‘Tis the season for gift giving and there is only a short amount of time remaining to purchase presents for your loved ones. As a local business in Central Virginia, we believe in the many reasons to give back to our community and local economy. By shopping with independent business owners you help build your community, create jobs, and your dollars go to things like dance lessons or camp for a neighbor’s daughter or son. Buy locally to reinvest in our community.
Below are some of Spectrum Stone Designs’ suggestions for local gift ideas in Central Virginia during this holiday season and all through the year.
Charlottesville
- Alakazam Toys
Opened in 2005, the owners have an impressive list of local organizations in which they support. Inspired by their own worldly adventures, Alakazam will inspire a new adventure for the little prince or princess in your life. - Blue Whale Books
Do you know a book-lover or a forever student? Blue Whale Books is sure to deliver with a stock of over 20,000 used and rare books and prints as well as 18th and 19th century maps. - Gearharts Fine Chocolates
The Chocolatier served as a cook for the Marines before attending culinary school and following his taste buds from Wyoming to England before settling in Charlottesville with his artisan chocolates. He also owns a second location in Richmond. - The Glass Palette
Owned by a mother-daughter duo, The Glass Palette is an interactive glass art studio. You can walk-in or attend a workshop and personally make a work of art to give as a present. Better yet, give the gift of shared memories by giving a gift certificate to take a friend or family member(s) to a class or workshop together. - Virginia Discovery Museum
Do you know of a child who is curious and loves learning? Give a gift this holiday season that gives all year long with a membership to the Virginia Discovery Museum. An independent, nonprofit that opened in 1981, VDM offers on-site educational programs and special events for children and family. Memberships support a great mission and allow a family to attend as frequently as they want for an entire year.
Lynchburg
- Amazement Square
Named one of Central Virginia’s favorite family spots, this museum is an interactive children’s museum that is fun for the young in age and young at heart! Give the gift of membership for a family to learn and have fun all year long. - Beeswax Candle Co.
Candles are an elegant addition in any home. Beeswax Candle Co. hand-pours 100% beeswax candles that provide a natural honey aroma and burn cleaner and brighter than other candles. Under the studio is a gallery that sells art glass, wrought iron, pottery and more. - Lynchburg Specialty Engraving
Does 2015 mark a special event that you want to commemorate? Perhaps a wedding, special anniversary, baby’s first Christmas or do you want to communicate a special message? “Gifts for grand times, good friends and glorious memories,” Lynchburg Speciality Engraving offers custom engraving for any occasion. - Omniterrum
Do you know a world-traveler? Omniterrum sells a variety of globes ranging from pre-1914 to handcrafted and novelty globes for travelers of all ages. - Rise Up Climbing
Give the gift of exercise by treating the athlete in your life to a day of indoor rock-climbing. Even if you’ve never climbed, but are interested in a new challenge, Rise Up Climbing offers something for everyone including a beginner course, youth programs, classes, and membership options
Roanoke
- Cindy’s Greenery
Locally owned and operated for over 28 years, Cindy’s is a haven for those with green thumbs in Roanoke. If you know a gardener or flower and plant enthusiast, you will find everything from herbs to perennials and specialty plants that make homes feel extra cozy. - Ladles and Linens
Spectrum Stone Designs provides your new specialty countertops, and Ladles and Linens provide the rest of the tools for your kitchen and dining room. Upgrade your kitchen utensils to match the rest of your kitchen or find unique gifts for the chef or food aficionado in your life. - Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea
Is there a caffeine-lover in your life? Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea hand-roasts finds coffee from all over the world and hand-roasts their product locally in Roanoke. They sell a diverse selection of coffees and teas from herbal to fruit-flavored teas to flavored and house blend coffees. - Mill Mountain Zoo
Do you know an animal lover, future veterinarian, zoo keeper or conservationist? Mill Mountain Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums which means this facility meets an extensive list of qualifications dedicated to excellent animal care and guest experience. This Zoo is also connected to Mill Mountain Garden and Mill Mountain Park. A Zoo membership is a gift that provides a feeling of giving beyond Christmas morning. - Science Museum of Western Virginia
The Science Museum of Western Virginia was chartered in 1971 as the first science museum in the commonwealth of Virginia. Their mission is “to make science and technology accessible to all people by being an outstanding regional institution that ignites and nurtures life-long learning.” A membership to this museum is great for science lovers of all ages as they offer a variety of camps, young-professionals events, planetarium shows and upscale fundraisers.
If you’re still unsure of the perfect gift, Virginia is home to a diverse group of wineries, breweries, and adventure activities, as well as city markets in Charlottesville, Roanoke, and Lynchburg, options to shop local are plentiful. Happy holidays from Spectrum Stone Designs!
Spectrum Stone Designs is Lynchburg’s only local fabricator of natural stone countertops, surrounds and tiles for kitchens, fireplaces and baths. Serving all of Central Virginia, Spectrum Stone Designs imports top-quality granite, marble and other stone and expertly cuts and polishes before professionally installing in homes or offices. Spectrum Stone Designs strives for excellence in craftsmanship and customer service.
Looking for new natural stone for your home or office? Contact Spectrum Stone Designs today.
