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‘Tis the season once again. And once again we offer some ideas to fit every budget and whim. Did you ever think of giving someone a bottle stopper shaped like a moose head? You have now. Looking for that perfect $16,000 bracelet? We found it. Want to dine with José Andrés? So do we — and we’ll keep an eye out for our invitation. Thanks in advance!
From our Washington Diplomat family to yours, happy holidays!
For the Home
Inexpensive
MacKenzie-Childs Moose Bottle Stopper: $30
1037 33rd St., NW
http://home.mackenzie-childs.com/products/Bottle-Stopper
When a glass is just enough, and you need to save the remaining wine in the bottle, cork it with this whimsical moose head bottle stopper. Handmade from polyresin and measuring 5.5 inches tall, the moose’s black-and-white tiled head and golden ears are in and of themselves intoxicating.
Moderate
UGG Cashmere Pillow: $98
Nordstrom
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ugg-cashmere-pillow/4744650
Faux fur pillows are hot, especially during this cold season. Give someone the gift of warmth and snuggly softness with this square pillow from Australia’s renowned shoemaker, UGG. It’s available in gray and white — two hues that match any décor.
High-end
Mood by Christofle 24-Piece Silver-Plated Flatware Set: $1,190
984 I St., NW
www.christofle.com/us_en/
This service for six comes in an elegant egg-shaped storage capsule, which is just as pretty as the simple design of the silver-plated silverware.
For the Men in Your Life
Inexpensive
Grooming Lounge Core Values Kit: $45
1745 L St., NW
2001 International Drive, Tysons Galleria, McLean, Va.
groominglounge.com
Appealing to frequent travelers, gym goers, college students and anyone else, this kit includes full-size bottles of Grooming Lounge’s Best Smeller Body Wash, Super Powder and Greatest Pits Deodorant. Buying them as a package deal — and in a toiletry bag — saves $34.
Moderate
Aura Spa’s Fitness and Endurance Facials: $150 each
Five D.C. locations
auraspa.net
Using Organic Male OM4 products, the spa has created two new skin services just for men. Clients get a four-step facial plus a face and upper-body massage. It starts with a cleanser and is followed by an aftershave splash, serum and moisturizer. The Fitness Facial takes 60 minutes, while the Endurance Facial, which is designed for anti-aging, acne-prone and sensitive skin, takes 15 minutes longer.
High-end
Paul Stuart’s Made on Madison Printed Polka Dot Reversible Silk and Cashmere Scarf: $348
906 I St., NW
www.paulstuart.com/made-on-madison-printed-polka-dots-silk-reversible-cashmere-scarf.html
Measuring 60 inches by 12 inches, this handmade silk scarf is made of 100 percent silk on one side and 100 percent cashmere on the other. It’s available in burgundy and in other prints such as ginkgo leaf, paisley and medallion.
For the Women in Your Life
Inexpensive
Scout’s Oh Buck It Shoulder Bag: $57 to $59.50
See website for locations
www.scoutbags.com/shop-all/oh-buck-it
This made-in-D.C. company’s new Oh Buck It Bag comes in five colors and patterns, including blue, red and pink, and black and white. It can be worn on the shoulder or as a crossbody bag. The crossbody strap unclips to streamline the look. The bag has two side pockets, is made of quilted poly twill, and measures 15 inches wide, 18.5 inches high and six inches deep.
Moderate
Jeffrey Campbell Roshana Side Zip Bootie: $135
See website for locations
www.southmoonunder.com/jeffrey-campbell-roshana-side-zip-bootie/189868.html?cgid=Booties&start=10
Sometimes the way to a woman’s heart is through her feet. Booties have been a popular footwear fashion for several fall and winter seasons, and this one is no different. Ankle-high looks with stacked heels are especially in style right now. This pair has three silver buttons on the outside for some detail and zips closed on the inner side. The suede upper has a rounded toe and the heel is two inches high.
High-end
Loro Piana Collo Alto Davenport Shine Sweater: $2,425
949 H St., NW
www.loropiana.com/en/eshop/knitwear-collo-alto-davenport-shine-cashmere-silk/p-FAG4316
Made of 90 percent cashmere and 10 percent silk in corncob stitch embellished with small tonal sequins, this turtleneck will keep wearers cozy and fashionable. It’s available in winter light rose (i.e. pink), white and black.
For the Kiddos
Inexpensive
“Have You Seen My Tail?”: $17
Available through Amazon or Barnes & Noble
www.amazon.com/Have-You-Seen-My-Tail/dp/0996432914
D.C.-based children’s book author Kaitlin Puccio’s new book came out in June. Corky the dog finds out from his friends that he’s missing his tail, so he begins a journey to find it that ends with Corky on an overseas flight with a peacock, who gives him the lowdown on his “missing” tale — and embracing our differences. A portion of the proceeds from book sales benefits Paws of War, which trains and places rescued dogs to help U.S. military veterans suffering from the emotional effects of war.
Moderate
Yinibini Baby Reversible Hooded Bath Towel: $65
www.yinibinibaby.com/shop/copy-of-various-designs-the-reversible-hooded-towelblanket
This 27-inch-by-27-inch towel is handmade right here in D.C. out of 100 percent cotton and chenille, although some patterns are made of organic cotton or African fabrics. Choose from 20 options such as trucks, animals and nature themes. Be sure to also check out the T-shirts and drool bibs featuring the D.C. flag.
High-end
Lego 31313 Mindstorms EV3: $349.99
www.lego.com/en-us/mindstorms/products/mindstorms-ev3-31313
Build and command your own robotic Lego creations with this set, which comes with programmable brick, motors and sensors to make your robot walk, talk, grab and even think. This set comes with 17 designs, including a humanoid, electric guitar, snake, fork lift, race truck and dinosaur. A remote control brings the creations to life when you’re done, or you can get more detailed control using the Commander App on a smartphone or via free programming software for tablets and computers.
For Bling-Lovers
Inexpensive
Rachel Pfeffer Brass Fan Stud Earrings: $24
716 Monroe St., NE
www.rachelpfeffer.com/product/brass-fan-studs
These tiny solid brass studs are both elegant and edgy. Their size, delicate shape and detailing make them wearable day and night. The brass gives them a slight toughness. Posts are made of sterling silver. Email pfeffer.rachel@gmail.com to be sure that this local D.C. artist will be at her studio before stopping by.
Moderate
Idole de Christofle White Gold and Diamond Chain Ring: $500
984 I St., NW
www.christofle.com/us_en/
Designed by French designer Andrée Putman, the ring is beautifully simple, with a twisted white gold band and a circle punctuated by round white diamonds.
High-end
Vendorafa Lombardi Gold and Diamond Onda Bracelet: $16,220
Tiny Jewel Box
1155 Connecticut Ave., NW
www.tinyjewelbox.com/product/gold-and-diamond-onda-bracelet/
If you want to go all out this year, here’s the way to do it. This hand-hammered 18-karat yellow gold bracelet from Italian designer Vendorafa Lombardi has a row of .74 carats’ worth of white diamonds that run all the way around.
For Trendy Techies
Inexpensive
Amazon Echo Dot (second generation): $50
www.amazon.com
“Alexa, was I naughty or nice?” OK, so maybe that’s not one of Alexa’s skills, but the Dot, a voice-controlled device, can play music, control smart home devices, send and receive messages, make orders, provide information and read audio books to you. You can also ask Alexa to order an Uber or a pizza, or just get some companionship and play “Jeopardy!” with her.
Moderate
TobyRich’s SmartPlane Pro FPV: $298
www.tobyrich.com/en/products/smartplaneprofpv/
German drone company TobyRich’s new SmartPlane Pro FPV weighs 0.08 pounds and can fly for about 12 minutes, doing stunts such as looping, hover mode, speed boost and helicopter mode. Available in black or blue, the plane is made of company-developed Durinum and carbon fiber, designed to survive crashes and other mishaps. The plane’s camera streams live video to a pair of virtual reality goggles, which come with the set, giving users a better view of the flight path. There’s also an app that includes a flight school, stunts and missions.
High-end
Click and Grow Wall Farm, $1,299
www.clickandgrow.com/products/wall-farm-indoor-vertical-garden
Like to garden, but lack the space for it outside? Grow pesticide-free plants with this three-tier indoor vertical garden, which uses the company’s Smart Soil technology. It comes with a full set of plant capsules in four choices: salad, herb, flower or tea. The garden includes a water tank that can last a month and energy-efficient LED lighting that promotes growth for many plant types.
For the Traveler
Inexpensive
Flywheel Sports LO Rise and Fly Travel Mug: $24
824 9th St., NW
1927 Florida Ave., NW
flywheelsports.com
OK, so technically this is swag from Flywheel Sports to inspire users to get to the studio for a cycling or barre session. But it’s also inspirational to get frequent travelers to the airport — one mug with two meanings. Just remember to empty out the 16-ounce, stainless steel mug before you get to the security checkpoint.
Moderate
Shinola Canfield Headphones: $195 to $650
1631 14th St., NW
shinola.com/audio/all/headphones.html
These headphones — two years in the making — are new to the market and available in four styles: over the ear, on the ear, in the ear and in-ear monitor. Each over-ear and on-ear pair has stainless steel components, interchangeable lambskin ear pads and a leather headband.
High-end
Louis Vuitton Horizon 55: $4,300
5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase
943 Palmer Alley, NW
http://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/products/horizon-55-epi-014198
This four-wheeled carryon epitomizes sleek and classic. The lightweight luggage weighs just 7.2 pounds and has a completely flat interior thanks to its large external cane. The bag features a leather exterior, cowhide leather trim, mesh lining and a discreet new TSA lock. Choose from six colors or opt for Louis Vuitton’s signature monogram print in canvas for $3,100.
For the Gym Rat/Health Nut
Inexpensive
barre3’s Light Grey Balance Tank: $36
https://shop.barre3.com/collections/apparel/products/light-grey-balance-tank
We can all use a little more balance in our lives at any given time, but especially during this season of gluttony. Put a reminder to keep an even keel front and center with this racerback tank top, whose hem line dips lower in the back than the front for stylish coverage.
Moderate
The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, Peppermint Mocha Massage: $155 for 50 minutes or $215 for 80 minutes
1700 Tysons Blvd., McLean, Va.
ritzcarlton.com/Tysons Corner
Although exercise is great for the mind and body, it can take a toll. Recharge and enjoy the scents of the season without the calories by indulging in this full-body massage. Therapists use moderate to firm pressure to work out your worked-out muscles.
High-end
Equinox All Access Fitness Membership: $235 a month
4905 Elm St., Bethesda, Md.
8065 Leesburg Pike, Tysons Corner, Va.
1170 22nd St., NW
equinox.com
Get access to all Equinox clubs in the United States, including all classes and amenities. And the classes aren’t like those you’ll find at other big-box gyms. For example, the Bethesda location offers Barre Bootcamp, Precision Running and Metcon3, a high-intensity metabolic workout. Amenities trend luxurious. It has a saltwater pool, steam room and spa.
For the Foodie
Inexpensive
Ladurée 75 Champs Elysées Gift Box: $30
3060 M St., NW
50 Massachusetts Ave., NE (Union Station)
www.laduree.fr/en/75-champs-elysees-gift-box.html
A tribute to the French chocolatier’s boutique on Paris’s famous avenue, this box is full of chocolate bonbons made with a dark ganache infused with Madagascar vanilla and coated with dark chocolate and cocoa nougatine nibs.
Moderate
Bo Ssäm Dinner at Momofuku CCDC: $88 per person
1090 I St., NW
ccdc.momofuku.com
The Bo Ssäm dinner is intended for groups to enjoy together. It features a slow-roasted pork shoulder and guests can make their own wraps with Bibb lettuce, white rice and traditional Korean accoutrements. Available by reservation only; contact dcevents@momofuku.com.
High-end
Private Dining at José’s Table at Minibar by José Andrés: $565 per person
855 E St., NW
minibarbyjoseandres.com
This local celebrity chef’s name has peppered the news lately after he served more than 2 million freshly cooked meals and sandwiches to people in need in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria hit the island in September. Take a seat at his table at his two Michelin-starred restaurant, described on its website as “a study in avant-garde cooking.” A prepaid reservation for two to six guests is required and includes 20-plus courses and wine pairings.
About the Author
Stephanie Kanowitz is a contributing writer for The Washington Diplomat.