Looking for a new way to tackle your holiday shopping? Museum shops can be a fun alternative to browsing online megastores or facing crowds at the mall. You can use the gift-giving season as an opportunity to explore and support some of the D.C. area’s outstanding cultural institutions by purchasing gifts from local museums.
Since each shop’s merchandise is carefully curated to reflect the museum’s unique collections, you’ll find a distinctive selection of unusual and creative items, making museum shops an ideal place to find something special for everyone on your list from tots to teens and parents, too!
For the Littles
Museum shops have fun toys, unique books and huggable plushies for your little ones.
- Dress your baby in an I’m a Work of Art Onesie from the National Gallery of Art’s shop. The shop also has a great selection of artful toys including the Renoir, The Dancer Crocheted Doll.
- Kids will love Palimals, an adorable collection of cute and colorful wooden toy animals from The Phillips Collection shop, as well as the crocheted Miffy doll inspired by the beloved children’s book character.
- Check out the Komatsu Excavator Plush Toy from the National Building Museum’s shop for your construction-obsessed child who will enjoy cuddling with their very own soft and snuggly construction vehicle.
- The National Postal Museum’s plush Owney the Dog toy is a loveable, furry companion and the museum shop’s toy U.S. Postal Service Mail Truck is a fun addition to any toy transportation collection. For older kids, The Great American Mail Race board game makes a great family game night challenge.
- Your whole family will love A is for All the Things You Are: A Joyful ABC Book, a colorful board book by the National Museum of African American History & Culture, celebrating human diversity and the uniqueness of every person.
For the Foodie
From unique recipe books to elegant tableware, museum shops have the perfect gift for the culinary connoisseur in your life.
- The Julia Child Recipe Keeper from the National Museum of American History’s shop is perfect for saving recipes and includes a brief biography of Julia Child along with her classic Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.
- Gourmet gurus will delight in delectable chocolates by the Harlem Chocolate Factory from the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s store. The store also carries a delicious, fruity Front Porch herbal tea blend by Blue’s Coffee & Tea, a D.C.-based, minority-owned business committed to sustainable sourcing. For more from Blue’s Coffee & Tea, check out the Ruby Marguerite Rooibos blend made exclusively for Hillwood Estate, Museum & Garden’s shop.
- The vibrant, colorful Midnight Garden Floral Salad Plate Set from the National Gallery of Art features details from a still-life painting by Flemish artist Clara Peeters.
For the Science Enthusiast
Whether your kid is infatuated with dinosaurs, or your teen is a total techie, museum shops have the perfect gifts for your science-minded family members.
- The International Spy Museum Store has a wealth of gadgets for the technophile like the Ultralight Camera Drone and Spy X Night Mission Goggles.
- Your little superhero is going to save the world in their Climate Action Hero Cape from the National Children’s Museum. Children can take the museum’s online quiz to discover their climate action superpower and learn ways to fight climate change.
- The Smithsonian Mega Science Lab Kit from the National Museum of Natural History is full of scientific hands-on fun including a dino dig, a crystal growing kit and mini eco dome.
- The Dinosaurs! VR Kit from the National Museum of Natural History’s shop lets you explore prehistoric creatures in lifelike detail with an interactive book and virtual reality goggles.
For the Art Lover
For the artist in your family, museum shops offer a tremendous selection of artmaking kits, handmade crafts and art-inspired fashion.
- Kids can get creative with the Funny Freaks 3D Coloring Kit from The Phillips Collection shop, with picture boards, markers, and 3-D glasses included.
- Sidewalk art just got a little fancier with Insectarium Sidewalk Chalk Sets from Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens.
- The National Building Museum’s shop has a variety of kits for the creatively inclined, including an Airplane Origami Kit and Frank Lloyd Wright Paint By Number Kit.
- For the fashionista on your list check out The Textile Museum’s Artisans Gallery where you’ll find gorgeous, culturally authentic, handmade textiles from around the world including the Double-Sided Silk Kalamkari Scarf, Silk Velvet Ikay Clutch and Cotton Potli Bag with Tassels.
- Many art museum shops also carry stunning jewelry such as the Indigo Coil Earrings from the Renwick Gallery’s shop, the Aqua Water Lily Leaf Necklace from The Phillips Collection shop and Kinetic Art Earrings from the National Gallery of Art.
For the Parents
For the parent who needs a little rest and relaxation, museum shops have the perfect items for a cozy day at home.
- When you need a few moments to yourself, the ornate Do Not Disturb Sign from Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is the perfect way to send the message with a little bling.
- Lounge at home in comfort and style with brightly colored Alma Thomas: Tiptoe Through the Tulips, Pajama Pants from the National Gallery of Art.
- Cozy up with a warm cup of soothing of tea in the National Building Museum’s Magisso Tilting Teacup, specially designed so that you can brew your tea directly in the cup. Or enjoy your tea in the striking and elegant Sheila Bridges tea set from the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Don’t forget about museum memberships!
With all your holiday shopping, you may want to become a member at your favorite museum. Not only is it a great way to get discounts on all your holiday purchases, it’s also a fun experience gift for the whole family.
Rebecca Singer is an educator, mom and museum professional with over 20 years’ experience designing fun, cultural events and activities for kids and families. She lives in the Washington, D.C. area with her husband and daughter.
