Gift Guide: For the Last-Minute Shopper

No matter the size of your debit card balance, you can make it through the holidays and support causes and local artists by shopping at these stores.

• Fair Trade Winds 10420 North Street, 703-877-0577, Fairtradewinds.net

If there is someone in your life who has traveled the world, or simply dreams of visiting exotic locales, bring them something from Fair Trade Winds, a lovely shop near Panera Bread and Auld Shebeen in old Fairfax. It's a store that sells hand-crafted goods produced by people living in Africa, South America and Asia. The Fair Trade Federation – of which Fair Trade Winds is a member — agrees to pay craftsmen and women an honest wage for their work and reinvest profits into the communities where the artists live. 

At Fair Trade Winds, shoppers will find everything from charming, hand-made ornaments – from $10 — to a large selection of handmade jewelry – from the $10 to $50 — to beautiful, hand-dyed scarves in the $20 to $40 range, and selection of coffees and teas from around the world for about $8.50 apiece. The shop also sells clothes, household items and cookbooks. It's well worth a look.   

• The Deli 4074 Jermantown Road, 703-591-8511, www.thedeliva.com

If you are putting together a gift basket for a foodie, you want to stop in here. This old fashioned, aptly-named deli is unpretentious and inviting. Here you can find fine wines at a reasonable price, along with garlic-infused olive oil, imported Italian cookies, olives and good cheeses. The prices are reasonable, the staff is friendly, and you can grab a hearty, delicious sandwich for yourself on your way out.

• Twinbrook Card, Gifts, and Jeweler 9533 Braddock Road, 703-978-5435,www.twinbrookgifts.com

This store in a shopping center on the corner of Braddock and Twinbrook Road is exactly what it's named. It is a charming shop that sells collectibles, such as a small Willow Tree angel for around $12; Bridgewater candles for about $13; and all manner of ornaments – from Frank Sinatra to Garfield – for around $15 to $30.

• Second Chance Thrift Store 4055 Chain Bridge Road, 703-385-3064,www.hsfc.org/thrift_1.html

It's not always be appropriate to give secondhand items as gifts, but I love this thrift store for its convenient location, above-par and ever-changing selection, and the kind volunteers who work there. Plus, the money you spend goes to a good cause.

When I needed a party dress, I found the perfect, black wraparound here for $3, so look here before heading to a large chain store. It's likely that you'll find what you need for mere pocket change.