‘Tis the season for gift-giving, but instead of flocking to Amazon for all your shopping needs, consider a stop at your neighborhood bookstore or holiday market. As Sixth & I’s Rabbi Shira Stutman told DCist: “In this world of online and big-box shopping, where we spend our money matters.”

Not sure where to start? Don’t fret. We asked 18 D.C. personalities what Washington vendors they turn to each year—and why. This is what they said. Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.

José Andrés, chef, philanthropist

I love the Downtown Holiday Market in Penn Quarter. There are always so many good gift ideas from local artists. One of my favorites is Marcella Kriebel, she does these amazing watercolors of foods and drinks, and she has an incredible illustrated book of Cuban cuisine, Comida Cubana—it is a perfect gift for anyone who loves Cuban food and beautiful paintings!

Pops Mensah-Bonsu, general manager of Capital City Go-Go

Mambo Sauce! It’s special because you can only find it in D.C. and used to be able to only find it at carryout stores. The best part about it is that no one really knows what’s in it, but it’s an absolute D.C. staple.

Muriel Bowser, mayor of D.C.

A set of candles from Willow and a scarf from Shop Made in D.C. When Washingtonians take risks and open small and local businesses, they then hire local and spend local. Small and local businesses are the backbone of our economy, they represent the creativity and culture of our city, and I am proud to support their work.

Elizabeth Acevedo, poet, National Book Award winner

A book of poems from either East City Books or Mahogany Books, or a nice article of clothing from Nubian Hueman at the Anacostia Arts Center. All three of the above mentioned vendors are knowledgeable and friendly—they make finding finding a gift easy. Plus, all three business are women and/or black owned.

Kojo Nnamdi, host of WAMU 88.5’s Kojo Nnamdi Show

I’m not exactly sure what I’ll get, but I know where I’d get it: Zawadi gift shop on U Street. What’s uniquely Washington about it is Zawadi has been on U Street for more than three decades—owned and operated by one woman. Though it mostly features art, sculpture, and gifts made in Africa, it’s a completely D.C. secret shopping space. (Disclosure: I am a producer at The Kojo Nnamdi Show.)

Karl Racine, Attorney General for D.C.

For D.C.-specific gifts, I’d buy loved ones gift certificates to Ben’s Chili Bowl or The Red Hen. For D.C.-focused apparel that is created by an extraordinary group of entrepreneurs, I’d buy shirts and apparel from Check It Enterprises (either at their store on Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue in historic downtown Anacostia, or online). I’m a foodie. I live near Ben’s original location, and it is, of course, old school D.C. eats with great food for fair value —but also an institution that represents the best of our city. The Red Hen, meanwhile, is one of my favorite new-school D.C. eat spots, and offers delicious Italian-influenced food in a warm and cozy setting that embraces its Bloomingdale neighborhood. Check It, meanwhile, literally grew out of a street gang of LGBTQ kids who banded together to protect themselves. But, starting in 2009, their members decided to channel their energy into something more positive—as a fashion start-up and a safe space for new generations of LGBTQ kids. I love that!

Morgan Hungerford West, founder of A Creative DC

I have had MAJOR gifting success with commissioned, illustrated portraits of friends and family (and, um, sometimes myself). So many amazing artists in this city and the DMV. In the last year or so, I’ve worked with artists Nia Keturah Calhoun and Halsey Berryman—and I’m in the market for both a Yen Mooi and a Tenbeete Solomon original. Three words: Local. Art. Selfie.

Reese Waters, host of WUSA9’s Get Up D.C.

Let’s Go-Go Christmas, a Christmas album of go-go renditions of traditional holiday carols. It’s a rare combination of traditional, iconic, local, and irreverent. It even includes the Godfather himself, Chuck Brown.

Charlotte Clymer, Press Secretary for the Human Rights Campaign

D.C. has so many great options for gifts, but if I have to choose one, it’s a great read at either East City Bookshop or Capitol Hill Books, both in Eastern Market. I love giving the folks in my life the perfect book, and D.C. is particularly rich with independent bookstores. It’s crucial we support local businesses. In my area of town, you go to East City Bookshop for newer titles and Capitol Hill Books for seasoned reads. Both are comfortable and lovely. They make you feel at home.

Diane Rehm, host of NPR’s On My Mind

I don’t necessarily look for local “D.C.” gifts. I shop for something I think the individual will truly enjoy. But frankly, gift-giving is getting harder and harder to do. More and more, people say, “Please, don’t give me anything other than your love and friendship.”

Hannah Oliver Depp, owner of Loyalty Bookstores

Gordy’s Pickle Jar: They’re utterly delicious, made in Petworth, and who buys gourmet pickles for themselves? Not enough people, that’s who. Folks often find themselves hooked, however, after eating a jar. For my fellow nerds, artists, and obsessive planners, I love to share the beautifully crafted office supplies made by Appointed.

Mary Louise Kelly, host of NPR’s All Things Considered

A class pass at Down Dog Yoga, $25, or wine club at Bacchus Wine in Georgetown, $75/month. Down Dog is a D.C. institution. I always run into neighbors, Hill staffers, and fellow reporters sweating on the mats beside me. You emerge feeling reinvigorated to face whatever the day’s news cycle brings. If yoga fails to get you through the news maelstrom, booze might help. Bacchus is our favorite neighborhood wine shop. What’s not to like about letting the lovely owner, Bassam, pick out a tasting trio of three wines to kick off the new year?

Richard Reyes-Gavilan, executive director of D.C. Public Library

Anything from the Ruth Bader Ginsburg collection at Urban Dwell in Adams Morgan. I take my Secret Santa responsibilities very seriously and I expect to make someone very happy with maybe some RBG books, shot glasses, action figures, you name it. She’s the best. Urban Dwell is one of my favorite stores in the city. I get half of my holiday shopping done there (and the rest at Calvert-Woodley Fine Wines and Spirits).

Svetlana Legetic, co-founder of Brightest Young Things

First, a George Pelecanos Book from Kramerbooks (Uptown is the latest one, but Turnaround is a personal favorite). I am a massive murder mystery fan and feel they make for perfect wintertime gifts—a great time to just curl up. And Pelecanos writes about D.C. more vibrantly, and with a better eye/ear than most others. Second, a great De Nada Scarf or Mallory Shelter Jewelry from Steadfast Supply or Shelter. Both Virginia and Mallory are incredibly skilled craftspeople with a wonderful eye for design. Plus, you know, support local, female owned businesses ALWAYS.

Shira Stutman, Senior Rabbi of Sixth & I

First, I’d head to any independent bookstore and pick up any of the awesome books about D.C. by Emily Pearl Goodstein and Beth Kanter. Then, I’d go to Pleasant Pops and get some gift certificates for popsicles, locally-made treats, or other goodies. Finally, I’d go to Lettie Gooch for clothes and accessories, maybe a candle or two.  I like to support female- and minority-owned businesses and those that work hard to protect their workers’ rights, like the ones above. Emily and Beth’s books have taught me about D.C. places I never knew about, even though I grew up here. Having a cookies ‘n cream popsicle makes me feel like it’s summer even in the middle of Chanukah. And I challenge you to find clothes more comfy than the ones at Lettie Gooch!

Alisha Ramos, founder/CEO of Girls’ Night In

My favorite spots for gifts are Little Leaf and Ivy Wild Beauty. Plants make everyone’s day so much brighter, and Little Leaf has a cute array of succulents and easy-to-care-for plants! As a bonus, they also have cute cards and stationery that would make great stocking stuffers. I’m also getting more into clean beauty and Ivy Wild has a great curated selection. I recently got the PYT eyeshadow palette, and Kosas lipstick that I’m obsessed with.

Alexandra Petri, Washington Post columnist

Let me begin with the caveat that I am the world’s worst gift-giver and every year for years I gave my grandparents vodka and scratch-off lottery tickets. I gifted my husband a taxidermied rat sculpture. As a consequence, I am just suggesting D.C. things I love to almost creepy extents in the hopes one of them will align with your recipient’s gift preferences! People like food, I think, and newsprint makes a good wrapping paper for other, more thoughtful gifts! A gift certificate to Das or Chercher is a ticket to heaven! And both do takeout! (Disclosure: I am such a regular at Das that they are concerned about me if more than a week passes in which I don’t order Gored Gored to go, which is maybe a sad referendum on my life). If your recipient doesn’t like food adventures, try visiting them with beer or spirits! I love D.C. Brau. Or if you want to explore the other DC universe, you can get a stellar recommendation of a comic book from Fantom Comics, which has the most welcoming and knowledgeable staff around and will point you to the thing you didn’t know you wanted. (Disclosure: Occasionally, Fantom Comics even lets me and my playwrights’ collective host a fanfiction read-aloud night, which I think is just more proof of what a cool place they are). Or get them a gift certificate to Peter Chang’s! (Disclosure: I have literally taken up rock climbing because it creates an excuse to be near the Peter Chang’s in Rockville). Or get them a pie or a series of cupcakes from Baked & Wired or a Baked Joint. (Disclosure: I am so devoted to their onion quiche that I ate it within hours of getting married, a high-risk move). Oh wait, I should have said, get them a Post Subscription. If you don’t give it, you don’t get it. (Disclosure: I work for the Post).

Rose Previte, co-owner of restaurants Maydan and Compass Rose

I love to give the gift of anything Gordy’s Pickles, especially their canned brine. Edible things are obviously my favorite things to gift people. The brine is unique and I usually include Gordy’s Bloody Mary mix along with some fun glassware from Salt and Sundry. If I really, really like you then I’m going to Mallory Shelter Jewelry in Union Market and getting you a pair of my all-time favorite gold hoop earrings. All the gifts and places I mentioned are female-owned, D.C. grown businesses. Everything I mentioned is super high-quality, but also created and made with a lot of passion and pride. I know these women and couldn’t be happier to support them whenever I can. The holidays are an extra easy time to do so, but I love to support them all year long.