Unique VA-made Valentine’s gifts that won’t break the bank

From handcrafted jewelry to small-batch chocolates, these Virginia-made items make for meaningful Valentine’s Day gifts that don’t break the bank.

You know what they say: Virginia is for lovers. It’s true! So celebrate Valentine’s Day this year by purchasing your loved one a unique, Virginia-made gift that won’t break the bank.

From thoughtfully curated gift boxes and locally produced beverages and food to handcrafted jewelry and handbags, Virginia’s makers and producers offer a smorgasbord of romantic, yet affordable gift options. Whether you’re shopping for a foodie, fashionista, or simply someone who enjoys Virginia-made products, there’s something for everyone.

Virginia-focused stores

Made in Virginia Store

Location: 920 Caroline St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401

With its extensive inventory of Virginia-sourced and themed gifts, the Made in Virginia Store is a great place to look for a gift this Valentine’s Day.

If you aren’t sure what your sweetheart might like, consider buying one of the affordable sampling of Virginia gift boxes for $49.95. They come with an assortment of Virginia-made goodies, like peanuts, hickory syrup, and preserves.

The Virginia Shop

Location: 1047-B Emmet St., Charlottesville, VA 22903

The Virginia Shop’s offerings have been carefully curated by owner Tiffany Smith, who goes to great lengths to ensure the unique goods she sells are from Virginia.

The store’s gift baskets are a good option if you’re unsure of what your loved one might like. They’re chock-full of Virginia products. Consider the affordable sweet-and-savory snack basket for $42.95, which includes an assortment of sweet items like fudge cups and pretzels, or the slightly more expensive sweet-tooth basket for $97.95, which includes a variety of chocolates, cookies, and preserves.

The Global Local

Location: 102 Loudoun St. SW., Leesburg, VA 20175

The Global Local’s Heart of Virginia Collection spotlights the best of the commonwealth, from hand-poured candles to locally inspired art. The shop is owned by Tyra, a Leesburg local, who developed her appreciation for handcrafted goods while living in places like India, Tunisia, and Syria.

If candles are more their thing, check out the $50 Virginia wooden bowl candle, hand-poured with apple-and-cinnamon-flavored soy wax. For loved ones who enjoy cooking, consider the Virginia bamboo cutting board, which only costs $20.

Jewelry

Handley Watches

Location: 8071 Mechanicsville Tpke., Mechanicsville, VA 23111

Handley Watches is run by a husband-and-wife team from Richmond. Their company is based on the principle that watches should have flexible bands with sophisticated dials. The waterproof bands are ideal for those who lead an active life.

While the watches cost a bit more, they’re meant to last. The Malvern, which will set you back $230, is a good choice for the special man in your life, while women will likely appreciate The Belle for $205. All watches are assembled in Richmond.

Hugo Kohl

Location: 217 S. Liberty St., #103, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

A thoughtful piece of jewelry will likely be cherished for many years, so consider getting your loved one a piece of fine jewelry from Hugo Kohl. Each piece is made in the company’s downtown Harrisonburg workshop using high-tech approaches while preserving traditional methods.

Luckily, the company offers a range of gifts for under $150, like $99 Lattice earrings and the $85 sterling silver Loyal Heart pendant.

Stuart’s Elk Run Mining Co. 

Location: 49-E West Water St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Stuart’s Elk Run Mining Co. is the place to turn to for jewelry made from Virginia gemstones. The owner personally mines, cuts, polishes, and sets his jewelry. Settings come in either silver or gold.

The Citrine 3-D Heart set in sterling silver for $190 is an excellent choice for Valentine’s Day. The gem was mined in Fluvanna County.

Clothing

North End Bag Co.

Location: 607 19th St., Unit B., North Virginia Beach, VA 23451

If your love doesn’t leave home without a bag on their shoulder, give them a gift that will last much longer than one you might find at an average department store by shopping at North End Bag Co. Since 2012, the locally owned business has been using the old-world bark tanning technique for its leather goods. As a result, it says its bags are stronger and more durable than most.

The Mary, a bell-shaped shoulder bag, can be purchased in canvas for $100 or leather for $240, depending on your budget.

Lineage

Location: 165 South Main St., Suite 101, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Consider a gift from Lineage, a store that sells heirloom-quality bags and candles, founded by Paul Hansbarger in 2016 after his then-pregnant wife requested a diaper bag. From there, the business developed with Hansbarger coming up with more designs.

For a small, yet thoughtful gift, consider the Appalachian Woodsmoke Candle for $27. The candles are crafted by hand in small batches in Richmond using soy wax. Those who are constantly on the go may like the Harrisonburg-made Potomac Tote, a waxed canvas tote with chestnut bridle leather straps, for $130.

Shockoe Atelier

Location: 1623 West Broad St., Richmond, VA 23220

For the fashion-forward man in your life, go for a handmade pair of denim jeans from Shockoe Atelier. They’re made using traditional European tailoring techniques.

With a lifetime repair guarantee for rips, tears, and blowouts, a pair of jeans from here is a solid investment, which is helpful, given that the Standard Bedford is a bit pricy at $250.

Food

Back Creek Farms

Location: 7781 Upper Back Creek Rd., Monterey, VA 24465

Loved ones with a sweet tooth might enjoy some maple products from Back Creek Farms. It has been harvesting maple syrup from Highland County trees since 1838.

You can’t go wrong with the $32 Sampler—Gourmet Goodies, which includes 4-ounce bottles of vanilla and cinnamon, sea salt, and ginger maple syrups.

Red Rooster Coffee

Location: 823 E Main St., Floyd, VA 24091

Give your loved one the gift of coffee, knowing the beans were ethically sourced by shopping at Red Rooster Coffee. The company only sources from farms that treat the land and the people who work it with respect.

Consider the Organic Floyd Farmhouse Breakfast Blend for $20.75 for those who prefer light roasts or the Organic Funky Chicken for $19.75 for those who enjoy dark roasts.

Gearharts Fine Chocolates

Location: 243-B Ridge McIntire Rd., Charlottesville, VA 22902

Nothing says “I love you” on Valentine’s Day more than a box of chocolates. Go the extra mile and get a box of Virginia-crafted chocolates from Gearharts Fine Chocolates.

If you aren’t sure what kind of chocolates your loved one might like, the 32-piece assortment box is a good choice. For $78, it comes with two pieces of 16 types of chocolate, like maple pecan and mint julep.

There’s even vegan fine chocolate assortment for $35.

Virginia Peanut Company

Location: 509 N County Dr., Franklin, VA 23888

It’s hard to think of a product that’s more Virginian than Virginia Peanuts, a variety that is unique in size and taste. For that reason, turn to the Virginia Peanut Company for a truly Virginia-inspired Valentine’s Day gift.

Its large peanuts are hand-cooked in small batches without additives or preservatives. This means that the natural taste is preserved. For peanut lovers who can’t decide on a flavor, get them the Mix or Match 10-ounce three-pack for $47.99. You can pick three of the 16 available flavors. For a southern-inspired pack, pick the Old Chesapeake Bay Peanuts, Dill Pickle Peanuts, and Bar-B-Q Peanuts.

Wine

Chateau Morrisette

Location: 291 Winery Rd. SW, Floyd, VA 24091

Given that the owners of Chateau Morrisette describe the business as resulting from a love affair between the Morrisette family and the mountains of Southwest Virginia, a bottle of Chateau Morrisette wine is the perfect choice for a Valentine’s Day gift. The winery traces its roots to 1978 when the first vines were planted.

You can’t go wrong with the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, a medium, full-bodied cabernet with red fruit and dried flower aromas, for $65.

Bluemont Vineyard

Location: 18755 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont, VA 20135

Situated in Virginia Wine Country, Bluemont Vineyard’s wines are produced in the Loudoun Valley, which is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, by the Zurschmeide family. The vineyard started in 2007.

For the wine lover in your life who can’t decide if they like white or red better, get them the at-home tasting kit. The signature series kit, priced at $59, includes four 4-ounce tastings of Albariño, Petit Manseng, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.

Cider & beer

Sage Bird Ciderworks

Location: 325 N Liberty St., Harrisonburg, VA 22802

Sample the best of the Shenandoah Valley by giving your loved one a crisp bottle of cider from Sage Bird Ciderworks. The company produces its small-batch, hand-crafted beverages using locally sourced fruit.

The 2023 Feels Like Home 750 milliliter bottle is ideal for couples looking to share a glass of cider on Valentine’s Day. It features notes of honeyed pear, cantaloupe, vanilla, and lightly toasted sugar. For $18, it’s a deal.

Bold Rock 

Location: 1020 Rockfish Valley Hwy., Nellysford, VA 22958

Give the gift of a crisp, bull-bodied hand-crafted hard cider this Valentine’s Day by shopping from Bold Rock, a cider producer that grows its own apples in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

While its traditional apple hard cider is a solid choice, consider giving your loved one something a bit more unique and celebratory, like the Mimosa Cider. The semi-dry cider with orange notes can be found at these retailers.

The Virginia Beer Co.

Location: 401 Second St., Williamsburg, VA 23185

Get your loved one a scrumptious beer for Valentine’s Day while supporting a local business with an active interest in philanthropy by buying from The Virginia Beer Co. Wanting to use brews to be a force for good, the company supports a broad range of community organizations.

The Tongue Twister Apricot & Peach Imperial Sour four-pack for $18 is a good choice.

Triple Crossing Beer

Location: 113 S. Foushee St., Richmond, VA 23220

The hops lover in your life will likely enjoy sampling a fresh local brew from Triple Crossing Beer. It has quite a brewing operation in Richmond, with its small brewhouse including a yeast laboratory, filtering system, and jacketed brite tanks.

The brewery offers three flagship brews: Falcon Smash, Baby Falcon, and Clever Girl. The Falcon Smash option, which is balanced with bright citrus and orange marmalade flavors, is representative of the brand. A four-pack is $15.

Liquor 

Virginia Distillery Co.

Location: 299 Eades Ln., Lovingston, VA 22949

The Virginia Distillery Co.’s single malt whisky is made using fresh spring water from the Blue Ridge Mountains. Not surprisingly, it’s the most awarded single malt whisky distillery in the U.S.

For the whiskey connoisseur in your life, consider the VDC Blue Ridge Select for $44.99. Starting with caramel, vanilla, and brioche aromas, its flavors feature a unique combination of citrus, apricot, honeyed walnuts, baking spices, and toasted coconut.

George Washington’s Rye Whiskey

Location: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121

For the history and whiskey buff in your life, there’s no better option for a Valentine’s Day gift than George Washington’s Rye Whiskey.

Although a bit pricier at $98, it’s a special gift, given that it’s one of a limited number of bottles distilled at Washington’s reconstructed distillery. During its heyday, his distillery was the largest whiskey producer in the country. Luckily, Mount Vernon is continuing Washington’s tradition by using his original recipe.