Best Places for Christmas Shopping in Richmond 2017

As hard as it is to believe, Christmas is just around the corner. And that means it’s time to get serious about shopping. While sometimes it’s easy to get overwhelmed during the holiday season, Christmas shopping can be a wonderful and rewarding experience. There are few things that feel better than finding the perfect gift—the one we know will bring a smile to the recipient.

Now, some people are smart planners and like to get all of their Christmas shopping done before the summer ends. Then there are those of us, myself included, who have a tendency to wait until the last minute. Of course, that means that we don’t have as much time to search around for the perfect gift. That’s why we’ve put together a list of shops in the Richmond area that will make it easy to find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list, no matter who they are.

When looking for the best places to find special gifts, we wanted to make sure each shop met the following criteria:

1. A wide selection of items
2. A wide range of price points
3. Unique items that you can’t find just anywhere

We think you’ll agree that the following five Richmond area shops more than fit the bill. From toys and games to handcrafted jewelry and other keepsakes, these five places will make it easy to find something truly special for everyone on your list.

Take a look at our favorites, then let us know if you have a favorite go-to Christmas shopping spot in the Richmond area. We would love to hear about it at cs@richmondmom.com!

The Virginia Shop

There was a time when families tended to live close to one another. You might even stay in your hometown for your entire life. These days, people tend to be more transient. That’s where The Virginia Shop comes in. This special gift store offers unique items from Virginia that range from historical to playful. With everything from books and games to artwork and clothing to food and wine, this shop is the perfect place to find something to honor our home state—whether you’re a native or a transplant. Send a Virginia-inspired cookbook to a family member who has moved away, find a special historical item for the family history buff, or get educational games for the kids that will make learning history more fun. Whoever you’re shopping for, The Virginia Shop is guaranteed to have a gift that they will treasure.

Why we love them: In a world of big box stores and major online retailers, The Virginia Shop is a refreshing change. With items that are truly unique, they make shopping fun. Find funny literature-inspired gifts or select a timeless piece of art. There’s not much you can’t find at this shop. With an extensive online collection, you can even browse ahead of time or order gifts to be sent by mail. But the best part, in our book at least(pun intended, of course), is the fact that this shop offers two locations—one at the Capitol of Virginia and the other at the Library of Virginia. This means that not only are you able to find ideal presents for everyone on your list, but you’ll be supporting two of our most important institutions. And that’s a solid win for everyone.

Store Hours:
The Virginia Shop at The Library of Virginia
Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm

The Virginia Shop at the Capitol of Virginia
Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm

Contact:
The Virginia Shop at The Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(804) 692-3524
www.thevirginiashop.org

The Virginia Shop at the Capitol of Virginia
1000 Bank Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(804) 698-7661
www.thevirginiashop.org

Shop4Science at the Science Museum of Virginia

Don’t let the name deceive you. Shop4Science at the Science Museum of Virginia isn’t just for the science enthusiasts in your life—it’s for anyone of any age who likes a little good old-fashioned fun. Filled with amazing educational kits, experiments, and scientific gadgets, this museum shop definitely offers more than enough options for the curiosity seekers on your list. But with books, clothing, fine jewelry, artwork, home décor and more lining the shelves, you’ll find that it’s a one-stop shop for just about everyone. And because it’s located in the Rotunda portion of the museum, you don’t need to pay admission to take advantage of all that this curious shop of wonders has to offer. Find items to educate, intrigue, and delight. Shop4Science has it all.

Why we love them: Like some of the other shops on our list, we really love how the Shop4Science store is integrated into something bigger than just a retail store. As part of the Science Museum of Virginia, it not only serves to support the mission of the museum, but it offers a unique chance to support a local business. And there’s nothing we love better than a two-for-one special like that, especially during the holidays. Then, of course, there’s the added bonus that you can take the kids (especially once school lets out for the holidays) for a day of educational fun and get some shopping done at the same time. The way we see it, Shop4Science is efficient, effective holiday shopping at its best!

Store Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Sunday, 12pm – 5pm

Contact:
2500 West Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 864-1400
www.smv.org

AlterNatives Fair Trade and Fine Jewelry

There are unique gifts, then there are gifts from AlterNatives. Featuring a wide range of items that are all sourced from fair trade channels and mostly handmade by artisans from around the world, you won’t find anything “average” at this amazing Carytown shop. You’ll find women’s clothing, bags, accessories, textiles, home décor, a range of jewelry, seasonal decorations, kids’ stuff, and much more. And we can promise you when that special someone opens their gift on Christmas morning, you can not only feel good about what you gave your loved one, you can feel good about where you got it.

Why we love them: There’s something so meaningful about supporting local businesses—and AlterNatives certainly fits that category. But this shop is more than just a business. It’s a non-profit business trust established by Highland Support Project to support and develop a market for the crafts of Highland Maya women. Inspired by the vision of the shop’s founder, Guadalupe Ramirez, AlterNatives exists to bring dignity, recognition, and ongoing support to women around the globe. So when you shop at AlterNatives, regardless of who you are shopping for, you are doing so much more than just purchasing a gift. You are helping to fulfill a dream. And, really, that’s what Christmas should be all about.

Store Hours:
Monday-Saturday, 10am – 6pm
Sunday, 12 – 5pm

Contact:
3320 W Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23221
(804) 342-5886
https://alternatives.boutique/

World of Mirth

This wild and wonderful toy store is no stranger to our “Best of Richmond” series. In fact, it topped our list of favorite toy stores for Christmas shopping in 2016. With everything from quirky gags gifts to educational games, this toy store seems to have it all. Located in Carytown, World of Mirth offers an atmosphere and flair that is truly one-of-a-kind. Their aisles are jam-packed with toys, games, books, puzzles, collectibles, pranks, gags, stuffed animals, clothes, educational toys, and so, so much more. Stock up on stocking stuffers or find that special gift at the top of your loved one’s wish list. With a wide range of price points, you’ll find it hard to leave empty-handed You might even find something for yourself while you’re there!

Why we love them: Sure, most toy stores are for kids. But World of Mirth is not your average toy store. One of the things that we love the most about this eclectic shop is that they have something for everyone. Their products range from newborn gifts all the way to nostalgic old-timey toys that you, or even your parents, might have had as a child. Likewise, they offer a wide selection of décor and accessory items that range from eccentric to just plain hilarious. So whether you’re shopping for someone young, or just someone who is young at heart, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll find just what you’re looking for at World of Mirth.

Store Hours:
Monday – Thursday, 10am – 7pm
Friday and Saturday, 10am – 6pm
Sunday, 11am – 6pm

Contact:
3005 W. Cary St
Richmond, VA 23221
(804) 353-8991
www.worldofmirth.com
info@worldofmirth.com

Tinker’s

In today’s crazy economy, shops come and go—especially locally owned businesses that sometimes struggle to compete with larger chain retailers. So there’s something special about a small gift boutique that has been bringing customers back time and again for nearly 30 years. But that’s exactly what Tinker’s has done. Voted one of Richmond’s favorite local gift shop in 2017 by Richmond Magazine, Tinker’s is a virtual treasure trove of gift-shopping goodness. Filled to the brim with items for every age and taste, Tinker’s offers candles, decorations, cookbooks, furniture, home décor, housewares, accessories, items that are “just for fun,” kid’s stuff, grown-up stuff, and all the stuff in between. And just to let you know, they also do restorations, with many of their repurposed and restored items for sale in the shop. So, if you have a treasured piece of furniture or an old photo that you know someone on your list would love if only it were in better shape, then consider the gift of restoration. Tinker’s has you covered.

Why we love them: Tinker’s is not on a main street in town—in fact, it can be a little tough to find. (Here’s a hint: it’s just across from the Sears Scratch and Dent store on Westwood Avenue.) But that hasn’t stopped customers from coming back for decades. And there’s no better time to discover this local gem than at Christmas. They pride themselves on their in-store holiday displays—a process that gets bigger, bolder, and more beautiful every year. So if you’re looking for a broad selection of distinctive gifts with a wide range of price points, set your sights on Tinker’s. We think you’ll be glad you did.

Store Hours:
Holiday Hours
Monday-Saturday, 10am – 6pm
Sunday, 12pm – 5pm

Restoration Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30am – 5pm
Saturday by appointment only

Contact:
2409 Westwood Avenue
Richmond, VA 23230
Main Store: (804) 359-3301
Restoration: (804) 359-1843
www.tinkerandcompany.com