Browsing museum shops

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Decatur House 1610 H St. NW. 800-555-2451. www.whitehousehistory.org .

Holiday Gift Guide

Present ideas for everyone on your shopping list.

Gallery

2012 holiday gift guide: Expert advice: A stress-free solution to the season’s quest for the perfect present? Recruit a task force of local notables, and ask them for their suggestions. And just in case our experts’ ideas miss the mark, we’ve added a few recommendations on what to get for all those on your list, including those difficult-to-buy-for music buffs, technophiles and foodies. — Janet Bennett Kelly

Renwick Gallery Store, Smithsonian American Art Museum

Take in the beauty of the Second Empire-style building with its 40-foot ceilings while browsing innovative items by American master craftsmen. Industrial artist Lara Knutson’s opalescent bracelet ($195), made of microscopic mirrors, will please cool, artsy types, while Michael Sosin’s blown-glass creamers ($58) and pitchers ($66) in cobalt or emerald with bejeweled handles offer a creative alternative to the bland selection found at big houseware emporia.

10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily. 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 202-633-1000. www.americanart.si.edu.

National Gallery of Art shops

You could probably check off your entire shopping list while strolling through the National Gallery’s 7,500 square feet of retail space in four shops. And you might be able to do it all without leaving the West Building. A sampling: pint-size magnolias ready to plant ($44), a culinary herb garden fetchingly boxed in bamboo ($45), art supplies for novices (Young Artist Learn to Paint Set, $20) and ornamented cloches ($75) and fedoras ($60). Be sure to pick up a Roy Lichtenstein pop-art hot dog luggage decal ($5.95). Keep the pint-sized (age 3 and up) entertained with the delightful and step-by-step instructional book, “I can draw animals” ($4.99). “Steal Like an Artist” ($10.95) will teach grown-ups a thing or two about how to be creative.

10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily. Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-737-4215. www.shop.nga.gov

And more ...

National Museum of the American Indian Store, Smithsonian Institution

Along with the Peruvian pillow covers and wall hangings are more wallet-friendly gifts for kids and home cooks. A children’s puzzle book with eight puzzles made up of images from the museum’s collection is $15.95, and the Mitsitam Cookbook with recipes from the eponymous cafe is $23.95.

10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily. Fourth Street and Independence Avenue S.W. 202-633-1000. http://nmai.si.edu/home/

Arthur M. Sackler
Gallery Shop

For the finicky fashionista, choose a Haori jacket ($75), constructed from pieces of recycled ’50s and ’60s kimonos. To see a greater selection, mark your calendar for a Nov. 30 trunk show at the Sackler.

10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. 1050 Independence Ave. S.W. 202-633-4880. http://www.asia.si.edu/

Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens Shop

Slightly off the beaten track but worth the trip. In conjunction with the current exhibit of paper dresses and gowns inspired by historic costumes at Marjorie Merriweather Post’s glamorous home, artist Isabelle de Borchgrave has designed a line of paper jewelry. Earrings in royal blue or burnt orange resembling antique jewelryare $28; paper scarves painted with gold to use as a shawl on a rain-free evening are $65.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. 4155 Linnean Ave. N.W. 202-686-5807. www.hillwoodmuseum.org

!Parting thought: Take a break from your artful shopping mission to treat yourself to some actual art. A Roy Lichtenstein retrospective, amazing avians or any of the above museums’ current exhibitions will refresh your eye and relax jangled nerves.

More form the 2012 Holiday Guide

Holiday activity listings

Gift ideas for everyone