Some folks say good things come in small packages. We’d like to amend that: When it comes to holiday shopping, we say good things come with small price tags. That’s why we’ve combed the city for the best gifts under $25, be they for mom, bro, BF or canine. Happy shopping!
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CHIN-EASE
Kids’ chopsticks from The Happy Cook
For your wee foodie: Tiny fingers will have no trouble grasping these skewers, which help budding sushi lovers learn how to manage chopsticks properly.
($8.50, Barracks Road Shopping Center, 977-2665)
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TRUNK SHOW
Men’s briefs from Urban Outfitters
Your fella can never have too many of these: Brightly colored and super soft, he won’t want to take them off.
($12 or 3 for $24, 316 E. Main St., 295-1749)
STRING THEORY
CLO Fortuna thong from Derriere de Soie
It’s tricky to buy undies for your special someone, but that’s why we like these lacy babies: They’re one size fits all. The elastic band adjusts just like a bra strap. Genius.
($20, 105 E. Main St., 977-7455)
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STICKY FINGERS
Mike’s Honey from Market Street Wineshop
Produced in Barboursville, this sweet stuff is all-natural, all local and all delicious.
($7.99, 311 E. Market St., 979-9463)
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WORKS FOR THE WEAR
Russell Richards T-shirt
Wearable art from a local illustrator? Yes, please. Nab this cotton tee for a bike enthusiast, art lover…or someone who’s running low on clean shirts. (We kid!)
($19.99, russellrichards.com)
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PIN PUSHIN’
Enamel pins from Antics
Vintage chic in coordinating colors is the perfect addition to any friend’s lapel.
($7.50-12, 103 Fifth St. SE, 293-9082)
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PIG PEN
Wool pens from O’Suzannah
How cute will a few of these look nestled in your kiddo’s pencil pouch? Try to resist assigning them names. Go ahead, try it.
($8.50, 114 Fourth St. NE, 979-9467)
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CONFECTION PERFECTION
16-piece custom assortment from Gearharts Fine Chocolates
Spread the love with a hand-picked (by you) collection of 16 flavors. But, a word to the wise: Get your order in early. These treats go fast.
($23, 416 W. Main St., 972-9100)
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FU FIGHTER
Candles from Patina Antiques, Etc.
Half-lion, half-dragon, Fu Dogs placed at the front of the house guard against unwanted visitors (e.g., visitors without gifts in tow).
($9, 2171 Ivy Rd. #5, 244-3222)
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WORD WAGER
Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine at New Dominion Book Shop
A National Book Award winner by a local lawyer-turned-writer, Mockingbird tells the story of Caitlin, an 11-year-old with Asperger’s, as she struggles with the death of her brother.
($15.99, 404 E. Main St., 295-2552)
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RETRO CHIC
Thomas Paul canvas cases from Rock Paper Scissors
How fun! These bags keep your modern technology safe, while harkening back to inventions of yore. We dig the silkscreened gramophone.
($14-25, 225 E. Main St., 979-6366)
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GOOD TO GO
Metal lunchbox from Blue Ridge Eco Shop
Just what every Earth-lover needs: A metal lunch pail to satisfy man-sized cravings. Shiny, stackable containers that hold everything from baby carrots to brisket.
($24.95, 313 E. Main St., 296-0042)
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LIT FROM WITHIN
Twig candle holder from Crème de la Crème
Sticks and stones may break your bones, but this candle holder won’t break the bank. Bonus: It’s got that whole I’m-snowed-in-at-a-log-cabin, rustic chic thing going on.
($14, North Wing, Barracks Road Shopping Center, 296-7018)
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SNIFF COMPETITION
Crazy Sticks solid perfume from Sustain
The best thing about these itty-bitty scented sticks? Roll one on the wrist and behind the ear to find out—the subtle scent lingers all day.
($20, 406 W. Main St., 244-0028)
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SHOOT FOR THE MOON
Moon Deluxe by Andrew Cedermark at Sidetracks
Evocative, edgy. No coincidence that Cedermark is the master of C-VILLE’s arts section.
($12, 218 W. Water St. #L, 295-3080)
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PRETTY AS A…
Paper portrait by Eliza Evans
You could toss a photo in a frame from Target and be done with it, but that’s so impersonal when compared to a hand-painted portrait by a local artist.
($25, elizanevans@gmail.com)
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BOWLED OVER
Finger bowls from Caspari
Snag one of these sweet bowls for the woman who has everything. We can see one holding loose jewelry or change. Plus, they come in about 12 bazillion colors. Good luck choosing!
($12.50, 100 W. Main St., 817-7880)
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TEAR IN YOUR EYEGLASS
Onion Goggles from Seasonal Cook
Shaped like glasses, these spectacles protect the wearer’s eyes from nasty fumes while chopping onions. The chef in your life will thank you.
($22.95, 416 W. Main St. #A, 295-9355)
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WARM AND FUZZY
Faux fur pom pom beanie from Gap
Give this cozy cap to a friend, then ask her on a hot cocoa date.
($24.50, Fashion Square Mall, 973-5026)
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FALL FOR FLATS
Zippered flats from Francesca’s Collections
We’re loving the delicate, lighter-than-air shape combined with a rough, get-down-to-business zipper.
($24, Barracks Road Shopping Center, 296-9556)
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SHINE ON
Superskinny glitter belt from J. Crew
For your favorite fashionista, a sparkly belt that magically makes any outfit runway-worthy.
($24.50, Fashion Square Mall, 975-2889)
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GET A TRIM
Corona Bypass Pruner from Ivy Nursery
A gardener’s gateway tool, this pruner carries a lifetime guarantee and is specially sized for smaller hands. Grip, trim, done.
($24.99, 570 Broomley Rd., 295-1183)
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GIVE A DOG A BONE
Tuff Enuff dog toy from The Dog & Horse Lovers Boutique
Virtually indestructible, this fleece toy can withstand the tough grip of Fido’s K9s. Bonus: You can take it to the lake. It floats!
($12.95, 503 E. Main St., 220-4540)
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WINE ON
Chester Gap Cellars’ 2007 Viognier from Wine Warehouse
Crisp and dry, with honeysuckle and peach notes, Viognier is practically becoming the state white wine of Virginia. We especially like this beauty from Rappahannock County.
($19.99, 1804 Hydraulic Rd., 296-1727)
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HIKE IT UP
Best Easy Day Hikes by Bert and Jane Gildart from Blue Ridge Mountain Sports
A beginner’s guide to hiking the Shenandoah National Park, this pocket-sized book tops our list for its detailed description of each trail.
($9.95, Barracks Road Shopping Center, 977-4400)