Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
DMV small business holiday shopping guide!
17
items This holiday season I am making it a goal to shop small and local. For Small Biz Saturday, I am highlighting my favorite small businesses in the DC area!
My favorite local artist. You can find them vending at many local markets, popups, and conventions. The art is so adorable and nostalgic!
veetelier
Such a beautiful and relaxing non-toxic nail salon. I love this salon because they offer some Korean polishes you can’t find elsewhere!
Nothing in Between Studio
I absolutely adore this ceramic shop! High quality and very reasonably priced. You can find this shop at local markets/popups as well as on their website.
loficeramics studio
I take care of my pothos plant that I got from here like it’s my child. Wonderful selection!
Discover Greenstreet Gardens: Family-Owned & Locally Grown
Located in Old Town, I love the selection of stationary this store has curated. Perfect place to shop for anyone who loves journaling or crafts!
Penny Post Paper Goods
As one of the few authorized sellers of smiski and sonny angel, this shop is a heaven for trinket lovers.
Senpai's Corner
The stylists at this salon are very nice and skilled at cutting hair. They are especially keen on Korean hairstyles and working with Asian hair.
Sun's Hair Design - Annandale, VA
This little market in DC seems unassuming, but it is packed wall to wall with authentic Japanese food and goods. These items can be hard to find in DC, but Hana market makes it easy.
Hana Japanese Market - Washington, DC, DC
Every tea this shop makes is absolutely delicious. I discovered them at a farmers market earlier this year and have since purchased a few different teas as gifts for family!
Seven Teahouse | 2025 World Tea Championship WINNER
Making my own candle here was such a unique and fun experience. I can’t wait to make personalized scents for all of my friends and family!
District Candle Lab
A wonderfully curated stores with brands from across the world! You could find some really unique and high quality gifts here.
For clothes you love to wear
Hands down my favorite local baker. I purchase macarons from her at any chance I get!
SweetsbyCaroline
Pottery painting is an inexpensive and fun activity for a solo day or with a group. I love painting a personalized gift for someone I love. This studio in Old Town gets very busy so get there early!
Make something creative . . .
This Photo Booth studio reminds me of when I visited Korea! I think this is such a fun activity to do during the holiday season to make physical memories with your loved ones.
GOGO PHOTO’S
As a coffee lover and ex-barista, I love this MD local roaster. A bag of their fresh beans would be a great gift for the coffee drinker in your life.
locations
The owner of this furniture store is so knowledgeable and kind. My couch from here was fully customizable at a great price.
Gala Futons & Furniture Store Alexandria Virginia | Furniture Alexandria Fairfax
Some of the best tasting kimchi made by local mother-daughter duo. Purchase the kimchi at local farmers markets. They also do kimchi making classes!
Tae-Gu Kimchi