Have you seen the Facebook memes with desperate shoppers jet-skiing out to a container ship, looking for their holiday gifts?
Never mind that… here are 25+ local suggestions for your holiday gift-giving. They’re all found right here in Hampton Roads, and you won’t have to worry about any shipping delays!
Adventures & Sports
The Adventure Park at the Virginia Aquarium – climb & zip-line through the trees!
https://myadventurepark.com/location/virginia-beach-va/buy-gift-cards/
iFLY Virginia Beach – give the gift of indoor skydiving! It’s safe & fun for all ages.
https://www.iflyworld.com/gifts/
Norfolk Tides – root for the home team in the summer of 2022! Season tickets or multi-game packages now available.
https://www.milb.com/norfolk/tickets/season-tickets
Escape Room – gather your friends and work together to solve a fun puzzle in one of their themed rooms!
https://www.escaperoomvirginiabeach.com/gift
Crafts & Creativity
Perry Glass Studio at the Chrysler Museum – try your hand at a glassblowing workshop!
https://chrysler.org/glass/glass-studio-classes-and-workshops/
All Hands Pottery Studio – when you’ve always wanted to try a potter’s wheel! Owned by a Navy veteran, they offer classes & studio time.
https://www.allhandspottery.com/
Fabric Hut – “where friends and fabric meet.” For anyone who enjoys sewing, or would like to learn! They offer classes and sell gift cards. Amazing selection. This is where I got the batik fabric for my folding screen 🙂
https://www.fabrichut.com/
Sarah’s Thimble – lovely quilting supplies, and popular classes!
http://www.sarahsthimble.com/
Cottage LunaSea – they frequently offer classes! Stop by Jennifer’s shop & find beautiful, inspiring local art.
https://www.cottagelunasea.com/
The Muse Writers Center – fun writing classes for young & old, all levels of experience! Check out the variety of programs offered by the folks at this Norfolk nonprofit.
https://the-muse.org/
Tours & Getaways
Norfolk Botanical Garden – acres of beautiful gardens, kids’ activities, and educational programs for all ages. Open year ‘round.
https://norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/
Rudee Tours – go dolphin watching, whale watching, & more!
https://www.rudeetours.com/
Virginia State Parks – get outside with a gift certificate or an annual pass!
https://virginiastateparks.reserveamerica.com/giftCards.do?contractCode=VA&tti=GiftCards
Ride the ROX – your group can charter a private coach, choose your destination, and travel in style!
https://ridetherox.com/private-charter/
Spirit of Norfolk – enjoy fine food & entertainment onboard a yacht!
https://www.cityexperiences.com/norfolk/city-cruises/
Colonial Williamsburg – they have many options for tickets & passes! History comes alive.
https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/tickets/
Amtrak – all aboard! Purchase gift cards for train travel here. Escape along the east coast, or cross-country.
https://www.amtrak.com/planning-booking/tickets-reservations/giftcards.html
All the Animals
Catnip Cat Cafe – hang out with adoptable kitties; you may find the purrfect furever friend!
https://catnipcatcafe.com/
The Virginia Aquarium – individual or family memberships offered. Lots of hands-on exhibits!
https://tickets.virginiaaquarium.com/giftVouchers
Pawsnickety Pets – grab an e-gift card for this pawsome local shop, filled with all-natural pet foods, treats & supplies!
https://pawsnicketypets.com/products/pawsnickety-pets-gift-card
The Virginia Living Museum – memberships available! “The more they use [this gift], the better it gets!”
https://thevlm.org/join/membership/gifts-discounts/
Virginia Zoo – memberships are a great gift; enjoy visiting your favorite animals all year long!
https://virginiazoo.org/membership/
Everything Else
Concerts at the Sandler Center – check out the upcoming events. Beautiful venue for concerts, plays, and all genres of music.
https://www.sandlercenter.org/events
Mambo Room – Holiday specials on gift certificates for dance instruction, event rentals, & more!
https://mamboroomdance.com/holiday-deals/
The Royal Chocolate – amazing local chocolatier in Virginia Beach Town Center. Wonderful gifts… for others and yourself!
https://theroyalchocolate.com/gift-cards/
Concrete Creations – not only do they have everything for your garden, but they also have a fun gift shop!
https://www.concretecreationsvabeach.com/gift-shop
Family Fun Xperience — check out the live, interactive, family-friendly shows & games at this Oceanfront theatre. Open year ’round!
https://tickets.ffxshow.org/giftcards
And, of course, Massage Gift Certificates are a great idea!
Quiet Strength Massage Therapy gift certificates are always available online, right here. If you have any questions, just let me know and I’m glad to help you.