This region has been named one of the hottest restaurant scenes in the country. But sometimes it’s nice to stay in, too. These gifts for foodies will help them make their own cooking and entertaining at home as amazing as some of Alexandria’s most expensive restaurants.
The Hour Shop: Old Town Drinks Cocktail Book and Barware
The Hour Shop’s founder and owner, Victoria Vergason, is the author of Old Town Drinks. The book showcases drinks from almost two dozen bars, restaurants and lounges in Old Town’s Historic District. Or, pick up Old Town Drinks cocktail recipe cards.
While you’re at The Hour Shop, pick up some DC-made syrups and bitters and vintage holiday glassware to hold the amazing cocktails. Or, grab some modern holiday glasses from The Hour Shop’s sister company, The Modern Home Bar.
Old Town Drinks book $29.95, cards $24.95.
The Hour Shop, 1015 King St., thehourshop.com
The Old Town Shop: Heatin’ It Up
If you know someone who can take the heat, head to The Old Town Shop. The store carries a variety of Alexandria-based and Virginia-original foods, including a few will make your tongue tingle.
Create a gift basket with hot sauces from Crum’s Hot Sauce or Hurricane Bob’s — both of them are veteran-owned Alexandria businesses. You can also include Hubs Sweet Heat peanuts from the Hubbard Peanut Co., and Fiery Cranberry Habanero Salsa from Gunther’s Gourmet. Check out the selection of other food and non-food local gifts while you’re there.
Prices vary.
The Old Town Shop, 105 S. Union St., theoldtownshop.com
Old Town Books: Pies and Puzzles
Not all pies are round! Included in the collection of local books at Old Town Books are signed copies of “Pie Squared,” a book about slab pies written by The Washington Post’s Cathy Barrow. The book was a James Beard Award Nominee in 2019 for Best Cookbook. You can also pick up her newest release, “When Pies Fly.”
For a lazy Sunday morning, consider getting a 1,000-piece food-themed puzzle, too.
Books $28 - $30, puzzle $19.95.
Old Town Books, 104 S. Union St., oldtownbooks.com
Cheesetique: Ricki’s Cheesemaking Kit and Classes
For the person who can’t resist a good, smelly cheese, Cheesetique in Del Ray has you covered. Create a gift basket with Ricki’s Cheesemaking Kit for Soft Cheeses (to let them make their own cheese at home) and a variety of cheeses and wines from Cheesetique.
Package your gift basket with a gift card they can use for classes throughout the year.
Kit $24.99, gift baskets vary.
Cheesetique, 2411 Mt. Vernon Ave., cheesetique.com
Unwined: Never Arrive Empty Handed
It’s poor etiquette to arrive at a holiday party empty-handed. Whether it’s a bottle of wine or a gourmet gift basket, Unwined has what you need. The shop (with locations at Bradlee and Belle View Shopping Centers) has, in addition to wine, all you’ll need to create a custom charcuterie gift basket — guidance from their staff included.
Prices vary.
Unwined, Bradlee Shopping Center or Belle View Shopping Center, unwinedva.com
Janel Tracey: Coasters
These stylish colorful drink coasters are perfect for the person who love pops of color throughout their home. The coasters feature original art, printed on durable masonite hardboard with cork backing. Each set contains 6. You can pick one design or a mix of several designs. Be sure to take a look at her website for more stylish and colorful home décor items. (Sponsored)
Coasters 6 for $37.
Janel Tracey, order online at janeltracey.com
Mount Vernon Estate: A Historic Breakfast at Home
Stone ground grits, pancake flour, yellow cornmeal — it seems like even George Washington thought breakfast was the most important meal of the day. These products are produced at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate by the water-powered, authentic gristmill. Create a gift basket with 18th-century style teas and coffees, preserves, honey and syrup for a breakfast that will go down in history.
Prices range from $7 to $26 per item.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate Gift Shop, 3200 Mt. Vernon Hwy., shops.mountvernon.org
See more ideas from our gift guide here, including gifts for travelers, office workers, self-care enthusiasts and more.
