Give the Gift of Local Flavor: The Good Gift Guide: 2021 Edition

I don’t know about you, but we are SO READY to kick off the 2021 holiday season! Whether you plan to visit family, or cozy up at home this year, shopping local and supporting small businesses can make your gift-giving have a meaningful impact. To help you out, we’ve found 15 ways to share your holiday love with Virginia-made products that are sure to please your family and friends.

Remember, cut-off dates may be much earlier this year, so order early and order often! And please be patient with your package delivery — supply chain struggles and overloaded delivery drivers mean it may take longer for your gifts to arrive. Even locally-sourced products depend on things like bottles, caps, and cardboard shipping containers that are still not back to pre-pandemic levels.

Are you a last-minute shopper? Gift cards to local businesses are a great idea and will give your neighborhood businesses a real boost. However you care to source your gifts, enjoy the holidays, and stay safe out there, my friends!

Back Creek Farms

Got a brunch buddy? Gift them with Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup from Back Creek Farms. Pure maple is aged in barrels from Reservoir Distillery in Richmond, Virginia. Mixed drinks, meats, and pancakes will never be the same! Pro tip: add a dollop of this non-alcoholic syrup to your coffee or tea.

Emerson Creek Pottery

Hand made in Bedford, Virginia since 1977, a set of four Appetizer Plates from Emerson Creek Pottery are a perfect thank you gift for your holiday host. The classic cranberry pattern shown here will dress up your holiday spread. Order a few sets and mix and match solids with patterns for a festive party table.

Preservation Society

Savory jams are our go-to condiment for dressing up everything from sandwiches to snack boards. Made in Flint Hill, Virginia, choose from three Preservation Society flavors: Major Grey’s Mango Chutney, Fig Jam, or that southern staple, Pepper Jelly. Be the best friend ever, and give all 3!

Hudson Henry

Crispy, crunchy, and sweet, Hudson Henry granola is a perfectly munchable gift item. Available in 3, 4, and 5 flavor assortment gift packs, be sure to order some extra packs for yourself, or your gifts will never make it under the tree!

RVA Cutting Boards

Choose a gift to last a lifetime with a handcrafted cutting board made from sustainable hardwoods. RVA Cutting Boards are not only beautiful but also substantial — with a minimum thickness of 1.5 inches. Plus, the company’s no-waste policy means even the sawdust is put to good use!

Route 11 Chips

Send all your loved ones a little party in a box with a Chip & Dip Kit from Route 11 Chips. A longtime standard in Virginia’s snack aisles, you can mix & match your party kits online and have them shipped right to your door. Pick 4 chips and 4 dips and get the party started!

Monolith Knives

Got a chef in your life who’s been good all year? No need to check your list twice, get them a set of Monolith Knives. The Fusion Design Series is handcrafted with walnut handles right off the farm in Charlottesville. The high carbon steel means this gift will last a lifetime, and more.

Red Truck Bakery

This beautiful bundt cake is ready to ship the flavors of Virginia anywhere in the country. Based on a layer cake recipe Red Truck’s owner Brian Noyes shared in Garden and Gun, the bundt version uses apple brandy from Catoctin Creek distillery and is slathered with plenty of homemade caramel.

Clark & Hopkins

Catoctin Creek is all about collaboration, and this limited edition Barrel Aged Virginia Hot Sauce from Clark & Hopkins is one more way to share the love from a fine distillery. Aged 150 days, the non-alcoholic sauce with habaneros, peaches, and peanuts will spice up your BBQ in true Virginia style.

Firehook Bakery

Send a yummy gift from the Crunch Department at Firehook Bakery. These crispy, crackly, crunchy crackers will please any snack aficionado. We recommend the Cheese Pairing Selection, with 2 each of four flavors. (One for you and one to gift! 😉)

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank

2020 has been tough for many families in the Commonwealth. But you can help by donating to Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. You can give on behalf of a loved one, and you both get a special note that states a gift has been made in their name.

Forrest Green Farm

We were charmed to discover these bubbly beverages from Forrest Green Farm. Steeped in herbs grown on their working family farm, the four flavors of Sparkling Herbal Tea are canned by Blue Toad Hard Cider. The cute can labels make this a charming gift pack for any tea lover in your life.

Dizzy Pig BBQ Supply

Spice up your stocking stuffers with an assortment of seasonings from Dizzy Pig BBQ Supply in Manassas. Start with one of their pre-selected gift sets, or go hog-wild with their Original Sampler — you’ll get mini packs of 17 different flavors from their line of spices and rubs.

Valente Pasta

The foodies on your list will appreciate the traditional craftsmanship in a pasta collection from Valente Pasta. Each flavor is mixed, rolled, cut, and air-dried by hand. Woman-owned, and made in Virginia from non-GMO ingredients, Valente has been serving up small-batch, gourmet pasta since 1982.

Savannah Grace

Nothing that says “southern charm” more than crispy cheese straws on the party table. Savannah Grace now has five flavors to choose from, plus some crunchy Snickerdoodles, to boot! Find them in stores or order a case online. (We vote for the case, you’ll want to save some for yourself!)

Our 2021 Gift Guide has a little bit of everything so you can find the perfect gifts for all your favorite foodies. Searching for more Virginia businesses to support this holiday season? Check out our EAT and DRINK lists!

NOTE: The 2021 gift guide is not a paid promotion. Although we will not receive compensation for sales attributed to this content, some of the products on our list are from businesses that have used our parent company, Water Street Design, LLC, for our marketing strategy and coaching services.