Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States and home to famous government landmarks such as the White House, which is the home of the president, the Capitol, and the Supreme Court. These buildings and monuments have a neo-classic architectural style which you can see mostly in the city. It is also where you’ll find the Kennedy Center, which is a famous museum for its extensive collections, as well as an excellent performing arts venue. In case you’re wondering what souvenir to get your friends and to take home, then you have to check out our list of what to buy in Washington.
1. Blue Canton China
One of the most popular souvenirs to take home after a trip to Washington is the blue and white China. It was originally from Canton, China but it was a classic early-American dining staple during the 1700s. This classic china depicts the typical Chinese scenery which includes pagodas, mountains, and rivers. After buying the set, you can now play Martha Washington and set your table the way she did and wow your guests with these unusual Blue Canton China items.
The Mount Vernon Shop
Address: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Alexandria, VA
Price: 61 USD
Website: The Mount Vernon Shop
2. FBI Sweatshirt
Nothing is a more commercialized household name than the FBI; you can always see people in Washington wearing an FBI shirt, sweatshirt, and other FBI merchandise. Thus, it makes for a good souvenir to bring back home. In some ways, it makes the wearer as cool as an FBI agent. It doesn’t hurt to have these fantasies once in a while.
White House Gifts
Address: 701 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA
Opening Hours:: Mon-Sun: 9:00am–8:00pm
Price: 16.99 USD
Website: White House Gifts
3. White House ornaments
Another memorabilia to bring back home after your holiday in Washington is the White House ornaments. It was in 1981 that the selling of these ornaments started, and since then, every year it has come up with a different design. The designs of the ornaments, usually, depict famous landmarks, iconic scenes, historical landmarks, as well as designs to honor the past presidents of the country. The price of the ornaments starts at 16 USD. You can get it during fundraising events of charitable institutions, directly at the White House, or any shops around the city.
White House Visitor Center
Address: 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington DC
Opening Hours:: Mon-Sun: 7:30am-4:00pm
Price: 23.49 USD
Website: White House Visitor Center
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4. Neighborhood prints
If you’re tired with the usual souvenir offered at the airports and the streets of Washington, then you have to explore the neighborhoods. You should support the local businesses and buy the neighborhood prints. It is not only unique but, you’re also supporting a good cause. The neighborhood prints designs are vibrant pop arts of Washington neighborhoods and made by the country’s local artists. Their arts truly depict the essence of DC compared to the usual souvenirs.
Victory Dance Creative
Price: 30 USD
Website: Victory Dance Creative
Washington Tour Guide
Annie Leguennec
My name is Annie. I am a local Tour guide based in Philadelphia enjoying fully what the city has to offer with its deep history, street arts, murals, architecture, traditional food, black history, Farmer Markets, green space, a melting pot of neighborhoods and its great locals. I am looking for to welcome you and show you this incredible city where you will gain a better understanding of the city's rich heritage and its continuing legacy as the birthplace of the United States of America. Book my tour. Explore and learn about this unique city where you will walk on the footsteps of our America's founding Fathers. My tours are conducted in English, French and Italian.
Tours by Annie
Washington Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of the US: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona! Let's GO!! stepheley@gmail.com
Tours by Stephanie
5. Einstein bobbleheads
If you want to buy a souvenir and also support a cause, then the best thing to buy in Washington for you is the Einstein Bobblehead. It is a miniature cartoon Einstein, whose head moves according to the law of physics and also shouts a famous Einstein quotation – “The important thing to do is not to stop questioning.” It is an excellent souvenir to give to your child. Also, a part of the proceeds supports science.
National Air and Space Museum
Address: 600 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
Opening Hours:: Mon-Sun: 10:00am–5:30pm
Price: 29.95 USD
Website: National Air and Space Museum
6. Uncut currency sheets
Another tourist favorite is the uncut currency sheets. It makes a unique souvenir, which you can buy from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. These bills are more expensive than what it’s worth. For example, a sheet of four, 2 USD will cost you around 25 USD. But isn’t it fun to play-pretend of robbing the US Government and get away with it?
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Address: 14th and C Streets, SW, Washington, DC 20228
Price: 25 USD
Website: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
7. DC Statehood Glassware
If you’re a fan of cocktails and are used to throwing one once in a while, then you have to buy the DC Stated Glassware. Why drink in an ordinary looking glass, when you can use beautiful glassware engraved with the outline of Washington? Isn’t it perfect? You can buy this at the Hill’s Kitchen together with other excellent items like tumblers, state-shaped cookie cutters, and more.
Hill's Kitchen
Address: 713 D Street SE. Washington, DC 20003
Price: 13.50 USD
Website: Hill’s Kitchen
8. Washington Monument Capstone Ornaments
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Another popular souvenir to buy in Washington is the Monument Capstone Ornament. It is a miniature version of the Washington Monument which is made of an aluminum apex and has an inscription of the names of notable persons and dates in the monument’s history. Also, it has a Latin word embedded in it which says, “Praise be to God.”
Washington Monument
Address: 2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
Opening Hours:: Mon-Sun: 9:00am-10:00pm
Price: 22.99 USD
Website: Washington Monument
9. DC Brau Memorobilia
One of the best things you can taste in Washington is their craft beers. They have a thriving craft beer scene here since the opening of the first ever craft brewery, DC Brau, on 2009. Aside from the beer, you can also take home lots of other memorabilia from the brewer, which includes tap ornaments, engraved glasses, graphic tees, and more. Also, buy a six pack beer to give your friends back home so they can have a taste of Washington in a can.
DC Brau
Address: 3178 Bladensburg Rd NE B, Washington, DC 20018, USA
Opening Hours:: Mon-Sun: 4:00pm–9:00pm
Price: 20 USD
Website: DC Brau
10. Capital City Mambo Sause
Are you a fan of Chicken wings and a nice sauce? If so, then you shouldn’t miss buying this original sauce with a tangy sweet taste from Washington. Some say it’s originally from Chicago; but, who cares; as long as you get one before heading back home. This sauce is the best thing that ever happened to wings, and it is available by the bottle at carry-outs and local food shops. But, you’ll find the best of its kind in the Capital City, so make sure you buy it from there. The price of a bottle starts at 7.25 USD a piece.
Capital City
Price: 7.25 USD
Website: Capital City Co.
Go souvenir shopping
Washington D.C. is one interesting city of rich history and one of a kind culture. It is not the capital of the United States for nothing. After your sightseeing tours and exploring the city’s food scene, you’re now ready for souvenir shopping. If you don’t know where to go and what to buy, then read our list of the top 10 must-buys in Washington.
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