It’s the holiday season, so that means you’re on the search—possibly at the last minute—for gifts for friends and family. Over the course of the next few weeks, we’re going to dig up the D.C.-made and D.C.-themed gifts that we’d love to get—and would be sure to give. If anything catches your eye that you think would be worth including, feel free to send it along.
Love it or hate it, Metro is part of our daily lives. And while most residents don’t associate to specific Metro lines or stops the way that their counterparts in other cities might, there’s still some pride associated with having the second-busiest public transit system in the country.
>> One of the most iconic elements of the Metro system is its map. But instead of trying to steal one from a train—which is strongly discouraged—why not buy one that’s embroidered? Alternatively, there’s a painted map (without station names), a quilt pattern, coasters, magnets, envelopes, necklace, notebook, shower curtain, Christmas tree ornament, tie, and a pendant.
>> We’re all used to using our SmarTrip cards to get on and off Metro, but there was a time that tokens were transit currency. For $20 you can buy earrings made out of real 1973 Metro tokens; three types of cufflinks are also available for the guys. Also available: a Metro token necklace.
>> If you want to wear your Metro pride more literally, consider a t-shirt: you can get one of the standard Metro logo, or you can be even more specific and choose a station name. There’s even a hoodie and a polo shirt, if that’s your type of thing. If you want to make a political statement—or just hate your commute—opt for the Unsuck D.C. Metro t-shirt.
>> We don’t see paper farecards much anymore, but you can permanently memorialize the things with this floursack towel emblazoned with an image of a farecard.
Check out the rest of our Capital Gifts series, which so far has included D.C. map pillows, D.C. soap, a D.C. shaped cutting board, drinking glasses etched with a D.C. map, D.C. map earrings, a (totally legal) make-it-yourself gin kit, and books on or about D.C.
Martin Austermuhle