Skip the Shipping, Shop Small: Last-Minute Gift Ideas from The Hive

We’re getting down to the end of the holiday shopping season, and we’ve officially hit the point where it really makes sense to shop local. Of course, I think it always makes sense to shop local, especially if you want independently owned stores to stick around for 2026. It seems to be getting tougher these days. But beyond my appeal as a shop owner, shopping local is simply the most practical move right now. So many brands are sending out notifications that dates as early as December 11 are the last day to place an order that will arrive in time for Christmas. Basically, at this point, online shipping windows are closing fast, and who wants to go to a mall this time of year? Shopping local is just a more civilized, enjoyable way to get it done.

I thought I’d help by suggesting a few items that always work for people on your list. I’ve been doing this a long time, so I know the gifts that are consistently a home run.

I made sure to include a variety of price points and picks that work for all ages.

First up: Monbouquette Jewelry, especially the necklaces. We hosted the mother–daughter design duo in-store this fall, and it was a hit. All of their pieces move in some way. I have a daughter in college, so I think the Love Note Locket is perfect—you can slip a handwritten note inside to remind someone how much you miss them.

Next up: Clare V bags. They come in all shapes and sizes, so whether they need a work bag, a crossbody, or the bag of the moment—the shoulder bag—there’s truly something for everyone.

Another great line women of all ages love is MZ Wallace. They’re lightweight, great for travel, and come in so many fun colors.

Then, of course, Lizzie Fortunato organic hoop earrings in both sizes. We have great colors right now, and I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t love them.

If you’re afraid to pick a color in the Lizzie Fortunato hoops, then Jenny Bird jewelry is a great option. Their pieces are classic, clean, and easy to love.

Last but not least, anything Anine Bing. They have everything from coats to baseball hats and are definitely a cool-girl staple. Since they offer such a wide variety of items, you can find something at every price point, too. I’m a big fan of the graphic tees. Whenever I clean out my T-shirt drawer, I always keep my Anine Bing tees—right alongside my Bengals T-shirts, of course.

If you have any last-minute shopping, we’re here to help—and the best part: we gift-wrap, and there’s no shipping required.

Elizabeth Todd

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Owner | The Shoe Hive/The Hive

I spent the first part of my career as a copywriter who helped elected officials brag about their support for entrepreneurs. Then I decided to get off the printed page and do it myself. The Shoe Hive made a splash on the fashion scene in Washington, and was named the region’s best shoe store in its first year. Fourteen years later, I have tripled the store’s size and also opened a sister store, The Hive.  At The Hive, we offer clothing lines that are sophisticated and approachable like Rag & Bone, Tibi, Raquel Allegra, Ulla Johnson and Veronica Beard. We have tried to fill our racks with clothing you will want to wear all the time, elevated basics that are worth the investment.

www.theshoehive.com

The Shoe Hive/The Hive I 315 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 I 703.548.7110

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Holiday Gift Guide: For the Person Who Has Everything

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Traveling for the Holidays? Three Legal Documents Every Parent Should Pack