We put together a list of things we think are must-have’s for the holidays. This is not meant to stress you out, but rather to help you get your shopping done so that you may have a relaxing, peaceful, and magical holiday season.Some even have Richmondmom.com-only discounts. First person to dated after 11/3/10 with a $100 purchase from this list will get a one-hour massage from Massage Envy, so you can relax & enjoy the holidays!
1) Nibbles. Party grub. Sustenance.
Very Important. Shopping (and most fun things) are utterly impossible on an empty stomach. We recommend Chick-fil-A Reheatable Nugget or Chick-n-Strip Trays-Just pop them in the oven, reheat and serve. They’ll taste like you just picked them up from the restaurant and they are guaranteed to be the first to go on your holiday table. Plus, this gives you the option to serve them at your Sunday events. (Super Bowl Sunday will never be the same!)
2) Fabulous holiday cards.
Done early, preferably by someone else, like By Invitation Only.
Every Monday is a Mommy Monday at By Invitation Only with our Savvy Saver Card with 20% off all orders, and they’ll event print the addresses AND return address on them so all you have to do is lick ’em and send ’em. Unless you don’t even want to do that (they’ll do that, too).
3) Unforgettable family & kid photos (to accompany said cards, perhaps?)
Real Life Studio is offering Portraits for Charity for the rest of the year. A $49.00 session fee includes one 5×7 portrait and the entire amount will be donated to charity. We have great portrait collections that start as low as $49.00 and great options for holiday cards,etc. 
Real Life Santa will be back at the studio at Real Life Studios. Skip the mall & make your special appointment to come by and visit Santa this holiday season, no wait, no hassle (no annoying lines). Appointments are very limited on Santa Days: Sunday 12/5 and Saturday 12/18 at Real Life Studios; Thursday 12/16 and Sunday 12/19 at Bumble & Co. Please bring a toy for CHIP of Greater Richmond.
We had BOTH family portraits & Santa photos done here last year in less than ONE HOUR. WITH NO SWEATING (because the kids were playing Wii while we were selecting our photos). Seriously.
If you’re thinking of a more serious/formal portrait, there is no better gift for the grandparents than a portrait from Hayes & Fisk the Art of Photography. They will offer all Richmondmom.com fans a free creation fee ($150.00 value) on your next family portrait session at our studio or in our gardens. A family portrait is the perfect gift for yourselves and loved ones during the holiday season. 
4) A massage or facial (or both) from Massage Envy Richmond.
Massage Envy is the affordable way to give yourself or someone you love the gift of relaxation this holiday and they can decided on a facial, a massage, aromatherapy, and more. Gift cards are available starting at $50, and this is one gift that will not be returned. Hands-down.
5) The gift of meals ready-to-cook from Dream Dinners.
Enjoy extra time with your family this Holiday Season by letting Dream Dinners do all the planning, shopping and prep work for you. The result will be a fabulous dinner that YOU cook at home and the whole family will enjoy! Our complete holiday dinners include Roasted Turkey, Prime Rib, Fruit Stuffed Pork Roast, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar and Pecans, Stuffing with Sausage and Apples, Pumpkin Crisp, Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes and much more. Visit us online at dreamdinners.com or call the store at 804-739-6442 for details. Delivery to the Daily Grind in Short Pump is available in the West End.
Give someone the gift of time with a Dream Dinners gift card. They are available for purchase online at dreamdinners.com or at the Woodlake store. Instant email delivery option is now available for last minute shoppers.
6) The gift of adult time with a gift certificate to College Nannies & Tutors of Richmond.
Give the gift of time this Holiday! The holidays can be hectic…Finding safe, reliable childcare during the holiday season can add additional stress. Treat someone who deserves a break to a gift certificate from College Nannies. A College Nannies Hourly Childcare Gift Certificate Allows:
• Time to shop without children in tow
• Time to attend all your holiday events
• Time to get away from it all
We’ve tried it. We loved College Nannies & Tutors Richmond.
7) Have wee ones? A couple of must-haves from Weebsworld.
-Be Prepared Bag from Ju-Ju-Be: Are you an over packer? Do you have more than one in diapers? Twins? How about the perfect bag for overnight trips… or the airplane? Kitchen sink not included… but would probably fit if needed… Oh yeah, it is great to fit on the back of double stroller too! $180
-Stroller hand muff by Kidaddle: If we have another winter like last year in Richmond, this is going to be an essential item. Snap this muff easily onto your stroller handle to keep your hands warm, cozy and dry when pushing the stroller. Muff has a super soft plush inside and a weather-resistant exterior. Fits most stroller models with a handle bar. 100% polyester. Measures 21″ L. $40
8) Gift certificate to The Wine Loft Richmond.
It’s like a little taste of New York City right here in Richmond. With cozy seats, an amazing wine selection and a private loft for groups and parties this treat will be savored.
9) Tickets or a season subscription to Barksdale Theatre or TheatreIV.
Cannot tell you how much fun we’ve had with this–both as adults without kiddos attending Barksdale presentations and with the entire family at the Empire Theatre’s Theatre IV productions. We have White Christmas, The Velveteen Rabbit, and other great shows to look forward to there. The experience of theatre is a one-of-a-kind gift.
Gift cards available.
10) Another unforgettable experience is an overnight stay at The Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg.
As our writer Alex shared in her recent review of Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, it’s a fantastic family experience, with gift certificates available at the sales office.
11) Richmond Rocks Children’s Book
What? You don’t have a signed copy yet? Well you’re in the right place, as Richmondmom.com CEO Kate Hall wrote it. Available at dozens of locations in Richmond, Richmond Rocks is a fun journey of three Richmond kids with their mama. They learn about all the cool historical spots in Richmond that make this city so incredible, and that there really is a lot of fun in this “boring ‘ol town.” Hardback editions available in limited quantities for $14.95, soft-cover available soon.
12) Cool jewelry at The Science Museum of Virginia. The Science Museum store has a super-cool necklace that’s magnetic, chic and fun to wear for just $24.95 
13) Anything adorable from Bumble & Co. This store has the cutest stuff for kids this winter: jammies, coats, and adorable holiday outfits. Now in a new location at the Shops at Westgate, this store is the place to find something precious for your Richmond kid for the holidays.
14) Finding Thalhimers. For native Richmonders and newbies alike, this is a must-read about Richmond’s past. Read the Finding Thalhimers review here.
