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Wait, What Day is it?
Has procrastination gift giving got you down? Stressed about the upcoming shopping marathon? Don’t worry, I’ve got a few things that will put some ease into your last minute shopping ideas and support RVA!
It gets harder and harder each year to make those last minute holiday gift ideas happen. I decided to share some of my local favorites to consider for your gift giving ideas that are unique, thoughtful and most of all support our local RVA businesses. Have a peek…
Coffee, Tea, and Libations
The most important part of waking up is some high octane coffee in your cup. Everyone drinks, but not everyone partakes or wants to partake in adult beverages so check these out.
Local Coffee Gift Boxes from Color Wheel Coffee or Blanchards. Both also have subscription services to consider as a nice stress free gift idea. Some people would rather drink tea while spilling the Tea and a really nice “group” gift to get is some time in the T-Caf tea room. If you are looking for something to satisfy those who decided 2023 will be a sobering experience, you can put a nice gift basket with elixirs, bitters, and flavorful N/A beer choices from Ceremony or Point 5.
Baked Goods
RVA has so many good bakeries, but I will say I have discovered some fantastic new local delectables. Who doesn’t love a sweet treat every once in a while? My favorites are all self-starter, female owned businesses who launched their brick and mortars after success during Covid. I cannot say enough about Ellyn Hopper’s Fat Rabbit. She’s innovative and creates absolutely delectable goods. Veteran, Author, and Women’s Advocate, Rebekah Lynn Pierce owns Maggie’s Cupcake Cafe. She makes the most yummy goodies that will remind you of grandma’s house on Sundays. Her pies are on point! She delivers the goods and does it with a smile! Lastly, hair stylist turned baker and badass Mom, Chastity Hise along with husband, Russell opened Pies and Cakes bringing the sweet and the savory. Who doesn’t love cake and pizza! All these are worth the order and who couldn’t use a little help during special occasions? It’s a sweet gift to give friends, co-workers, and clients!
Hair Joy
Look, getting your hair done is always a fun thing. Who doesn’t love going to get pampered and then looking fantastic after? You can’t go wrong with a gift certificate to their favorite barber or hair salon. I suggest the ladies over at Rooted Hair Company, Miss Kai Block is my favorite colorist in town! A fun cut for them from Carrie at Gorilla Hair Garage is a great way to give them a fresh look, she does great kid cuts too! Guys, going to the barber can be a good time for you too, get them a nice cut and shave from Barber Of Hell’s Bottom or Mike Blendz’s.
Sassy Sauce
Now I am privileged to know some amazing chefs in town and also people who just know good flavor when they taste and make it. A really great stocking stuffer or a gift that keeps on giving are my sauce guys, Justin Cropper of Espoleta RVA and SoSS owner Tommy Tyrell know how to bring the flavor with their signature hot sauces. They have both worked real hard to bring their condimental creations to the masses.
Artful Sentiments
RVA has the MOST talented artists. Why not give them something unique and special, made just for them? Katie McBride is one of my favorites and she does RVAcentric pieces. Alix Petrie’s pieces are fun to get lost in and will look good in any home. You can find some of her artwork now at Eric Schindler Gallery. Get them some session time with Mia Artz Photography. What a great gift to give to those wanting to capture a moment in time and for a real wow experience, check out Melody Smith Portrait Gift Vouchers. I cannot tell you how amazing they will feel or opt for a couples portrait and create an heirloom piece for your home and family. And lastly, Dave Moore has always been a favorite of mine and his dreamlike art will look fantastic in any office or home space.
Experiences
I love giving experiences to my giftees. From cooking lessons to jumping out of planes, gifts that create memories are always great. Consider giving them some time at the wheel at Clayground Studio, they can make their own gifts or just enjoy a fun time creating and learning. Music lessons from a menagerie of musicians in the city, including Bravo Music Academy. Dance lessons are always fun too! Gift Certificates are always available at most locations. The Salsa Guy can teach anyone how to shake those hips! Maybe look into the AirBnB experiences or if they are on the cosmic side of things, a natal chart or tarot reading is affordable and fun. Season tickets to The Richmond Kickers is a great way for them to hang out with the locals and cheer their team to victory! Concert tickets are always fun to get as well!
Not Sure?
Yes, sometimes it’s tough, but sometimes the simplest things are the best gifts. I love a GC for my favorite grocery store. Give them some luck by getting them a FREE Rewards Card to Rosie’s Gaming and a $20 credit. Check out local gift shops like Alma’s RVA and Brookland Park Flowers and Gifts or Mongrel in Carytown.
Obviously these are just a few suggestions for last minute gifts. The most important thing is that while thinking about giving gifts, think about gifting RVA with your support for the local businesses in our beautiful city. I’ve seen so many “CLOSED” signs around town, it breaks my heart. So, let’s support our own and help these small business stay around a lot longer. Good shopping to you and happy holidays!
RVA Holiday Gift Ideas
Not sure what to get them? Check out these unique and fun gifts from your favorite RVA businesses.
Nobody likes to admit our flaws, but I have to admit, I am a terrible procrastinator. I tend to have an extra dose of it during the holidays and I think it’s because I stress on my gift giving abilities (Will they like it? Is this too expensive? Do I have to get my boss a present too?) and truthfully, I hate giving gifts that will end up at the regifting party.
While my friends’ holiday cards fill my mailbox and my block is blindingly illuminated in decorations, I’m trying to send an email I rewrote five times now! Point being, holiday planning is not my forte, I prefer the receiving end of it all. When I go get to shopping, I’ll be finding the most unique and functional gifts for family and friends so not to mimic my aunt’s taste for Dollar Store bath soaps and porcelain chickens. So, if you are not into the socks and underwear crowd, try these unique and creative gift ideas for your family and loved ones. What better way to support our RVA small businesses!
Happy shopping! (click on photos for links)
World of Mirth
Everything about WOM is magical during holiday season. So many unique gifts from child to adult. I love the staff here usually, but during this time, they are uber patient and helpful. I mean where else can you find The Hip Hop Queens Oracle deck or Dolly Parton air freshener? If you want to gift your new mommy some cool baby duds, this is the spot!
Clay Ground
You know what a cool gift is? Art. You know what a cooler gift is? Art they can make. Clay Ground is a ceramic studio on the east end of Richmond, offering classes, open studio hours, private lessons, private events and membership. It is a really fun way to make art and new friends or you know, relive those Ghost scenes! Gift certificates are also available.
Alma’s RVA
If you are looking to support our local artisans as well as a local business owner, look no further than Alma’s. They have subscription boxes, gift certificates, and one of kind jewelry, glassworks, ceramics and so much more. I cannot tell you what a treat Northside got when Mrs. Miser set up shop. Please check their website for their latest installations. and workshops.
RVA Tattoos
With over 50 shops to choose from and a myriad of incredibly talented artists, RVA does not lack on this unique gift. Who doesn’t want their deposit paid for or a gift certificate to their favorite ink well. Additionally, a lot of these places sell artwork and merch from their artists as well . Give a gift that will literally be permanently remembered.
Cooking Classes
I know a lot of people who love to cook and want to sharpen their skills by expanding their home menus. Some want to fine tune or learn to use diverse ingredients while others just want to learn to cook healthier. Giving the gift of cooking not only is a great gift, but it’s only going to benefit you at the next dinner party.
Jewelry
RVA has some fine jewelry makers and who doesn’t want cool bling to show off. You can support our local jewelers and also give someone a unique statement piece. Shop these and get all your bijoulicious wares.
It’s Leatha
We have some very talented leathersmiths here in RVA, and what better long lasting items to present to your loved ones. I particularly like the knife roll that Van Herten crafts and the cool patterns and name of Blackbyrd, badass. Awl Snap has everything from clutches to backpacks for all their toting needs.
Musical Performances/Dance/Theater
If your people are anything like me and enjoy going to a show, then I suggest tickets to support the local performing arts and our very few venues. Check out who is coming to The National, The Camel, The Broadberry, or Richmond Music Hall. Both Richmond Ballet and Latin Ballet of Virginia have gift certificate purchasing available. In addition, The Richmond Symphony has recorded music and gift certificates for purchase to any performance. Give them the gift of improv with Coalition Theater or give them the theater experience with a gift certificate from Virginia Rep. In addition to their annual performances, you can also get them dancing with a class from Dogtown Dance Theater.
Foods
RVA has some great local flavors to enhance any stocking or gift box. Check these out!
I Think You’re Freaky and I Like You a Lot
The holidays are not just for the traditional socks and underwear crowd. If you are looking for something a little different Rest in Pieces is your spot. Cool taxidermy, tarot cards and all things strange, RIP has what you’re looking for.
Words
For those bookworms, go by Chop Suey or Fountain Bookstore and get some local authors’ works and if they are in love with the written word, present the present of a writing class, Life in 10 Minutes is a fantastic way for them to explore their inner scribe.
Social Clubs
Give them the gift of hanging out. RVA has some great social clubs to help them impress clients, interact, and enjoy a communal lifestyle.
Hands On
Get them a class or gift certificate to the Visual Arts Center, membership to Build, RVA or Workbench RVA. The gift of learning is strong Santahopper.
Quarantine Chronicles: Ma-Mama, Mama-Mo-Ma-Mum
Celebrate Mother’s Day with lovely local gifts for mom!
Photo by: Mi Madre by LadyJRVA
This year Mother’s Day is going to be pretty weird. I’m fortunate to have my mom in town and I’m sure she’ll be making something delicious to eat while she and my Tia (aunt) criticize everything from what I’m wearing to whether I’m drinking enough water. Welcome to FWS (Foreign Woman Syndrome). My mom is the hardest person in the world to shop for. She LOVES clothes and shoes, but I don’t dare, and while flowers are nice, sometimes I want to get her something so left of center that it will be a nice surprise at least.
It got me thinking about how this current time will affect this holiday. Some of you have moms in other states which I’m sure you’ve been Facetiming and texting the hell out of to make sure they are safe. For those in town, the traditional Mother’s Day brunch is obviously out, but there are ways to make up for this. I decided to give you all some ideas on how to celebrate this Mother’s Day in Coronastyle as well as support local business.
Eats
A socially distanced picnic or a nice virtual meal together can still be a nice way to say, “Thanks, Mom”. Even if you can’t be with mom on her day, you can have a meal delivered or picked up for her at some of our local Momtastic establishments.
Stella’s
I don’t need to tell everyone how these two mitéras not only create some of the most delicious and established meals in RVA, but would make any mom feel special.
Happy Mother’s Day to Ms. Stella Dikos and Katrina Giavos!
MamaJ’s
Featuring some of the tastiest soul food in town, you know your Mama will love this Mama!
Happy Mother’s Day to sweet Ms. Velma Johnson!
Nota Bene
A perfecto way to tell mom you love her, Italian style.
Happy Mother’s Day to stellar mom and owner,
Victoria Aracri Deroche!
Lulabelle’s Cafe
I’m never disappointed with Lulabelle’s and they will be providing a true Southern menu for you and your momma.
Happy Mother’s Day to the lovely owner Nicki Murphy!
Sweets
No Mother’s Day is complete without some sort of confectionary delight to remind ourselves just how sweet moms are!
Whisk
Mom will LOVE their macaroons and other baked goodies.
Happy Mother’s Day to owner Morgan Botwinick!
Michaela’s Bakery
Home of the Thalhimer's Six Layer Cake, Michaela’s is perfect for cakes and cookie orders. It smells so good walking in there!
Maggie’s Cupcake Cafe
This woman does it all! Cakes, Cupcakes, Pies…OH MY!
Happy Mother’s Day to owner, storyteller, and Veteran, Rebekah Lynn Pierce!
La Sabrosita Bakery
To all my Latina Mami’s out there, this is the bakery for them! They make the most festive and beautiful cakes!
Feliz día de la madre, Argentina Ortega!
Gifts
FLOWERS
Old Time Feeling: Visit Kelsey on Instagram, pick up and delivery still available!
FOURTEEN ACRES: Beautiful in-season florals delivered right to your door.
FUN GIFTS
WORLD OF MIRTH: Some of the coolest mom gifts in town! Give her an unexpected surprise!
Happy Mother’s Day to Owner, Thea Brown
THE WOW FACTOR
CAMEO: Give her the gift of a personal celebrity message AND support a cause!
THE RVA TREATMENT
GIFTED RVA: Get her a gift that says “I love you MOM, and I love RVA”. Beautiful gift sets!
AFTER COVID GIFTS with GIFT CERTIFICATES to LOCAL BUSINESSES
A haircut with one of our hairstylists
A massage at a local spa
A mani-pedi (and get one for yourself for a little mom-daughter time)What To Do
Tickets to the theater, symphony or an upcoming concert
Get her dancing lessons
Get her cooking/baking classes
Other things to do
Have a backyard picnic
Take a trip together with virtual tours of museums, gardens, mansions, and national parks
Take a virtual dance class together
Make a wreath for her front door with mom day messages
Take a walk together