The holiday season is here and it may be hard to always find that special gift; so I am an avid shopper but I like to make my money stretch and get something worthwhile and special at the same time. Lynchburg, Va has some very unique and special places that I would definitely consider going to buy a gift for the holidays, lets take a look at what I found!
Givens Books Store is a book store/coffee shop/toy store and card shop all rolled into one. It is my absolute favorite book store around the Lynchburg Area. I think the uniqueness and open friendly service provides a great atmosphere. They have thousands of books to choose from in wide variety from science-fiction to art to children’s classics. If you want to relax and grab a latte while browsing that is fine too, towards the back of the bookstore there is a cafe with small sandwiches and coffees/teas to choose from. Also nearby there are some really unique artistic cards and calenders that would be a great add ons for your holiday shopping. Finally on one side of the store there are all types of toys; I think the toy idea is wonderful if you have the kids with you. The fine selection of Eric Carle board games, Madame Alexander dolls, Melissa and Doug wooden toys, Kinex and many more will have you content and ready to make a purchase. The nice thing about Givens is that it is a really relaxing and laid back atmosphere opposed to shopping centers, it will save time and energy as you will more than likely find something you cannot pass up in Givens.
Easter Island is a special store to me. This store specializes in Native American and Chilean artifacts/jewelry/clothes and other fine art items. Easter Island has been in the Lynchburg area for quite awhile and it has always updated the merchandise over the years. I find that the handmade Chilean earrings are affordable and very unique and would make a very nice gift. If you have more money to spend then the turquoise watches are handmade and very exquisite as well. You can find little gifts such as beaded necklaces, wooden jewelry boxes and candles as well. Easter Island is the perfect place for a unique gift because not everywhere sell handmade jewelry from Chile!
The Old Virgina Candle outlet store is next on my list. This is great way to find a wonderful candle that really is not as expensive as buying them at an outlet or card shop. These candles are actually locally made since there is an Virginia Candle warehouse in Lynchburg, so the candles are guaranteed fresh! The selection of wood-wicks, reed diffusers, wax melts and glass vase candles are so heart warming and so very nice to inhale the scents of raspberry mojito, cinnamon buns, and fresh linen, to just name a few! The candles and accessories are at wholesale price as well so they really are a great way to save money and still come out with a nice gift.
Finally, I must say the next place has always proven me otherwise, as some of you may laugh, but Big Lots actually has a great selection of nifty gifts. I really am amazed at some of the unique Christmas gifts they get in. I was just in there the other day and the wide variety of name-brand gift sets such as Nexus Shampoo, Healing Garden body sprays and Axe is amazing, the prices are cheaper and the products are just as good as in a drug store. Also I found even some collectible Barbie dolls among many of the toys in Big Lots, very affordable prices as well. I think that if you want to make a goody basket or have some stocking stuffing to do then you could surely find some unique things in Big Lots. They have such a mix of items that it is sometimes hard to choose from but I always come out there feeling like I got something much cheaper than full price and it is just as nice too.
I hope these shops/ideas will help you if you are in the Lynchburg area around the holidays. I know I will be out and about with my sleigh-bells ringing as I will be at all four locations this season finding special gifts for loved ones!
