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A two-story shop houses some of the most original ornaments you'll find, such as this Monet replica glass ball, $40.95.

Start with the Basics: Ornaments

After diving into the 2010 holiday-shopping guide for our November/December issue, I decided that D.C. has more options than the ones presented on the pages (and online, here).

So, starting today, I’ll be bringing you some fun choices for everyone else on your holiday shopping list several times a week. And hey, I won’t blame you if your shopping leads to a few stocking stuffers for yourself … ‘tis the season to give, right?

This early in the season is when holiday parties start happening, so it’s OK to give gifts that can be used throughout the coming months—specifically, until that holiday tree comes down. So where better to start than with ornaments?

The Christmas Attic, in Old Town Alexandria, Va., houses more fun ornaments than I’ve ever seen in a cozy store this size—two stories. It’s open all year round and carries much more than your traditional Jolly Old St. Nick and Frosty the Snowman. Here are some of my picks.

For the diva … Marilyn Monroe, $9.95

For the Picasso (or in this case, the Van Gogh) … Starry Night ornament, $46.95

For the baker … Holiday cupcake, $7.95

For the shutterbug … Camera Ornament, $8.95

For political junkies … Mount Snowmore, $35 and $50 depending on size.

The Christmas Attic, 125 S. Union St.; christmasattic.com.

Chloe Thompson is the assistant editor at Washington Flyer. Send her your comments and retail tips at cthompson@tmgcustommedia.com and follow her @ShoppingSavant.