The World Crafted on King — Local services in Alexandria

I love this shop. It's my go-to shop for picking up gifts for both friends and strangers (for holiday gift exchanges). My very first experience here was a great one, so I come back as often as possible now.

I walked in here on a Sunday night at 5:50. The store closes at 6. After browsing the store for a few minutes, starting from the back, I worked my way up to the front of the store, and was kindly greeted by an employee. She asked if I needed help looking for anything, and I openly revealed my dilemma , "I'm searching for a Secret Santa gift, but I know absolutely nothing about the girl whose name I chose."

The wonderful employee gave me a nice tour of the jewelry section, since jewelry is always a safe bet. The employee (or really volunteer) told me which items were the best sellers, which items she had recently sold, etc. I ultimately went with a necklace with turquoise jewels on a silver chain.

I could never really tell whether or not the employee (volunteer) was being so helpful because she wanted me to exit the store sooner rather than later since they were closing soon, or if she was always so helpful. I'm convincing myself the latter is the case.

I also love that they have mini pieces of Divine Chocolate at the register for .25 cents. I can quickly satisfy by sweet cravings (which I always have) without...

This intimate shop is packed with HUGE selection! I didn't think I'd find as much as I did and the prices are AMAZING for what you're getting. I picked up a new face mask and it's one of the most comfortable I have. Four yr old is obsessed with the adorable fingerpuppet they picked out. I'm already eyeing some wine glasses there for next time. The owner is just so sweet and informative. Right next to Misha's, you should do yourself a favor...

I replenish my supply of coffee from this place fortnightly. It's a local non-profit that shares Ten Thousand Villages' branding. They carry an ever-changing variety of fairly traded products from developing countries. Worth the visit to choose something handcrafted, as a picture online doesn't do justice to the uniqueness of the items. Did I mention...