#VAgoodness Holiday Gift Guide
the Ebc X VA Goods Holiday Gift Guide is HERE!
I think it’s important to support small businesses of all sizes but this year I wanted to highlight local women-owned micro businesses — those that operate on a very small scale as solo operations or with very few employees.
VA Goods is amazing because everything in their shop is made in Virginia with a large portion by women-owned micro businesses. Everything on this guide you can find at their shop inside Selden Market in Downtown Norfolk (208 E Main Street Suite 111 Norfolk, VA 23510). I hope this guide is helpful for checking people off your holiday shopping list!
xx,
Emily
Pssst…pay attention to the writing in bold below to catch special deals exclusive to this guide!
For the home
Renee Beamer Harbor + Home Reed Diffuser
For the boho lover in your life, look no further! Renee Beamer makes beautiful wreaths, reed diffusers and other home items.
I love products that are both functional and beautiful and Renee’s Boho Reed Diffuser is both. The Winter Soulstice scent welcomes a calming state with notes of fir, citrus, and cedar wood and is hands down my favorite (I stock up on it so I can enjoy year round!).
For All Handkind Glass Ball Ornament
A classic gift to adorn your Christmas tree or hang in your window year round. Each ornament is unique & hand blown by Kim McKinnis. Check out a behind-the-scenes making of the ornaments here. DEAL: Mention this gift guide and receive $5 off an ornament! Offer good through 12/31/21.
EJ Coastal X FAHK Holiday Wine Candle
Looking for a unique, upcycled gift? Check out these wine bottles that were cut and polished by For All Handkind and turned into candles by EJ Coastal. Available scents include Mistletoe, Eucalyptus & Mint, Pumpkin Spice, and Winterberry. DEAL: Purchase $75 worth of products from VA Goods and receive one of these handmade wine candles for FREE when you mention this gift guide! Offer good through 12/31/21 or while supplies last.
Fig & Fire Holiday Matches
Pair these natural wood, color tipped matches with your favorite candle and you’ve got the perfect holiday gift for the ‘homebody’, a client, co-worker, or teacher. Makes an easy stocking stuffer, too!
For the foodie
Vessel Craft Coffee
Artisanal small batch coffee roasted to perfection? Yes, please. Their Holiday Blend makes a great gift for coworkers, in-laws, or an easy host gift. If you really want to level up your stockings this year, add a bag of coffee! DEAL: Buy 2 bags receive 3rd bag 50% off when you mention this gift guide. Offer good through 12/31/21.
Mother Shrub Mixing Vinegar
Mother Shrub has a delicious selection of mixing vinegars but their holiday Vanilla Hickory Pear made with slightly sweet pear, creamy vanilla and a hint of smokiness from wildcrafted hickory bark syrup from Virginia-based Falling Bark Farm…is a MUST.
Mix with vodka, amaretto and top with club soda to make a cocktail version of a frangipane tart. Add a splash of elderflower cordial, a squeeze of lemon and top with sparkling water and an edible flower garnish. Tastes great in an Old Fashioned, too!
NuLand Hot Sauce
NuLand prides themselves on ridiculously fun, surprising, and unusual flavored “hot stuff” with heat that builds. And with flavors like Cherry Chili, Maple, and Cranberry Habanero, I’d have to agree. Made at their Family Farm, these "Farm-to-Flavour” hot sauces are the perfect gift for anyone who loves flavor and spice!
Stop by VA Goods on Small Business Saturday (11/27) for a tasting by NuLand!
Lazy Lux Wellness Steeping Jar
Cold Weather calls for comfy sweaters and warm drinks! Infuse cider, apple juice, spirits, or coffee with these delicious spices.
Directions: Place loose tea in tea bag or steeping ball. Steep in 8oz of water for 8-10 minutes. Jar contains 10-12 servings.
It Started with a Fig Jams & Butters
These vegan, all natural jams made with fresh fruit from local farms instantly elevate any pb&j, toast, or really anything you add them to!
It Started with a Fig’s seasonal flavors include Cranny Apple, Apple Butter, 24 Carrot, Black Razz & Plum Spice, and Peaches Y’all (peaches, brown sugar, almond flavoring & nutmeg).
Dee’s Peanut Butter
Dee’s Peanut Butters are vegan with no added sugar, made with natural peanut butter, loaded with ground flax and chia seeds and blended into a lightly chunky, smooth consistency. YUMMM.
Dee’s seasonal flavor is Chocolate Chili and I can’t wait to try it!
KēWi Teas Spiced Chai
Inspired by the traditional "Masala Chai", this well-rounded blend of premium black tea and traditional, aromatic chai spices is perfect for a cozy night at home. Enjoy by itself or with milk & sweetener for a delicious hot or iced chai latte!
Skincare & Self-Care
Maven Made Mini Size Gift Set
These plant-based gift sets are perfect stocking stockers or gift for someone who needs some pampering (including yourself!).
Relaxation Gift Set includes:
- Tonka Bean & Lavender Room and Linen Spray
- Sleep Serum
- Headache & Tension Remedy
Skin Love Gift Set includes:
- Facial Serum
- Rosewater Wondermist
- Every Body Oil
Naked Goat Soap Co NOURISH Clay Mask
NOURISH is a gentle blend of clays and botanicals designed to polish and cleanse skin. Made with Kaolin White Clay, Rose Clay, Colloidal Oatmeal, Pomegranate Powder, Chamomile Powder, Rosehip Seed Powder, Rose Absolute Oil, and Palmarosa Essential Oil. Great gift for anyone who enjoys a good face mask!
Olive Culture Soap
I’ve smelled each of these soaps and they smell sooo good they’re hard to put down! Scents include Milk + Honey, Citrus + Patchouli, East Beach, Rosemary + Sage, Lavender + Cedar Wood.
Yōō Clean
I love and use everything Yōō Clean makes but my favorite gift-able items are her All Purpose Cleaner (it cleans counters, windows, mirrors - anything & everything!), Car Diffuser, and Coffee Vanilla Sugar Scrub.
Her products are organic, all natural and incredibly effective!
Accessories
Kristin Paige Leather
From leather and thread to hardware and tools, nearly every element of what goes in to making Kristin Paige’s bags are sourced from small businesses in America!
VA Goods is stocked with a selection of Kristin’s card cases and trinket trays. She will be working at VA Goods on Small Business Saturday (11/27) — a great chance to stop by and meet the maker!
Fringe & Fire Clay Earrings
These handmade polymer clay earrings make a unique gift for your funky friends! Michelle is always coming up with new designs and VA Goods has several styles stocked.
Aquí Boutique Leather Bags
These handcrafted bags constructed of naturally conditioned leather are super cool because of their unique and traditional designs from Chiapas Mexico. I have one of these bags and their laptop sleeve is on my wish list!
L.O.U.D. Accessories
Tasteful, minimal, beautiful. L.O.U.D. Accessories makes 14kgf unique handmade jewelry that goes with any outfit! I have a couple of her rings and wear them daily.
XO Jennifer Alexis
For the person who loves a bit of glitz and glam, these Space Cadet Fused Glass Earrings are perfect. Dichroic Glass and Argentium Silver ear wires make up these hypoallergenic and low tarnish earrings.
Holiday Cards by Rowena F. Finn
Finish off your gift with a handmade card! This stationary set features prints of original designs by contemporary realist painter, Rowena F. Finn.
After stopping in VA Goods, check out these women owned micro businesses next door inside Selden Market!
Lorak Jewelry
With the desire to create beautiful and unique pieces for every budget and occasion, LORAK has several distinct collections. Working in brass, "vermeil" silver with a heavy gold plate, silver, and gold alloys, Anna employs a mix of traditional old world and modern jewelry techniques. She hand fabricates, carves, casts, and hand finishes each piece. Combined with her attention to detail while designing, each piece is specially made with a personal touch.
I have their Arcata Drop earrings and always receive compliments when I wear them!
Sugar & Grace Co.
Erica at Sugar and Grace Co makes soy candles that are 100% natural, with no paraffin, petroleum, or phthalates. She also has a great selection of plants, flowers, home items and offers DIY candle making!
Shop Gallagher
Gallagher is a women's clothing brand committed to sustainable sourcing and ethical production. Each piece is hand-sewn in Norfolk, VA.
I have their Perrin top and one of their neck scarves and the quality is unmatched.
Their scrunchies make for great stocking stuffers!
If you purchase from VA Goods, I’d love to know what you get! Tag me in a photo or send me a DM on IG at @emilybensonconsulting.
Interested in learning more? Meet the women behind these businesses here.