Wake-Up Little Suzie

This past Saturday was my first time in this store and after the snarky attitudes of the salespersons, it goes without saying that I will not be back. I was greeted by a young lady when I first entered the store, but after that not one person offered to assist me or even asked what I was looking for. It is also interesting that the caucasian patrons received much more attention than I. To test my theory, when a caucasian man exited the store, the «friendly» male salesperson told him to have a great day. However, when I exited the store… NOTHING…not one word. I was flabbergasted. Needless to say, I will NEVER return to this establishment and will not recommend this place to anyone. If my money isn’t good enough for you, I will take my business elsewhere. It seems that this particular «gentleman» has a history of being rude, arrogant, and snobbish… not surprising. There was also a middle-​aged woman (I’m guessing she was the owner) who thought I didn’t know I was looking at men’s socks… she said to me and I quote, «Oh, the women’s socks are on the other side of the table.» Had she asked me what I was shopping for, she would’ve known I was looking for a gift! Unbelievable!

The items offered are quirky, fun, and unusual, but the staff, primarily the male salesperson, are not friendly or welcoming at all. I even wanted to go back and buy something, but decided against it because of their attitude. They need to be aware of this problem.

Was about to buy something today but walked away after witnessing the male owner’s rudeness once again. In the past it has been toward patrons (eg. Snidely said, «No, I don’t have a pen you can use to write in your card with.»), but this time it was toward a homeless man who walked into his store: «You need to get out of here right now.» I’m not sure how or why this store stays in business. If you have a social conscience, don’t shop here.

I love this little locally owned store; it has so much personality and spirit! I’ve found some fantastic jewelry and unique gift items for friends and family at Wake Up Susie’s. I finished up my holiday shopping and felt confident that I had purchased some really special and thoughtful gifts for those hard-​to-​buy-​for folks in my life

I’ve been shopping here ever since I moved to DC. It’s one of my all-​time favorite gift shops anywhere.
The jewelry is fantastic, and handmade — Sue usually will tell you the artist who makes each piece. She also provides honest feedback on how pieces look on different people, which I find really helpful.
I just did a lot of holiday shopping here for most of my holiday gifts– the wide range of items makes it easy to get cool gifts here for almost anyone. I highly, highly recommend.

This is one of few stores that was here when I moved into CP in 1992, and is actually still here, which is sayiing something on the CT Avenue «strip.»
To me, stores like this are either worthless, or (in rare cases) brilliant, and this is the latter to be sure. I stop by regularly for their excellent selection of greeting cards and Christmas cards, some of which are actually made in the USA. There is also nice wrapping paper of much better quality than in regular stores.
This store can solve just about any gift-​buying dilemna, be it for your friend’s daughter’s high school graduation, going away present for your former boss, or something fun to briing your nieces when going to visit at Easter. I try to talk to Sue directly, but her staff is just as helpful.
There are also useful items «for you» too. I can always find stylish, yet reasonably priced «off the shelf» reading glasses.
Wake-​Up LIttle Suzie is one of Cleveland Park’s best stores, even after 22 years of shopping here, there’s always something new to find there…

There are cute gifts here but a man who works there is very unfriendly :(
I was going to buy something then I left because he was being very rude

Great place to pick up a quirky little gift and a card.
Things can be a bit pricey but the variety and uniqueness is worth it!
I love how they decorate for the holidays, always a pleasant surprise to walk by the window.
They carry a lot of cute jewelry by different designers.

Not what I would consider a great selection, but then again the store might just not be my style. Definitely overpriced though.

The jewelry selection here is what makes this knick-​knack store stand out. I really loved the variety of styles, materials, and prices.
There are other great gift ideas in the housewares and accessories realm. There’s a smaller kids/​baby area, too.
You can find great gifts here for people of all ages!

This store is adorable. They have a variety of knickknacks at all price levels for your perusal and enjoyment.
There isn’t much rhyme or reason to what is here or to how it is organized. However, everything that is here is very unique and cool. Items available include more practical things, like unique cards and candles, fun and unique books and children’s toys, and whimsical things such as a small wind up monkey that flips over or an owl wallet. Some of it is quirky, some of it is beautiful, and all of it is fun to look through.
4 stars instead of 5 for the lack of organization and the cramped feel of the store, as well as the fact that some of the items there seem a bit marked up. However, I make this a sop whenever I’m in the immediate area and I never leave empty-​handed. You won’t regret going inside.

Such a sweet, eclectic gift shop. Last week, I was walking through DC’s Cleveland Park neighborhood and stumbled upon this store on my stroll back to the hotel. From gorgeous handmade jewelry to funky pottery, I picked up some lovely holiday gifts for the hard-​to-​shop-​for ladies in my life. The earrings and necklaces in particular were just stunning (especially the nature inspired silver pieces). I also had a wonderful time chatting with the employees. Really wish we had a store like this around Hartford.
Oh, and the ornament selection! A foodie’s paradise — barbecue ornaments, sushi, cupcakes — the works. Supa cute.

Fun, funky, interesting gift shop with an assortment of options for infants to adults! It’s one of my fave shops of this kind in the district.
Random sampling of items includes: a crossword puzzle wall clock (one of many artsy wall clocks), a palm-​sized bottle opener that looks like a WWF wrestling mask, classy candle holders, jewelry, eco-​friendly lotions and soaps, what appears to be a fist-​sized wooden cube that — surprise! — displays the time on one side when you clap, children’s books, unusual coin purses, a pair of people formed from metal wire holding a salt and pepper shaker, and old records reshaped into bowls. In other words, this place is small but there is a LOT to see!
Fun store to browse, and great for unique gifts for friends.
Note: There’s a $ 10 credit card minimum (I’m pretty sure? possibly $ 15?), and they only accept Visa, Mastercard and AmEx.

This nice little Cleveland Park store has fun and funky gifts, many of which are unique compared to similar stores that are proliferating around DC. Items for sale run from home furnishings to kitsch (including clocks and tableware) to books, calendars, games, and toys. There’s even a small section with clothes. (I especially liked their creative wool hats, which are in the shape of critter/​creature heads.) There’re some kid-​friendly things, but this is mostly a place for gifts for adults.

Yes, this place isn’t cheap. However, I can always find unique and interesting gifts that surprise friends and family. A lot of what they have in here out of the ordinary but is so great… just really creative. Also, a great place for baby gifts and for artists/​creative types. A hard to shop for friend? Go here. It’s not an overly huge shop but I can spend hours here… love it.

Fabulous shop! If you’re looking for the perfect card, gift or something small for yourself, Wake-​Up Little Suzie is the place to go! Everyone loves the gifts I purchase from this shop and I just love looking around and browsing at all of the cute items. I noticed they were also just featured in the «Best of» Washingtonian issue for Best Gift Shop! Definitely stop in… it’s a gem.

Gotta say I think it’s a little over-​priced compared to other stores of its kind. The people that work here are pretty fun though.

An absolutely spectacular store for cool and funky and off the beaten track things.
Old LPS reformed into bowls and vases and mirrors? Check !
Lots of fun ornaments, gifts, clothing and accessories? Check !
Great helpful staff who can help you find what you want.
Most gift problems solved here.

This is a great little store. They have interesting goods, ranging from serious items like picture frames and jewelry, to fun ones like $ 1 Obama bills. But even the traditional items in the store aren’t boring and ordinary — usually everything is pretty unique and uncommon, a.k.a. very cool. I don’t always find what I’m looking for, but I always find something I like for someone… anndd sometimes myself (e.g., the mini black faux-​patent leather purse I bought for myself instead of getting a b-​day gift for a friend… whoops!).

I was at a birthday party not long ago where one of the gifts came out and it was so off the wall, I said to the giver, did you get that at Wake Up Little Suzie? And yes she did!
This is one of those places that you go because you need something special, something different, something wonderful that you know you will not find anywhere else. There are very few gift shops that are like this.
This is not one of those places that the little old ladies find the same gifts they have been giving for years. This place always has an interesting selection of gifts and cards. Lots of baby stuff too — as it does tend to cater to the female shopper. But guys are not left out!
Today I went in for a Yodeling Pickle and of course they had them, so I got two! Where else are you going to find a yodeling Pickle?

O.K., WULS: You passed the test. I returned as promised (see review below) and was so wowed by the customer service that I was compelled to reverse my former verdict. The gift items are still verging on genius: e.g., a miniature travel clock with a pretty sketch of the White House as the backdrop, and with Obama’s head moving clockwise (of course) as the second hand, called «Barack around the clock.» Wonderful. And the guy there was extremely helpful. Susan is still her surly self but she is a brilliant finder-​of-​unusual-​things from around the country and around the world. So, bravo, guys, for stepping up your customer service!

If you’re into quirk, this is the place to go. Every time I need a good card or gift for someone I go here. Guaranteed, you will find something that will make someone smile. They carry things like bacon band-​aids, PYLONES brand Items if you’re a fan, great cards, pretty jewelry, and nice kitchen and dining items that would be tough, maybe even impossible to find somewhere else.
But here’s the catch… the staff is very hot and cold. Either they’re super-​friendly and will chat you up or they’re downright surly. This is a big deal to me. If you want me to buy something, be nice! It might make me spend an extra few dollars.
The prices are not awesome, but then again, most of their stuff is artisan-​crafted or purchased from unique vendors. It makes the prices understandable but still not fun. For instance, a beanie cap for a newborn that I bought was $ 11, a glass olive oil bottle in the shape of a daschund was $ 45ish, giant ear bud speakers were $ 50 when I’ve seen them online for $ 40.
I will keep going back, but will always wonder how I’ll be treated when I go in.