Sweet Treats
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The people at Hello Cupcake keep their recipes very simple. Only fresh, seasonal and local ingredients are used to make their gourmet cupcakes. Over 50 flavors are produced from scratch daily in this small Dupont Circle establishment. Gluten-free and vegan options are also available.
Hello Cupcake custom monogrammed cupcake, $3.50 each, $4 for custom decoration.
Available at Hello Cupcake, 1361 Connecticut Ave. NW
Splurge
The rich chocolates crafted at Godiva are melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and definitely worth the splurge.
Godiva 36-piece Chocolate Christmas Ballotin, $45
Available at Godiva, 3242 M St. NW
Books
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Bridge Street Books is small but not crowded and has a great selection of vintage books at reasonable prices. Check out its street-side sale rack for some good deals.
We found a copy of Julia Child’s memoir for $6.
Available at Bridge Street Books, 2814 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Splurge
Consider a copy of “Drink, Play, F@#k: One Man’s Search for Anything Across Ireland, Vegas, and Thailand” – a parody of the best-selling novel “Eat, Pray, Love” that is sure to make you laugh.
Parody novel, $13
Parody novel, $13
Available at Kramerbooks and Afterwords, 1517 Connecticut Ave. NW
Special Occasion Jewelry
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West Virginia native Carole Hsu has been creating unique jewelry made of anodized aluminum with her husband Jean-Pierre for 35 years. Check out these earrings, and a variety of other funky items, at Chocolate Moose, a store owned by alumna Marcia Levi that sells a random assortment of funky gifts and decorative items.
Carol Hsu earrings, $65
Available at Chocolate Moose, 1743 L St. NW
Splurge
Wear these classic crystal and pearl drop earrings for a timeless, chic look. Perfect for an anniversary dinner or a holiday party.
Crystal and pearl drop earrings, $180
Available at Keith Lipert Gallery, 2922 M St. NW
Clutches
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A leather coin purse that acts as a mini clutch with a strap attached is great for practical fashionistas.
Coin purse/mini clutch, $30
Available at Lou Lou boutique, 1610 Connecticut Ave. NW
Splurge
Steal the spotlight with this jewelry-embellished bag made by craftsmen in India.
Indian bag, $200
Available at M29 Lifestyle in Georgetown, 2800 Pennsylvania Ave.
Decoration
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Claude Taylor’s travel photographs capture people and places from all over the world. Prints range from $20 to $100 in small to large formats. We recommend a medium-sized framed piece to add character to any dorm room.
Framed medium-sized photograph, $70
Available at Claude Taylor Photography, 1627 Connecticut Ave. NW
Splurge
The perfect gift for the kid at heart, take home an original sketch from your favorite Disney animated movie.
Original “Winnie The Pooh” Production Cels, $500
Available at Georgetown Frame Shoppe, 2902-1/2 M St. NW
