D.C. has plenty of gift options for those who are trying to figure out where to by the perfect item for that special someone. Check out the Capitol Gift Shop if you’re working long hours on the hill, or Co Co Sala if you work downtown. For a unique idea, tickets to Taste of the Nation could be ideal.

For the Capitol Hill Employee -

The Capitol Gift Shop (North and South)

So the holidays have snuck up on you once again and you have no time to run out to buy a gift for your boss, family, significant other? No worries, as a Capitol Hill employee (in any capacity) it is understandable that you would be extremely busy this time a year, and besides, you have a wealth of gift options located right in the Visitor’s Center. Located both on the North and South sides of the Capitol the gift shops offer great holiday gifts for anyone you happen to be shopping for; a large portion of which could be disguised as being purchased elsewhere. If you are unashamed of your last minute purchase you can gift one of the many Capitol tree ornaments, or one of the many other items which show great love for our nation’s headquarters. These items are perfect for any Capitol Hill boss, or boastful family member.

For those of you who would hide your forgetfulness, the Capitol gift shop offers “Capitol” inspired items including both Minton earrings and Tiffany’s China designed after the architecture of the building. They also have a beautiful collection of Martin Luther King Jr. inspired jewelry which emblazons some of his most famous words on various pieces.  For children the gift shop offers authentic parchment paper and quill pen, along with some of Peter Barnes’ D.C. themed picture books including Marshall, The Courthouse Mouse, Woodrow, the White House Mouse, and House Mouse, Senate Mouse, as well as many other options. One trip to the Visitor’s Center is sure to help you out with at least some of your last minute gift needs. If you cannot find what you need there and are still in a time crunch, perhaps an underground trip to the Library of Congress Shop will help as well. You can peruse their selection online at www.loc.gov/shop before making the long journey over.

For the rest of us -

Co Co. Sala
929 F St. NW, Washington, DC 20004 | 202-347-4265

Co Co. Sala, the local chocolate lounge and boutique has paired up with the famous Red Door Spa just in time for the Holiday Season. Co Co. Sala is offering numerous holiday gift packages that contain spa goodies as well as Co Co. Sala sweets. For under 100 dollars, you can treat someone special in your life to the “Sweet Spa Indulgence”  gift package which includes Red Door red nail polish, an aromatherapy eye pillow, Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Hand Cream, Dark Chocolate Enrobed Bacon Tube, Co Co. Sala signature bars box, a white chocolate snowflake, and a chocolate nutcracker. Other packages include items such as a $25 Co Co. Sala Gift Card or a Red Door Spa Manicure Gift Card. Prices range from $48 to $98 dollars. Additionally, Co Co. Sala is offering their own holiday baskets including the Co Co. “Christmas Breakfast” basket with Dark Chocolate Enrobed Bacon, Egg Nog Scones, an Espresso Bar, Co Co. Sala Coffee Mug, Java Chocolates and a White Chocolate Snowflake gift tag for $52.

These gift packages are ideal for the ever-working DCer who is in serious need of a break, or simply your avid chocolate lover. As we all know chocolate produces endorphins, endorphins make you happy, and we can all use some happiness this time of year! Packages can be purchased in person or by phone. Inquiries about package details can be made to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Taste of the Nation, Washington D.C.

During the Holiday Season it is important to remember what this time of year is truly all about.  While we are offering great ideas to give, it is also a good time to give back. Tickets to Taste of the Nation DC are a great way to do both. Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation is a national campaign which holds events across the U.S., raising the critical funds needed to end childhood hunger in America by the year 2015.  Taste of the Nation DC is being held Monday, April 12 at the National Building Museum and will feature a showcase of over 60 of the city's top chefs, restaurants and mixologists who are committed to eliminating childhood hunger in the neighborhood.  The event will also include a live DJ, mixology lessons, and the chance to win luxury auction items. Last's year’s DC event sold out and raised over $120,000 for local beneficiaries including; Capital Area Food Bank, DC Hunger Solutions and Mary's Center.  This holiday season, in support of the season of giving back, Taste of the Nation will be offering discounted ticket prices. All tickets will be ten percent off until December 31.

Tickets for this great event can be purchased on their website at www.tastofthenation.org. To receive the discount simply follow the directions for the DC event and the enter JINGLE in the promotional code field.