Get ready to salute the season in Coastal Virginia with these holiday shopping ideas featuring veteran-owned businesses
Locally roasted coffee beans, Virginia-inspired decor and protein-packed chef boxes make
great gifts from these veteran-owned retailers
By Grace Silipigni
Good Tidings on Foreign Soil
For the Troops
The brave men and women of the United States military not only sacrifice their lives fighting for our country, but they also sacrifice quality times with loved ones during the holiday season. Troopster is on a mission to deliver a piece of home to service members stationed overseas. Donate a standard Care Pack for just $15 or design your own to send to a troop of your choice. troopster.com
High Performance, High Style
For the Athletes
Looking to upgrade your loved one’s wardrobe? Look no further than Born Primitive. The Virginia Beach-based apparel shop understands that comfort and confidence are paramount to any athlete. Born Primitive manufactures top-of-the line performance gear for runners, weightlifters, trailblazers and more. They also design stylish athleisure picks including denim, dresses for women and tailored button downs for men. bornprimitive.com
Mug Club Memories
For the Beer Lovers
Norfolk’s Bold Mariner Brewing Company is a celebrated kick-back spot for hoppy beer lovers and barbecue aficionados. Rather than gifting a locally crafted six-pack, treat the beer drinker in your life to a Strongback Mug Club membership. Bold Mariner offers three tiers of membership options—Monthly ($10), Quarterly ($28.50) and Annually ($111)—all of which boast phenomenal perks including a personal branded mug, discounted pours and growler fills, member-only pricing on merchandise and premier access to brewery events. theboldmariner.com
Vintage Virginia
For the Decorators
For the budding interior designer in your life, consider investing in artisan-made homegoods from Goose & Willow. The female- and veteran-owned retailer sells its products in luxury boutiques across the state. Shop the famed Rustic Prep Collection featuring pillows, kitchen towels, posters and more inspired by owner Gretchen’s rural Virginia upbringing. Chincoteague ponies and kissing geese are just a few of the whimsical prints shoppers can expect when exploring Goose & Willow designs. gooseandwillow.com
Custom Creations
For the Collectors
Anyone can gift a stemless wine glass or decanter set. Go the extra mile this holiday season by adding a touch of personalization to your present. Angel Brown, Air Force veteran and owner of Hampton’s Ethereal Etchings, specializes in manually etched glass and resin items. From beer mugs and beveled bar glasses to resin cutting boards and notebooks, Brown elevates each piece with custom engravings of names, team logos, wedding dates, meaningful messages and more. shopetherealetchings.com
Refurbished Rides
For the Skaters
Old school creativity is the name of the game at Siren Skate Shop. The Norfolk retailer takes its craft seriously, rivaling even the most popular skate brands with custom builds and one-of-a-kind designs. Siren designers transform Nike hightops into high-speed roller skates and rebuild retired bikes into race-worthy rides. Skateboard lovers will revel in the opportunity to shop custom decks and an array of accessories like wheels and cleaning kits. Keep an eye on the shop’s Facebook page for the latest creations. facebook.com/sirenskateshop
Cones & Croissants
For the Sweet Tooth
Just because the temperatures are dropping doesn’t mean the sweet tooth in your life won’t be game for a scoop of ice cream. Virginia Beach’s Be Free Craft Ice Cream is a sugar lover’s paradise. Handcrafted ice cream and housemade pastries are served up fresh daily by former Navy Seal, Chris Fettes, and his team. Round out your stocking stuffers with a gift card so the ice cream lovers in your life can “be free” to treat themselves whenever they please. befreeicecream.com
Beans & Bravery
For the Caffeine Drinker
Drive-thru coffee joints are great, but sometimes a freshly brewed pot at home just hits the spot. Pale Horse Coffee is passionate about their craft and serves up high-quality joe with a hearty side of patriotism. Gift a bag (or two) of their Fair Trade coffee beans by ordering online or shopping in person at the Chesapeake roastery. Pale Horse’s bold selection of beans includes the Blonde Bomber light roast, Patriot Blend medium roast, Angry Squid dark roast and fan favorite, Death by Chocolate flavored roast. palehorsecoffee.com
Meatier the Better
For the Chefs
We all know someone who loves to cook. Feed their culinary creativity—and protein cravings—by gifting them a curated box from Pendulum Fine Meats. Each Primal Meat CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) box contains a variation of three hormone-free and antibiotic-free meats ranging from chicken and beef to lamb and pork, as well as recipes, a copy of Pendulum’s newsletter, Primal News, and other fun additions. pendulummeats.com
Time to Fly High
For the Adrenaline Junkie
Before your dare devil launches right into skydiving, take them on a practice run at iFly in Virginia Beach. The Oceanfront destnation boasts state-the-art equipment for simulated skydiving and one-on-one flight instruction from some of the best coaches in the industry. After attending a pre-flight orientation, fliers can suit up for two, three or four flights in the wind tunnel. A gift card is an excellent way to give your flier the choice of maxing out tunnel time or shopping official iFly merchandise. iflyworld.com
