Gift Guide: Our Top Picks for the Holiday Season
December 08, 2023
The annual dilemma returns each holiday season: What to give my loved ones and friends? Gift cards can be simple, but oftentimes, we desire something more thoughtful and memorable. Buying local is a great way to support your community and purchasing “products with a purpose” are an ideal way to give back.
Responsible for the resort’s adorably adorned boutique, Kristy Thomas, Retail Manager at the Tides Inn, is our gifting guru and has provided some of her favorite items this season.
Our resort champions environmental causes, restoring its shoreline, developing an oyster reef and partnering with Friends of Rappahannock, a local environmental nonprofit organization. Perfect for your eco-conscious friend, Kristy suggests “Nature’s Best Hope.”
From author, Douglas W. Tallamy, the book shows how homeowners can turn their yards into “conservation corridors” that nurture wildlife habitats—a simple blueprint for doing good by our environment.
For your female friend or family member, Kristy points to Barefoot Dreams, a cozy throw perfect for winter nights by the fireplace. Better yet, it’s an easy-care fabric that won’t pill or wrinkle.
From One Grey Day, a cashmere pullover knit with an easy crewneck and raglan armholes. She’s sure to love this soft, mid-gauge pullover.
From Peter Millar, the Suffolk Quilted Travel Coat is made from water-resistant quilted fabric – great for the man in wintry weather.
Why Kristy loves it: The interior is fleece-lined and features six pockets—super functional and ideal for the active gentleman.
Wheat Apparel’s Henley is a guy’s go-to for layering this season, says Kristy. What’s more, Wheat Apparel’s collections are designed to look effortlessly chic.
“Starting right here in our own hometown, Mr. Crosby’s nephew continues the spicy, satisfying taste of this authentic sauce,” remarked Kristy. Northern Neck Sauce has become a fan favorite of hotel guests at the Tides Inn – a splendid condiment for seafood dishes.
For the Marks Family, peanut farming in Virginia has been passed down through the generations. The original home on their farmland was named “Belmont” and dates back to 1790. Implementing environmental practices to nurture the land, the Marks preserve a way of life while producing delicious peanuts and nut mixes.
“Our best-selling items for kids are these ‘plushies’ from Jellycat, and we have an array of holiday-themed ones this year,” says Kristy. Jellycat combines luxurious fabrics with quirky designs that are sure to be your little one’s new best friend.
After visiting Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay region, children can explore their creativity with an eeBoo Under the Sea sketchbook and jumbo color pencils. With a chunky shape, the pencils are fun to hold and inspire little hands to draw their favorite aquatic creatures – maybe a Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab or Eastern Oyster.
Still can’t decide? Purchase a Tides Inn gift card by calling our boutique at 804-438-4440—or to order the aforementioned items. Orders are shipped the same day via two-day UPS, Monday through Friday. Orders placed on Saturday and Sunday will be shipped first thing Monday morning.
Lastly, for the mindful friend, what a better gift than to donate to a local charity, such as our environmental partner, Friends of Rappahannock. A donation contributes directly to projects in our region that improve water quality and educate the next generation of river stewards.