Happy holidays, Northern Virginia. We’ve spent hours curating our collection of 2025’s best holiday gifts — from budget picks and standout presents, to local gems and unforgettable experiences. Read on for 60+ gift ideas for everyone on your list, complete with price details and why we think they’re worth unwrapping.
Gifts for your significant other
Is it just us, or are partners always the hardest (but usually the most fun) to shop for? Shop our top picks to make them feel warm, cozy, and loved this winter.
Local pick: A Northern Virginia Wine Experience | Various prices | Give the gift of experience with a romantic getaway to a winery or vineyard in Northern Virginia — perfect for you and your significant other.
Shiatsu foot massager | $79.99 | Nothing says “I love you” like a foot massage — give your hands a break and gift one complete with heat, vibration, and rolling compression.
Bedside lamp with wireless charger and Bluetooth speaker | $59.99 | This elegant night light does it all, from wireless phone charging and music playing, to propping up streaming and e-reading devices.
Local pick: Alabama Shakes Record: Sound + Color | $15+ | Head to Mobius Records in Fairfax to get your music-loving partner the record of their dreams. I am currently eyeing this one by the Alabama Shakes.
Barefoot Dreams blanket wrap | $178 | Elevate cozy holiday moments with a luxurious cardigan that might just be the softest thing they’ve ever draped around them.
Local pick: Soy Candle: Virginia Fir | $24 | For the partner that needs rest and relaxation, this candle from Gift + Gather in Occoquan, VA, will make for a great gift.
Women’s UGG Tasman slipper + Men’s UGG Tasman slipper | $124.95+ | UGG perfected the indoor and outdoor slipper with its best-selling, sheepskin-lined Tasman design.
Full-zip flannel jacket | $36.99 | Flannel, cotton, and fleece combine in this ultra-soft, stylish hoodie.
Gifts for parents
Explore standout finds for parents and families that will save time + space, foster good-natured laughs, and promote rest and recovery.
Local pick: Sheepy Fleece Robe | $98 | These robes from Red Barn Mercantile are perfect to throw on while you help the kids get ready for school in the morning.
Snack organizer | $36.95 | Kids will love this snack spinner’s push button and slidable compartments — and parents will love how it makes snack time portable and stress-free.
Car backseat organizer | $25.99 | Gift parents peaceful car rides thanks to a two-pack of car organizers complete with a clear tablet holder and multiple compartments.
Local pick: Linen placemats | $60 | Mealtime messes are inevitable with kids, but these placemats make it easy to keep your dining table clean and protected.
Neck and back massager | $59.99 | Parents can’t always carve out time for the spa, but they can pop on this heated, deep tissue massager after a long day.
Daily dad jokes calendar | $13.99 | Make 2026 the year of never-ending puns with over 150 dad jokes in this monthly wall calendar.
Mama bear slippers | $28 | As if these “Mama bear” slippers aren’t cute enough, the insides feature a teddy footbed for maximum softness.
Gifts for retirees
Whether they’re diving into long-awaited passions, trying a new hobby, or simply savoring well-earned relaxation, foster exploration and curiosity with our top gifts for retirees.
Local pick: Area 2 Farms subscription | $35-$45/weekly | This local farm offers three subscription options, delivering fresh, locally grown produce to you every week.
Garden kneeler and stool | $30.90 | Gardening’s more fun without the knee and back pain — we love this all-in-one stool that functions as both a bench and seat + organizes garden tools.
Smart birdfeeder with camera | $159.99 | Birders can watch special visitors up close with this durable and weatherproof birdfeeder.
Local pick: Coffee Workshop at Rare Bird Roasters | $20+ | Whether you’re aiming to be a top-notch barista or just want to brew better coffee at home, these classes can help anyone make a great cup of joe.
8-pack puzzle set | $20.91 | These scenic jigsaw puzzles scale up from 300 pieces to 1,000 pieces, all in one great gift.
eBike | $699 | Once they’ve tried pedal assist mode on this 4.6-star rated eBike, they’ll never go back to regular cycling again.
Local pick: Farm fresh meat | Various prices | Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon sells a variety of products at the country store, including farm fresh meat and eggs for locals to enjoy.
Pickleball set | $49.99 | These fiberglass surface pickleball paddles, grip tape, pickleballs, and portable carriers are the perfect intro gift for those looking to learn the game.
Gifts for students
Whether they’re graduating high school or living it up at college, they’ll love showing off these campus-approved gifts in school.
Local pick: Pottery class at Workhouse Arts Center | $75 | If you’ve got a crafty student, a pottery class makes for a perfect gift. This art center also offers a variety of other classes.
Fidget toy pen | $16.99 | A great stocking stuffer, this chromatic, magnetic pen can be stacked into various shapes when it’s not in use as a writing tool or stylus.
Local pick: Leuchtturm Notebooks | $26 | These notebooks are perfect for jotting down ideas, notes, to-do lists, or spontaneous bursts of creativity.
Personalized senior 2026 shirt | $14.95 | The perfect fit for students to return from winter break wearing, this customizable sweatshirt will show off their “Class of 2026” pride.
Bullet journal pens + 2026 planner | $11.99 + $24.99 | Pair a 24-pack of rainbow pens with a 2026 Happy Planner for creative, aesthetic organization.
Electric sauté pan | $36.99 | A TikTok trending item, this electric mini hot pot is perfect for whipping up noodles, oatmeal, eggs, and stir fries, dorm room-style.
Local pick: Undated monthly planner | $25 | Along with notebooks, the student in your life would also benefit from a calendar so they are ready to tackle their school work and extracurriculars.
Lap desk | $34.99 | This 4.7-star rated lap desk helps students prop up laptops while reclined — it even has a phone holder.
Gifts for young people
Trying to find the hottest gifts for your grandkids, nieces, and nephews? After doing a little research (and learning a lot about Gen Z and Gen Alpha), these are our top picks for young people.
Local pick: Kids Virginia Zip Hoodie | $45 | The perfect gift for your little one to proudly represent the state we love. I mean, look at the sweet cardinal patch.
LED dry erase board | $26.99 | Bring coloring time to a whole new level with this magic board that makes any drawing look like a neon sign.
Karaoke microphone | $19.99 | With over 800 five-star reviews, this karaoke mic acts as a Bluetooth speaker, recorder, and voice changer.
Local pick: Art classes | $150 | Kidcreate Studios, located throughout Virginia and Maryland, provides fun and educational art classes tailored just for kids.
Free People cotton blend sweatshirt | $78 | You can’t go wrong with a versatile, oversized sweatshirt from Free People in colors including Black Cherry and Highlighter.
Local pick: Jellycat stuffed animal | $25 | This popular stuffed animal brand — ranging from bunnies to baguettes — is available at Pippin Toy Co., the beloved local toy store in Alexandria.
Digital camera | $49.99 | Is it just us, or is every young person switching from iPhone to digital pictures these days? Gift them a compact, stylish camera to capture photos on.
Light-up football | $39.90 | Backyard football is now possible at night, thanks to this LED light-up football.
Gifts for holiday parties and gift exchanges
Headed to your company’s holiday mixer, your family’s annual gift exchange, or the neighborhood’s white elephant party? This section’s for you. Some of these gifts are practical, while others are just silly.
Local pick: Locally made honey from Hall’s Honey Farm | $10+ | This spot in Centreville is open every day of the week from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering various types of honey in differing sizes.
Computer memo and message board | $6.98 | Perfect for your work bestie, this will help them organize their notes and to-do lists.
“HR Approved Way To Say Things I Can’t Say Out Loud At Work” | $11.99 | This witty collection of “translations” is sure to create some chuckles around the office.
Local pick: Beanetics Coffee Roasters beans | $15+ | Grab a bag — or two — of coffee beans from this small batch coffee roaster in Annandale.
Monopoly Deal | $7.99 | This fun + family-friendly gift is a fast-paced version of the classic Monopoly board game.
Local pick: Plant pot: Air plant jellyfish | $20+ | These quirky pots add a fun touch to any home decor, making them a perfect pick for a holiday gift exchange.
Three pounds of really good salt | $51.90 | This one is sure to get some strange looks, but its silliness and sheer practicality might make it the most memorable gift at the party.
Existential crisis duck lamp | $16.99 | This amusing, rechargeable light is cord-free + a cute desk accessory.
Gifts for adventurers
For those who feel more at home under the open sky than a roof, these gifts will hit the mark — from a top-rated dry bag to a luxe camp cushion that brings indoor comforts to the campfire.
Local pick: Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Shenandoah Valley | $250+ | Give the gift of an adventure with a hot air balloon ride over breathtaking landscapes — perfect for one to four people, making it a solo experience or a memorable group outing.
Trekking poles | $29.99 | Hikers will love these lightweight and durable trekking poles that can tackle multiple types of terrain.
Camp cushion | $135 | A plush yet durable cushion that’s ideal for nights by the campfire.
Local pick: Climbing shoes | $95 | Casual Adventure Outfitters in Arlington offers a variety of gear for your outdoor adventures. If your family member or friend is interested in climbing, we recommend checking out these special climbing shoes.
Earthpack waterproof drybag | $19.99 | A true must for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors, this will keep their belongings dry if a freak rainstorm strikes.
Portable solar lights | $80 | Upgrade their campsite setup with these lights that easily switch from ground illumination to string lights.
“Where Should We Camp Next?” National Parks book | $12.95 | Inspire their next great adventure with this guide to 300+ of the best camping and glamping spots in and around national parks.
Gifts for golfers
Fore! Surprise the match-play aficionado in your life with a gift they can use on or off the green — no ifs, ands, or putts.
Local picks: Lessons at Annandale Golf | $90+ | Whether you know someone who is just getting started in golf, or maybe they want to perfect their craft, lessons make for a perfect gift.
Indoor putting green | $64.99 | Golfers won’t be able to resist trying out this 9.5-ft indoor putting green the day they unwrap it.
Frustrated golfer socks | $9.99 | This No. 1 best-selling pair of men’s novelty socks is sure to get a laugh.
Local picks: Golf club fitting at Merrifield Golf | $75 | For the new golfer in your life, get them set up with the proper clubs at a fitting appointment at this local golf shop.
Magnetic golf towel | $31.95 | Rated 4.7 stars, this microfiber towel sticks to golf carts or clubs so they won’t lose it around the green.
Golf cooler bag | $25.99 | This slim, compact cooler bag can be stowed in the side pocket of most golf bags and fits up to six beer cans.
Play Nine: The card game of golf | $19.99 | Just like in golf, the lowest score wins in this family-friendly card game with nearly 20,000 glowing reviews.
Gifts for pet lovers
Whether their best friend is a gentle giant or a tiny furball, these gifts are made for true pet lovers who wouldn’t trade their companion for the world.
Local pick: All-natural pet treats | $9+ | This bakery, located in Chantilly, creates natural dog treats with no artificial preservatives or flavors.
Personalized 2026 pet calendar | $23.99 | For that special someone who likes their pet more than people. We don’t judge.
4-in-1 convertible hands-free leash | $46 | This chic and durable leash can be adjusted to wear four different ways.
Local pick: Monarch dog bandana | The sweetest accessory for your friends’ furry companions, made with care by Arlington-based Luna Blu Creates.
Backseat cover | $32.99 | A safe and easy-to-clean backseat cover for the person that takes their dog with them everywhere.
Local pick: Dancing dragonfly cat wand | $11 | Belly Rubs Biscuit Bar + Spa sells a ton of popular pet toys, including this one for any cat-owner.
Hydropet water bottle | $29.99 | Not your average water bottle, this unique product has dual detachable pet bowls for food + water on the go.
Customizable pet embroidered sweatshirt | $120+ | So they can always keep their fur babies close to their heart.
Gifts for people who have everything
The hard-to-shop-for crowd — would it truly be the holidays without them? Sure, your mother-in-law might have every juice glass Anthropologie’s ever made — but does she have an olive oil mister?
Local pick: Virginia Monthly Coffee Club | $60+ | For the coffee lover who seems to have it all, this gift offers a chance to discover new and exciting blends they might not have experienced.
Wine decanter | $59.99 | Wine lovers will appreciate this handblown glass decanter that features a large area design to foster maximum aeration.
Personalized word search throw blanket | $175 | Talk about a gift that’s one-of-a-kind — customize this blanket with up to 15 words and any theme.
Local pick: DIY earring kit | $90 | This kit from Urbi Goods in Leesburg is perfect for the person who has everything, letting them craft a personalized piece of jewelry with their own unique touch.
Olive oil mister | $9.99 | A handy gift they can use to turn oil into a fine mist or a steady drizzle.
Local pick: Flour Sack Dish Towels | $18 | Dish towels are always a perfect gift — after all, they’re bound to get messy. Plus, these are so adorable, how could you not want them brightening up your kitchen?
Towel warmer | $146.99 | The only thing better than a warm shower is emerging from said shower with a fresh, hot towel.
Salt & Stone hand cream | $20 | Sometimes it’s simple things that make the best gifts. This top-rated hand cream is sure to impress.
Gifts for book lovers
Looking for the perfect gift for book worms, that isn’t a book? We’ve got you covered. Shop our list of book-themed gifts that celebrate their favorite pastime.
Local pick: Take a Chance On Me: Book Bundle | $25+ | Pick a price point and genre at Bards Alley in Vienna, and a personal shopper will hand-select books tailored to your preferences.
The Book Lover’s Advent Calendar | $30 | Surprise the bibliophile in your life with this cozy advent calendar filled with reading-themed bookmarks, stickers, and ornaments.
Local pick: A signed book copy | Various prices | Old Town Books in Alexandria offers signed copies of certain books, making for the perfect gift for the bookworm in your life.
Literary quote clock | $209 | Why tell time the normal way when you could use 13,000 curated literary quotes?
“Reading is my favorite sport” sweatshirt | $52 | Whether they’re rooting for Liz and Mr. Darcy, Feyre and Rhysand, or Violet and Xaden, celebrate the sport they’re always playing.
Local pick: Pickle bookmark | $7 | Penny Post in Alexandria offers the cutest variety of stationery, including quirky bookmarks like this one. Make sure to check out its various options.
“To be read” storage basket | $19.98 | Perfect for that friend with an amazing aesthetic bookcase, this TBR book storage basket is both functional and adorable.
Kindle Unlimited membership | $65.95+ | The best thing you can gift a bibliophile? Over four million titles of free books.
Gifts that ship fast
Behind on holiday shopping? We’ve all been there. These thoughtful gifts are available with Prime two-day shipping, so they’ll arrive just in time.
Women’s pajama set | Prices vary on color and pattern | These ultra-soft pjs are available in 40+ colors and patterns, from classic solids to fun holiday patterns.
Trifold leather wallet | $32.99 | Upgrade their worn-out wallet to this stylish + functional one that boasts RFID blocking technology.
Owala FreeSip | $29.98 | This 4.7-star rated water bottle is loved for its patented FreeSip design that allows you to sip upright through a built-in straw or tilt back to swig a gulp.
Satchel crossbody bag | $35.14 | A chic and practical choice for the handbag lover in your life.
Herd Mentality card game | $24.99 | This udderly hilarious + family-friendly card game is a perfect stocking stuffer.
Deep Tissue Massage Gun | $36 | For the athlete in your life — this massage gun aids recovery, reduces soreness, and boosts performance.
Rumpl Blanket | $100 | Cozy and colorful, this gift is perfect for the holiday season — especially for camping or outdoor adventures.
Standing Mixer | $60 | This standing mixer makes the perfect gift for both novice and seasoned home bakers.
Gifts under $20
Holiday magic doesn’t have to break the bank. Check out our favorite festive finds — all $20 or less.
Local pick: My Gardening Journal: A Weekly Tracker and Logbook for Tracking Your Garden | $20 | Have a friend or family member who’s getting into gardening? Get this 52-week planner from One More Pages Books to help them prepare for their journey.
Fleece pullover | $7.99 | This oversized fluffy sweatshirt is what cozy winter dreams are made of.
Foldable travel jewelry case | $15.99 | Five different jewelry compartments make it easy to organize rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
Local pick: Dano’s Original Granola | $14 | This clean, locally made granola makes a thoughtful gift for anyone on your list. With flavors like dark chocolate and coconut + seeds, there’s something for everyone.
Shower steamers | $9.99 | This best-selling assortment features scents like lavender, eucalyptus, and rosemary.
Local pick: String of Hearts plants | $16 | Add some greenery with this heart-shaped plant from Botanologica. While you’re there, explore their unique home decor and curated selection of gifts.
Cast iron burger press | $19.99 | Surprise your foodie friend with this smash burger press that works on skillets, griddles, gas grills, and more.
Best-selling plaid chunky scarf | $14.99 | Elevate their winter wardrobe with this best-selling scarf they’ll use for years to come.
Gifts for the proud Northern Virginian
Holiday gifting = the perfect excuse to show your NOVA pride. Shop great gifts for Northern Virginians that pay tribute to the best city + sports teams in the nation (we’re biased, of course).
2024 Estate Kristi Chardonnay | $54 | Stone Town Winery in Leesburg sells a variety of wines from chardonnay to pinot noir. This is the bottle I would opt for.
Native flower punch needle art | $250 | Created by The Roaring Run in Richmond, these punch needle artworks feature a variety of beautifully crafted floral designs.
Original art: “Aqueduct Clubhouse” | $80 | Treat a loved one to a lovely piece by Fairfax artist Cammie Chiarell.
Virginia “dad hat” | $32 | This Virginia-inspired gift is perfect for the hat lover in your life, with several colors to choose from.
