Forget gift buying stress and shopping mall rushes. This year, avoid getting in a rut for your loved one’s stocking stuffers and gifts – spring for some of the intriguing and unique items on this A to Z list to put a spin on traditional gifting.
Amtrak tickets. With a cheap one-way ticket, you can be in Washington D.C. in time for dinner with a 5-hour train ride from Roanoke. Have a surprise for your spouse and don’t want to spend time in the car? Take the train. Bonus: Amtrak is coming to Cambria in 2027.
Bees. Do you have a honey lover who might be looking for a more hands-on approach? If your gift receiver is eager to learn and to harvest honey and honeycombs of their own, give backyard bees, a beehive and basic beekeeping supplies.
Camera. Consider a camera for a budding photographer. Put aside the glowing screen with its quick tap and snap camera and spring for one with manual settings that a cell phone can’t have, like ISO, aperture and shutter speed.
Dulcimer. Do you have a born and raised or transplanted Appalachian lover on your list? A dulcimer is a traditional Appalachian folk instrument designed as strings over a fretted fingerboard, with the right hand strumming with a stick and the left hand stopping several strings.
Electric blanket. There’s nothing cozier than snuggling under a warm blanket to hibernate, preferably with a book, a mug of hot cocoa and a crackling fire nearby. Of course, with this kind of warmth, you may not need the cocoa or fire, the book definitely.
Frother. These delightful machines can be used for lattes, cappuccinos, frappes or plain old hot chocolate. While there’s a price range for fanciness factors, the cute gadgets are generally affordable and make great stocking stuffers, for the large stocking.
Gold. Gold can be a great store of value for years to come. A shiny gold brick is attractive and can be a creative alternative to gifting cash or gift cards. You could be über adored for this one, as gold hit an all-time high recently.
Hammock. Already looking forward to warmer months? Relaxing in a hammock on a warm spring, summer or autumn day… ahhh. Even winter can have a warm enough day for rocking in the hammock. They come in all sorts of colors, materials and price ranges.
Ivy. A cheery addition to the exterior of a house, ivy plants can make for a lovely face-lift to a house or garden. For a little indoor cheer, try potted ivy instead.
Jukebox. If someone on your list loves jamming out, a jukebox might be the perfect gift. Bring on the oldies and maybe a little dancing, too!
Kayak. Smaller and more maneuverable than a canoe, with double-sided paddles for a different dynamic, kayaks are the perfect relaxing activity for a lazy afternoon float. Consider buying a tandem for two or an inflatable for someone with limited storage space.
Land. The ultimate gift for adult children. Subdivide your property for kids who want to be close. Grandkids nearby is a win-win, while still leaving a barrier for independence. To quote Charlie Brown’s Christmas, Charlie Brown asks, “What is it you really want?” Lucy’s response: “Real estate.”
Magazine subscription. Gift a subscription for your hobbyist who already has all of their accoutrements. From foodies and horse lovers to astronomers and coin collectors, getting a subscription can be a way to further expertise without added stuff. It’s the gift that keeps on giving all year.
Nativity set. This one’s rather self-explanatory. Celebrate the reason for the season with a nativity set. A carved wooden one looks beautiful on a mantle, or one with unbreakable pieces can be good fodder for kiddos.
Oysters. Using some creative gifting strategy, imagine transforming Christmas dinner for a seafood lover. You can sneak them into the stuffing or let them take center stage in a hearty Christmas oyster stew.
Parrot. Legally owned, social parrots make great companions. When researching the right fit, look for color, “communication,” and behavior. You might have to spring for the cage, too.
Quilt. Cuddle up this winter with a quilt in any array of colors and patterns, or give a quilt kit for easy assembly, yet qualifies as handmade. It’s the touch of Americana that is cherished all year.
Red Ryder BB gun. Bring on the nostalgia, baby. Just be careful and don’t let someone shoot an eye out. It can lay the foundation for shooting skills down the road.
Smoker. For the grillers on the list, consider upping the game this year with a smoker. They range anywhere from under $100 to over $1,000. Bonus: Smoked pork or brisket next summer? Sounds like a winner.
Typewriter. An old-fashioned typewriter’s benefits include less distractions, no fussy cords, and the satisfying sound of clicking away. Find a typewriter at a thrift shop or online for the fledgling writer.
Ubes. Ubes are similar to purple yams from the Philippines, and they’re making their appearances everywhere … creamer, tea cookies, pancake mix, cheesecake … you get the idea.
Virginia peanuts come in all sorts of varieties – dill, chili, chocolate-covered or good old-fashioned sea salt. Order from the Peanut Shop of Williamsburg to browse habanero, bacon ranch or wasabi. Buy a carton for around $46 for three 10.5 oz tins.
Wok. Extend your cooking repertoire with a wok, the large, bowl-shaped pan ideal for stir-fries and Chinese cooking. Woks do require some maintenance, but the culinary rewards are great.
X-zylo ring. An x-zylo ring is a flying gyroscope that goes surprisingly far distances when thrown correctly. The way it’s thrown resembles throwing a football. Find one for around $20.
Yoyo aka yo-yo. Give these to your kids or kids-at-heart to enjoy going around the world, walking the dog, or hopping the fence. It is the ultimate travel-in-your-pocket toy. The limited edition Reward Banger Yoyo runs a whisker over $14,000, but you can find a great one for 1/1000th of that in the $14 range.
Zinnias. These sunny flowers are beautiful and cheery with vivid colors. They’re not fussy, but elegant, and a lovely addition to a holiday centerpiece. Check with a local florist for now, or order seeds online which will be good for planting indoors as early as March.
Creatively assembled and written by Caitlyn Koser
