Hill Gift Guide: The Hard-to-Shop-For

Everyone has one—that person on your holiday list who already has the latest gadgets, read the most recent books, or shops the fashion trends before anyone else; that person who always needs the receipt to return a gift because he already has it.  She not only bought the perfect gift for herself, but she bought it for all on HER gift list as well.  He or she is the Hard-to-Shop-For.

Fortunately the Hill has some options for that Hard-to-Shop-For.  There are some unique options that can be found in our neighborhood that even the most discriminating or trendiest of gift recipients would have a tough time topping.

Experiential gifts can be the most unique options you have to give, and often are the most memorable.  Sure it may not be the biggest box under the tree, but good things come in small packages right?  If you’re looking for a special gift for a special guy, consider treating him to a hot lather shave at Michael Craig DC.  I can personally recommend this experience, which includes several steaming hot towels and a nice cold beverage in a relaxed barbershop right on the Hill.  For that fitness nut or daredevil on your list, consider a gift certificate for flying lessons at the Trapeze School of New York at the DC Waterfront.  Introductory classes start at $45 and gift cards are good for one year from purchase.  Gift certificates are also available for Nationals baseball games in denominations of $25 through $250.  A baseball fan would love a trip to the ballpark, and combined with a tee shirt or jersey the tickets would be a fun gift to be enjoyed later in the New Year.

A relaxing massage can be the right antidote to a hectic or stressful holiday season.  Gift certificates for all types of massage treatments for men and women are available from The Spa on the Hill, and start at $90.

If there’s a coffee drinker on your gift list, skip the mass-market beans and pick up a gift box at Peregrine Espresso.  A Beehouse Dripper, Peregrine mug, coffee filters and a bag of coffee is yours for $40.

Cufflinks can be sometimes be impersonal but not if they are unique and match the guy’s personality or tastes.  Mannmadedesigns has been at Eastern Market weekends for the past 20 years and offers custom jewelry creations, including cufflinks made from Pabst Blue Ribbon containers and old watch parts.  Other vendors at the market offer vintage cufflinks and still others (such as local artist Yang Ku) made from Lego pieces, scrabble tiles and old typewriter keys (the last of which is on my Christmas list).

For a unique gift that supports a worthy cause, shop Red Persimmon at Eastern Market on Saturday and Sunday.  For years Katrina Ulrich has been imported hand-crafted goods that pay a living wage to female workers in rural India.  There’s a nice selection of handmade silk Christmas ornaments starting at just $10.  Katrina also has unique accessories for women, such as silk wrist purses, raffia tote bags, and beautiful silk scarves.

Lots of other unique, artistic, and hand-made gifts can still be found before Christmas at Eastern Market as well as the Atlas Performing Arts Center Holiday Bazaar, both of which include handmade toys, fine stationery, glass objects and more.

And finally, what could be more unique than your very own THIH swag?  That’s right…we’ve entered the merchandising realm with tee shirts, aprons, even clothing for your pooch.  Since we just launched this venture your gift recipients could be the first on their blocks with THIH goods.  And we’re fine with our mug being sent all over the city or world for that matter—so don’t feel limited by the bounds of the neighborhood!