What’s on your wish list this year?
The three co-workers and good friends exchange holiday gifts each year, and we asked them to share a few of the gifts they’ve given in the past. “I love to buy beauty products for friends that they’d never splurge on for themselves, like a holiday gift set with fun colors,” says Chen. “I love to give custom jewelry,” shares Marsh. “I gave my best friend a custom map necklace of her childhood neighborhood and now she always has a piece of ‘home’ close to her heart.” For Starling, it’s all about getting cozy: “I love to find a pair of cozy socks or a super-soft sweatshirt. My favorite is Lou & Grey Signaturesoft shirts and sweats.”
What’s your favorite NoVA holiday tradition?
Chen and Marsh love to explore Old Town, Alexandria around the holidays. “I love buying a cup of hot coffee and wandering around Old Town for an afternoon, stopping in the stores to pick up gifts and admiring the holiday displays,” says Chen. Echoes Marsh, “Checking out the Christmas tree and decorations in Old Town is the best.” For Starling, a mom of two (ages 4 and 6), “Our family’s favorite holiday tradition is to drive around with our girls to look at the decorations and play holiday music in the car!”
This post originally appeared in our December 2019 issue. For more life and style content, subscribe to our weekly newsletter, and for more holiday stories, head to our Holiday Headquarters page.
Gift Guide
Custom Map Jewelry: Turn your neighborhood into a necklace ($120). 
(Photo courtesy of vendor)Hello, Gorgeous Gift Set: Help her get some much-deserved pampering with this Lush gift set ($47.95).
Chillout Sweater: Night in or night out with the girls, Lou & Grey’s Signaturesoft line keeps you cozy ($59.99).
Beauty Steep Tea Bag Eye Masks: Depuff the peepers with these adorable eye masks ($30).
Argentta Spa Treatment: Splurge with an over-the-top treatment at Watergate’s luxurious spa (prices vary).
Organic Towels: A two-time cancer survivor launched this luxury towel line as part of her healthy lifestyle ($13-$75).
Spice Girls Spiral Notebook: This throwback notebook serves as a reminder that you’re never too old to run with a girl squad ($3.97).
CBD-Infused Drinking Botanicals Sampler Box: A healthy drink with a little extra relaxation? Sign us up ($40).
