepts remain pretty consistent. That’s because this guide is meant to reflect the spirit of KidFriendly DC — of adventure, discovery, local culture, and family time — and these ideas do just that. (Plus, I think they’re really good suggestions! 🙂 )
I’ll likely be extending it again this year, suggesting ideas for specific groups of giftess along with this these DC-inspired recommendations. For now, though, I’m sharing some things our family has really enjoyed around the area (or have heard are really good) and think would make fantastic presents for a variety of people. This also gives me a chance to highlight local places and businesses offering unique experiences and products as well as people and organizations that are doing great things. And then there are ideas that are simply fun and enriching and showcase the incredible, dynamic city that is Washington, DC. None of these recommendations are sponsored; they’re just experiences, places, adventures, and products that I truly like and think you and yours might, too. Happy gifting!
HOT TICKETS
There’s so much great live entertainment coming to local stages soon, that would make fantastic presents for kids and adults. KFDC Tip: Before you buy, check for ticket deals here as you may be able to get discounts to some productions. Here are recommendations for shows coming up in the next several months and even a few running during the holiday season.
* Guys and Dolls by Shakespeare Theatre Company (find discount)
* Stomp at National Theatre
* Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! at National Theatre
* Freckleface Strawberry The Musical at Adventure Theatre
* Havana Hop at Imagination Stage
* Paranormal Activity by Shakespeare Theatre Company (find discount)
* Chez Joey at Arena Stage (find discount)
* Trevor Noah at Warner Theatre
* Lady Gaga (also here) at Capital One Arena Arena
* Inherit the Wind at Arena Stage (find discount)
* Clue at National Theatre
* 1776 at Ford’s Theatre (find discount)
* Hamnet by Shakespeare Theatre Company (find discount)
* The Simon & Garfunkel Story at National Theatre
* Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at National Theatre
* Aesop’s Fables at Adventure Theatre
* Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical at Imagination Stage
* Cardi B at Capital One Arena
* Demi Lavato at Capital One Arena
* The Wiz at National Theatre
* The Book of Mormon at National Theatre
* The Great Gatsby at National Theatre
* Chicago at the Kennedy Center
* West Side Story at the Kennedy Center
* CrazySexyCool The TLC Musical at Arena Stage
* Florence and the Machine at Capital One Arena
* The 9:30 Club is legendary and welcomes all ages to most shows (think teen gift!)
* The Anthem has a great line-up of concerts, too (again, teen gift!)
* For holiday season shows, look here
* You can also give a gift certificate or membership to one of the venues mentioned above!
* * *
EXCELLENT ADVENTURES
For the people, young and old, in your life who like active thrills or challenges, a gift card or season pass for one of these action-packed pursuits is strongly recommended.
* Give gamers a real life gaming adventure at Activate in Sterling.
* A season pass or vouchers for a local ice skating rink will delight peops who like to glide.
* Got climbers in your crew? Get them a gift card for climbing sessions or membership at ClimbZone in Laurel, Bouldering Project in Eckington, or Sport Rock Climbing Centers (look for a discount here).
* Kraken offers pickleball, roller skating, axe throwing, a rage room — and gift certificates!
* For winter fun, how about an Epic Pass? It grants access to ski resorts all around the country, including several within driving distance of DC.
* And for when it warms up, there are several great ropes courses in the area, with something suitable for every age. The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring is our favorite, and their annual Holiday Sale is on.
* REI has all kinds of local classes and events for those who like outdoor recreation.
* A gift card for a paddling excursion is also good one for when it’s back in season.
* Capitol City Circus School has classes in flying trapeze, static trapeze, silks, juggling trampoline, and more. Read more about it here (from when it was Trapeze School NY).
* iFLY Loudoun offers a one-of-a-kind exhilarating opportunity to experience sky diving without stepping foot in (or out of) an airplane. Read more about it here. (Post is about my experience, but my kids have done it, too!) Look for a discount here.
* TopGolf, with area locations at National Harbor and Germantown, is a fun place to practice driving balls from hitting bays.
* The St. James has Super, Awesome, & Amazing fun at its activity center and indoor waterpark. Read about it here. And look for a discount here.
* A sightseeing boat tour is a cool way to get a new view of DC — and have some fun on the water.
* * *
ELEVATED EXPERIENCES
DC is known for its many free attractions, but there are some places and experiences that require admission. So, make a visit to one something special by giving it as a gift. Here are some to check out that are worth the splurgy entry fee:
* Give an Annual Passport to Burnside Farms, where spectacular flower blooms and more fun attractions are a huge draw in spring and summer. And from November 28 – December 6, they are offering a deal on. them.
* Clue in sleuthers with a Watson Adventures scavenger hunt. Read about one here.
* A day of Lego play at the LEGO Discovery Center will thrill young builders. Read about it here. And look for a discount here.
* The immersive experience Peppa Pig x CAMP is at Tysons through February.
* Swingers offers indoor mini golf plus food, drinks, and a fun vibe (and family time on Sundays).
* The International Spy Museum is as interactive as it is intriguing. Read about it here.
* The Museum of Illusions will blow their minds. Read about it here.
* An adventure at Escape the Room is a perfect present for puzzle solvers.
* Cat people will love Crumbs and Whiskers, the cat cafe where they can cuddle with kitties and enjoy a coffee.
* Pinstripes takes bowling & bocce up a notch with good dining, to boot. Read about it here.
* The Mansion on O Street is easily one of the neatest places in DC…a self-guided tour and secret door hunt is practically guaranteed to delight any giftee. Read about it here.
* For cinema lovers, dinner (or lunch) and a movie at The Alamo would make their day (or night). Read about it here.
* Give adults a day of relaxation at Balian Springs Spa in Alexandria.
* Or for those who are into beer, a City Brew Tour.
* There are many awesome attractions in Baltimore that would be great to gift.
* Several holiday light displays run into January.
* Find even more ideas for unique experiences here.
* * *
MEMBERS ONLY
Membership really does have its benefits! You can get first dibs on tickets to events and shows, exclusive access to special offerings, and/or free admission to places, perfect for those who have favorite spots they frequent often. Here are some local attractions with membership options that would make for excellent gifts:
* National Building Museum memberships get you all into exhibits and some programs free of charge, members-only birthday parties, advanced camp registration, preview invites, and more. (Starts at $90/year for families).
* Membership at the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore is so worth it if your family goes even just one time. It’s usually $200/year for a family of four, but just $100 with this Groupon deal. Read more about the MSC here.
* At the National Children’s Museum, get a year of free admission, invites to special programs, members-only hours, & 10% off in the gift shop. (Starts at $175/year.) Read more about the museum and get a glimpse here.
* Make someone a Smithsonian Associate to get them special benefits, access, and discounts for all kinds of Smithsonian programs. (Starts at $50.)
* Sign kids up for their favorite sports team fan clubs that offer all kinds of fun benefits, for low cost or even free. A few of our local pro sports team have them: Caps, Wizards, Nats, Spirit, United.
* For adults who enjoy performing arts, Arena Stage membership gets discounts on tickets, a backstage tour, benefits at neighborhood restaurants, an open rehearsal invite, and more. (Starts at $120.)
* Teen gift? Gym membership! They all seem to be joining these days (at my gym, anyway). I highly recommend OneLife Fitness. Of course, this can be a gift for an adult, too.
* * *
KEEP IT CLASSY
Has your child expressed interest in a particular activity? Give them a boost by getting them into a class! Here are some recommendations…
* Score big with Top Tier Lessons‘ private coaching sessions from a local college athlete
* Give the gift of music with lessons from the International School of Music.
* Serve up some fun with an RDUTennis camp or clinic.
* Let them act up with performing arts classes from Encore Stage & Studio, Adventure Theatre, or Imagination Stage.
* * *
FAN FAVORITES
The gift of sports is no-brainer for those who love them. Our local sports teams, pro and college, have experiences (ie, games) and merch that fans will cheer about when they receive them. Here are links for all of them, and note that some are offering special holiday packages, too!
* Washington Capitals (Holiday Packs | Tickets | Merch)
* Washington Commanders (Tickets | Merch)
* Washington Spirit (Tickets | Merch)
* Washington Nationals (Holiday Packs | Merch)
* Washington Wizards (Tickets | Merch)
* Washington Mystics (Tickets | Merch)
* University of Maryland Terrapins
* George Washington University Colonials
* Catholic University Cardinals
* * *
ENTER THROUGH THE MUSEUM GIFT SHOP
We have some pretty amazing museums in our city, and many of their gift shops — that are also online — echo the impressive collections with items that are an extension of their programs. It’s not just prints of paintings you see; you can buy books, puzzles, accessories, gadgets, games, housewares, and lots of children’s items that are artistic, clever, and innovative. Just about all of the Smithsonian Museums and National Zoo have wonderful gift shops. And I highly recommend browsing the shops of some of the other museums in town — I’ve purchased gifts over the years at all of these.
* National Museum of Women in the Arts
* * *
INDIE PICKS
Shop for unique gifts and support independent businesses around the city. Here are some of our go-tos for gift shopping close to home.
* Book it to one of these local, independent shops to find good reads for your giftees: Solid State Books on H Street NE, East City Book Shop on Capitol Hill, Kramerbooks in Dupont Circle, Wonderland Books in Bethesda, Hurray for Books in Old Town Alexandria, Loyalty Bookstore in Petworth and Silver Spring, Politics & Prose at Union Market, The Wharf, and Northwest, and Capitol Hill Books, a legendary used books shop.
* Labyrinth Game Shop on Capitol Hill is the place to go for the best board games and puzzles.
* Steadfast Supply, located in the Navy Yard, is a great store to shop for maker-made and DC-inspired gifts.
* The Pretzel Bakery is our hands down neighborhood fave (and Sasha’s employer…dream job landed!) for savory & sweet treats — locations on Capitol Hill & in Bethesda.
* Give foodies a gift card for a local restaurant. Some we love: Osteria Mozza, Minetta Tavern, Amazonia, Dogon, Pastis, Love Makoto, and I hear great things about Chai Pani.
* * *
PICTURE PERFECT PRESENTS
How about a gift that includes your whole gang? Present them (and yourself!) with a family portrait session. And like the last many years, I’m recommending just the right photographer for it. As mentioned in previous gift guides, I have adored Darcy Troutman’s photos forever, starting with her former blog, No Monsters in My Bed. But over the last several years, she’s launched her own photography business capturing families and weddings, helping people make and preserve memories. Her style is unique and the photos gorgeous, but her real-life, let-the-moment-seize-you approach to her work is what really makes it special. Also, she’s hilarious and sweet and really comfortable to be around, the ideal personality for the job. Plus, her photos will not only capture this time in your lives, they’ll make for great gifts for extended family throughout the year, too.
* * *
DESIGN TIME
If there’s someone in your life who wants an update to their home, but needs some guidance going about it, gift them the help of an expert. Margaret Carroll is an architect and design consultant extraordinaire and, full disclosure, a really great friend of mine. But that just means I know first hand that she has a keen eye for style and the sharpest aesthetic of anyone I know, from the perfectly picked tile in her bathrooms (and in mine!) to the pretty booties on her feet. She offers everything from full redesign to a 6-hour personalized design service that helps you transform your home in a day. Get answers to questions about any space and reimagine rooms to match your style and needs. She tackles tricky spaces like kitchens and bathrooms, refining finishes, furniture, and floor plans, solving problems and bringing your vision to life!
* * *
GIVE FREELY
Of course, not all gifts have to come with a hefty price tag. There are so many magical yet still inexpensive experiences to be had in the DC area, some without even spending a dime. You can creatively package them up — perhaps a big, fun card with a photo — and promise a visit. Some suggestions:
* A visit to DC’s newest museum, the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream.
* A hike at Great Falls with a stop-in at the Visitor Center for activities and exhibits.
* A delivery on fun at the awesome National Postal Museum.
* A view inside, and from the top of, the Washington Monument.
* A tour of the U.S. Capitol, another iconic DC spot.
* A geocaching adventure in the area.
* An outing to the National Archives for The American Story exhibit that just opened.
* A day of play at Beauvoir Playground.
* A fossil hunting adventure at the Purse Area in Nanjemoy, MD.
* A trip to see the animals at the National Zoo.
* A cool exploration of history at Fort Washington.
* A bike ride along the National Mall — with pop-ins at the museums.
* A family game of disc golf at a local course.
* Find inspo for even more here and here!
* Perhaps the best gift of all is quality time with the people in our lives, so be sure to take advantage of it during the season. The 2025 KFDC Guide to the Holiday Season Around DC is full of ideas for doing just that. Happy Holidays!
