Holiday Guide | Stocking Stuffers from Virginia’s Wine and Horse Country
Is it just me, or are Christmas stockings perhaps the best gift we can receive during the holiday season? As a kid, I was (as I’m sure most of you were too) most excited about the large, wrapped boxes. However, as I’ve grown up, it’s all of the fun, small, and thoughtful stocking stuffers that brighten the gift-giving and opening experience on my Christmas morning. Keeping in line with my sentiments I discussed in my 2023 Holiday Gift Guide about shopping and supporting small, local businesses, I think it’s even easier to be mindful about supporting small businesses when we are preparing stockings for our loved ones. Here’s a round up of some of the first-rate items in and around hunt country to add to your stockings this holiday season.
A Small Piece of Equestrian Art
One of my favorite artists to follow on Instagram is Studio 31 Gallery. She is an incredibly talented artist with exceptional small pieces of art on lovely textiles, all focused on horses and hounds. Check out here available works here, or feel free to contact her and commission a Mini Series painting.
A Book from One of the Area’s Up-and-Coming Authors
I’ve had the pleasure of reading two novellas this past year from one of the area’s incredibly talented authors, Alicia Cahalane Lewis of Tattered Script Publishing. If you know a book lover (or are looking for a new read for yourself), I recommend checking out Room Service Please and Restless. The cover art is absolutely stunning on both books, and both stories are short but powerful tales of young women navigating relationships, personal growth, and societal expectations.
A Truffle (or two… or four!) from a Local Confectioner
So I’m pretty sure my love for Raymer’s Homemade Candies in Middleburg is no secret by now — I’ve said it once (let’s be honest, multiple times), and I’ll say it again: you must try their Virginia toffee! Their Assorted Truffle Gift Boxes also make the perfect sweet treat to add to your loved ones’ stockings. And if you’re not in walking or driving distance to Raymer’s, no worries — they also have an option for shipping on their website.
An Elegant Notebook or Stationery Set from a Local Artist
Lydia Marie Elizabeth is one of my absolute favorite local artists — from here original artworks to her prints, notebooks, cards, and other accessories, she perfectly captures the essence of Virginia’s hunt country across all four seasons. Her online shop changes frequently, so keep a look out for updates on availability of items. I am currently loving her Hunt Country Stationery set (I used a previous version of this for our wedding welcome cards to our friends and family), Cezane’s Garden Notebook, and Jumping Horse Notepad.
Equestrian Inspired Jewelry
Mystique Jewelers, located in both Middleburg and Alexandria, has a lovely collection of equestrian-inspired jewelry at a wide variety of prices to meet every person’s budget. I am currently swooning over their Libi necklace and Equestrian Leather Bracelet.
A Candle from Crème de la Crème
Another favorite item that I have mentioned before, the Signature Candles from Crème de la Crème are exquisite! The petite version of their candle makes the perfect stocking stuffer, and there are so many fragrances to choose from. A firm favorite of mine is the Lavender Simple fragrance, but they have a fragrance that will suit everyone on your list.
