We all have that person – or persons – we just don’t know what to buy for. And even though Amazon and other online retailers have made the shopping process more convenient, sometimes you just need to throw on your coat, grab the keys and venture out to find some gift-giving inspiration. Plus, it’s always a bonus when you can support local small businesses. Here are some shops worth a visit this holiday season:
Something whimsical…
“For years I had been using Etsy to buy gifts for my friends and family,” says Autumn Clayton, who had 15 years of retail and wholesale experience before she opened Covet on “a bit of whim” when space became available in 2010. It was actually through Etsy that Clayton says she “set the tone” for her boutique, reaching out to makers in the hopes they’d sell wholesale to her. Proving she hasn’t wavered on that unique-gifts-only mentality, Clayton carries seven different “Made in the USA” handmade jewelry lines and – new to the shop – felt ornaments depicting famous figures, plus slate coasters celebrating the Washington Capitals’ Stanley Cup championship, the UVA NCAA men’s basketball championship and the Washington Nationals’ best 2019 postseason plays. Of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t also mention Covet’s bestseller: Sydney Hale candles. On Small Business Saturday, they’re buy two, get one 50% off with complimentary gift wrap – the store is “fully stocked” with 10 of the most popular scents – and the shop will also be handing out Village Sweet baked goods, as well as raffling off a gift basket many will, well, covet. // 5140 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Bluemont)
