7 Great Ideas for Gift Giving in Hampton Roads

When it comes time for gift-giving, we like to start locally. Small businesses throughout Hampton Roads are the perfect place to find unique gifts for everyone on your list, usually with a little Coastal Virginia flair! Check out these ideas, and happy shopping!

Hilton Village in Newport News

Museum Shops

When you shop at a museum, you help them fund their mission and programs. Stop by the Old Brick Gift Shop at St. Luke’s Church & Museum for colonial-themed trinkets, women’s accessories and holiday ornaments. The Mariner’s Museum gift shop has maritime-themed books and gifts for the history buffs on your list, and Nauticus has all the nautical home decor you could ever want! If the arts are more up your alley, check out the museum shop at Virginia MOCA and The Chrysler Museum for eclectic toys, accessories, art prints and more. Buy a membership, and save on your gift shop purchase!

Old Brick Gift Shop at St. Luke’s Historic Church & Museum

Non-profits 

Giving to someone with a heart for charity? Support their favorite cause by making a donation to a non-profit organization. When you contribute to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, you can also send them a gift subscription to “Trend & Tradition Magazine.” At the Virginia Living Museum you can add $15 to your gift membership to include a plush otter, a tote bag and a VLM ornament (so you’re not showing up empty-handed). The Virginia Air & Space Center also offers gift memberships for the young astronaut in your life. And you can buy season tickets to The Virginia Stage Company and The Virginia Arts Festival to support the performing arts in Hampton Roads. If your loved one loves Virginia history, donate to the Jamestowne Rediscovery Fund and receive a plush Otley the Otter, or donate to Jamestown Settlement & American Victory Museum at Yorktown to receive a year-long membership!

The Virginia Living Museum

Memberships / Season Passes

Want to give someone a gift that will last all year long? Consider a membership or season pass! Check out gift memberships and season passes at The Virginia Zoo, Colonial Williamsburg, The Adventure Park and Busch Gardens

Shopping Districts

If your a fan of the “shop small” movement, you can find unique gifts at “hidden gem” local stores throughout area business districts. For that someone who loves tarot cards and crystals, check out Magickal Attic in Hilton Village, which is full of quirky stores. Hilltop Shops offer a variety of gift shops, housewares, apparel, and tasty treats from locally-owned stores, like Savor the Olive. At Tech Center in Newport News, you can visit Conte’s Bike Shop or Point2 Running Company to check the fitness fanatic off your list. Coliseum Central has small businesses sprinkled throughout, like Goodman and Sons Jewelers or Painting with a Twist. Merchant Square in Williamsburg features a wide range of Virginia-made goods, from The Cheese Shop to Williamsburg At Home. Riverwalk in Yorktown is a quaint outdoor shopping center on the water–be sure to stop by Viccellio Goldsmith for unique handmade jewelry. 

Restaurant Gift Cards

Wondering what to get the foodie on your list? Try a Gift Card to a local restaurant or get a  Williamsburg Area Restaurant Association gift card that is redeemable at any of their member restaurants (available online)! For ideas on the Southside, Virginia Beach Restaurant Association has a list of great restaurants to please any palate. 

Here are a few of our favorites throughout Hampton Roads:

Experiences

Gifting an experience is a great way to support the community AND delight recipients. To give you a few ideas, consider for gift certificates or passes to places like:

Treat them to a bottle (or 6 pack) of something special… 

The beverage scene in Hampton Roads is booming! Check out New Realm for locally-brewed beer, Williamsburg Winery (made from Virginia grapes!) and Ironclad for award-winning Virginia bourbon. For even more local libation ideas, visit Toast the Coast for a whole trail of breweries, wineries and distilleries that stretch from Williamsburg to Virginia Beach.

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