Souvenirs in Washington DC represent not just the essence and memories of your trip but also the nostalgia of it. Browse through different souvenir shops, gift shops and other shopping hubs to find the best souvenir of your trip to Washington DC.
Here is a curated list of the top 10 souvenirs in Washington DC:
1. Hope Diamond Necklace
Where to find: Museum of Natural History, 1000 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20560
Certainly not the real piece but the replica of a personified legend of a particular curse has been hugely popular among the tourists as well as locales not solely because of its beautiful and rare blue colour but mostly because of the story that surrounds it. Displayed at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, the diamond has its origin in the country of India, and is one of the most popular souvenirs in Washington DC. The story is that it was stolen from an idol and has since then been cursed through its journey from France, Britain, New York to Washington.
2. White House Christmas Ornament
Where to find: White House Visitor Centre, 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 20038
Commissioned annually by the White House to memorialize significant political and historical aspects of the country, the iconic Christmas ornament becomes one of the most popular souvenirs in Washington DC as well as collectable for tourists and locals. A political souvenir from the epicentre of the political functioning of the United States, the ornaments date back to 1981 and form an exciting and inspiring collection.
3. Washington DC Snow Globe
Where to find: 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW #190-602, Washington, DC 20004, United States
Beautiful glass globes housing particular iconic aspects of places accounts for one of the most common and easy souvenirs in Washington DC to bring back home for your loved ones. There is no specific place to buy these glass globes as souvenirs of Washington DC as most of the shops and vendors at tourist hotspots sell this common and iconic item. These globes in Washington are mostly models of the city carrying replicas of important venues like the White House, Washington Monument and other historical monuments. These affordable snow globes as souvenirs from Washington DC are quite realistic as well as aesthetically appealing. So, buy these snow globes to gift or to redecorate your mantle surfaces.
4. Lantern from Mount Vernon
Where to find: The Mount Vernon Shop, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Alexandria, VA 22309
A famous and iconic gift shop sits on the Mount Vernon Memorial Highway; The Mount Vernon Shop is a haven for the touristy shopping experience. The shop offers the best and unique local products and flavours to its patrons. The classic and colonial style black lantern sold here at the price of $ 40 becomes an aesthetic addition to the bag of souvenirs owned by the travellers. Ideal for the traditional yet modern interior decoration, these lanterns represent the traditional designs of Mount Vernon that are still used and celebrated by the locals.
5. Old American Memorabilia
Where to find: 1001 E St NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States
For those seeking politically and historically significant products as souvenirs so that it reminds them of the place’s functioning and structure, Washington offers a range of Old American Memorabilia like antique maps, currency sheets, neighbourhood prints, beer cases, old tap equipment, old books, statues of presidents, ancient flyers and stamps. These are the items that you cannot find anywhere else. These remain unique to the particular places and hence can be considered as the most thoughtful, easy and yet unique souvenirs.
6. Blue Canton China
Where to find: The Mount Vernon Shop, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Alexandria, VA 22309
The replicas of the original porcelain china used by Martha Washington as the everyday china at Mount Vernon account for the most luxurious and useful souvenir from Washington DC. The five-piece setting of dinner plates, tea sets, dessert bowls, cups and saucer in authentic blue and white design was originally imported from the city of Canton in China. It was embellished with scenes of mountains, Chinese pagodas (tiered towers) and rivers. These replicas try to mirror the authentic designs and patterns while aesthetically adding to the beauty of your dinner arrangements. Add layers to your crockery collection by adding individual pieces from the collection or by buying the entire set. The entire setting costs $ 210 but you can buy individual pieces at varied prices depending upon the concerned item. This Chinese yet American styled china is surely a beautiful and useful souvenir for yourself or as a gift for your loved ones.
7. Supreme Court Cufflinks
Where to find: The Supreme Court Gift Shop, One First Street, NE, Washington DC 20543
Featuring the gold and blue seal of the United States Supreme Court, the cufflinks here at the gift shop can be one of the most unique gifts or souvenirs of Washington DC for yourself as well as for your loved ones. The gold-plated seal is embellished with an eagle carrying a shield and a banner reading the phrase “E Pluribus Unum” (“Out of the many, one”). The phrase represents the official motto of the United States. They are priced at $ 65 for you to own these classic and striking cufflinks and can proudly flaunt these as your souvenir from the trip to Washington DC.
8. Virginia Peanuts
Where to find: Whole Foods Market, 2700 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201
Famous as the gourmet variety of peanuts, the Virginia peanuts are identified as larger kernels. These peanuts are best suited for snacks rather than for peanut butter because of their large sizes. Making the Virginia Peanuts a noteworthy souvenir from Washington DC because of its crunchiness and gourmet nature. So, for the next time that you are crossing Washington DC don’t forget to travel an extra mile to get yourself and your loved ones these delicious souvenirs in tins.
9. Gargoyle Statue
Where to find: Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20016
These statues symbolising the evil in the world which needs to be fought by the faith in almighty becomes an inspiring and quite mystical souvenir to bring from Washington DC. Inspired and replicated from the statues at the National Cathedral, these statues are priced flexibly as it depends on the size and quality of the item. Amidst all the everyday use souvenirs from the mainstream and popular categories, these mythical replicas establish themselves as a unique and meaningful item for those who believe in its legend. And for those who don’t, the replicas represent the brilliance of Gothic architecture in all its glory.
10. White House Medallion Glass or Mug
Where to find: 525 Morse St NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States
These Souvenirs are quite diverse as you can also buy various other merchandise with slogans, neighbourhood prints and local humour. There are thousands of tacky T-shirts and décor available for you to leisurely buy on the streets of Washington DC at affordable costs. With catchy slogans and local humour, the T-shirts can be embellished with phrases like “FBI: Female body Inspector” and “Osama Bin Laden: Dead” making it not the ideal but fun and quirky souvenir to carry back home.
Have we missed out on any of your favourite souvenirs in Washington DC to take back home? Let us know in the comments below!