With all of the hustle and bustle of the upcoming holiday season, now is the perfect time to get a head-start on your holiday shopping. Personally, I like to start planning my holiday shopping in early October so that I can beat all of the last-minute shopping (and chaos!). Holiday shopping is also the perfect time to prioritize supporting small, local businesses. Fortunately, there are numerous beautiful shops in and around hunt country for all of your holiday gift purchases. Here’s a round-up of my favorite shops.

For the Hostess…

If you’re planning on attending a Christmas party or are just looking for that perfect gift for that person who loves their home, Crème de la Crème has a wide variety of beautiful knickknacks and homewares. I think one of their Signature Candles would make the perfect gift for anyone (my personal favorite scents are Lavender Simple and Minted Basil).

Looking for a lovely bouquet of flowers? Look no further than Nature Composed! Nature Composed is the perfect place to visit for a bespoke, seasonal bouquet suitable for any budget.

Does your host or hostess love a glass of wine? Perhaps you’d like to celebrate the holidays with a glass (or two!) of champagne? If so, Jared Slipp (a Master Sommelier) at Knead Wine will help you find the perfect bottle for the perfect occasion.

For the Holiday Enthusiast…

If you have someone in your life who loves the holiday season, The Christmas Sleigh in Middleburg is the perfect place to go! From elaborately decorated nutcrackers, a stunning array of Christmas ornaments, and traditional German trinkets and treats, The Christmas Sleigh will have your holiday-lover’s heart singing.

For the Fur Babies…

If you’re celebrating the holidays with a furry friend, Tilly’s Pet Supplies in Middleburg is the perfect place to stop by for an extra special dog treat or a new toy (our favorite brand is Fluff n’ Tuff). Down the road from Middleburg, the Marshall Pet Co-op is another fantastic place to fill up your pet’s stocking — the team is both knowledgeable and friendly!

For the Foodie…

Know someone with a sweet tooth? Raymer’s Homemade Candies is the place to go. My personal favorite treat from Raymer’s is the Virginia Toffee — you must try it on your next visit!

For the wine afficionado in your life, don’t forget to visit Jared at Knead Wine! A Master Sommelier, he will help you find the perfect bottle for whatever the occasion.

Not sure what to get or where to visit? Hunt Country has so many fantastic restaurants to visit. I’d recommend a gift certificate to Tremolo Bar in Middleburg for a trendy, upscale dining experience, Hunter’s Head Tavern in Upperville for truly authentic hunt country/Virginia fare, or Patty O’s Cafe & Bakery in Washington for an upscale pub experience.

For your Significant Other…

Sometimes it is hardest to shop for the people who are closest to us. But, I’m a firm believer that the best gifts are experiences as opposed to tangible things. A romantic weekend retreat at Goodstone Inn or a long weekend in hunt country at The Red Fox Inn & Tavern would be the perfect gift for your significant other!

For the Fashionable Lady or Gent…

For the stylish lady in your life, Tully Rector and Chloe’s of Middleburg are the perfect places to pick out a new cable knit sweater, silk scarf, or party dress. Shopping for him? Check out Highcliffe Clothiers and Country Classics in Middleburg for elegant, hunt country-appropriate attire.

For the Person Who Has It All…

Still not sure what to get? As I noted a bit earlier in this post, I think that experiences are truly the best gifts. Hunt Country has an endless number of fun experiences. Whether it’s a falconry experience at Salamander Resort, horseback riding lessons or trail riding experience at a local stable, or a trip to a local winery (Greenhill Vineyards and Cana Vineyards and Winery are a few of my favorites in the area), Hunt Country has something for everyone.

The Hunt Country Holiday Gift Guide 2023