800 F St.
The International Spy Museum’s $22 admission price is fortunately not reflective of its gift shop – head there to pick up something nerdy and unique.
Aside from the gift shop usuals – key chains, shot glasses and magnets – the museum provides a selection as unique as its mission: to educate the public about espionage and intelligence.
The shop has a wide array of books on espionage, conveniently divided by subject matter and historical context. Turn to the history rack to find spy books ranging from the period of the American Revolution (“Washington’s Spies: The Story of America’s First Spy Ring”) to World War II (“Tapping Hitler’s Generals”). Add a personal touch by browsing the author-autographed section, which includes titles such as “JFK’s Forgotten Crisis: Tibet, the CIA, and the Sino–Indian War.”
The rest of the shop’s exhibits are categorized by types of spies. There’s a James Bond stand, which features movie posters, shirts, art books and model cars of the famous Aston Martin DB5. Next, check out the ninja popup, which includes ninja dog tags ($6), headbands ($16), strategy card games ($13.50) and even a ninja-themed bib ($12).
Of course, be sure to pay homage to the city and look at some of the D.C.-themed items, like a fold out map ($4) of the city’s espionage-related locations, like the neighborhoods around the Russian Embassy or even the incidents at the “President’s Park.”
Readers’ pick: International Spy Museum
