Think Outside the Gift Box: C3's 2019 Gift Guide

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for your loved ones can be a challenge, so we’ve curated a list of locally-based, climate-friendly ideas from the C3 team.

Idea #1: For Your Favorite Art Lover

Lara Gastinger, Native Flora/Plant Portraits

Give the gift of beauty to any space, while supporting a local artist! Who wouldn’t love to receive a print or an original piece from someone who sources their inspiration within our own community? Here in Charlottesville, we’re blessed with a multitude of artists who capture the natural environment, like the work of Lara Gastinger,  Renee Balfour and so many others.

Idea #2: For Your Favorite Local Music Enthusiast 

The Jefferson Theater via visitcharlottesville.org

It’s no secret that Charlottesville is home to a thriving music scene in addition to art. With everything from the massive John Paul Jones arena to smaller, more intimate venues like the Southern or the Jefferson Theater, there’s never a lack of live concerts to enjoy. Stay up to date on visiting artists here on Bands In Town and give someone the gift of a musical experience. No waste, only good memories! 

Idea #3: For Your Favorite Foodie

@thevirginiashop on Instagram

The Virginia Shop and Feast offer a number of gift baskets, perfect for the holidays and full of locally-selected products. Shopping for a beer lover? Consider sending your loved one a gift card to Reason Beer, one of our 2019 Challenge participating businesses. For more ideas about where to go local, see this Charlottesville guide for more on restaurants, breweries and wineries in the area. 

Idea #4: For Your Favorite Fashionista

Graphic via upliftthriftstore.org 

Spread the second-hand love and support local consignment shops and thrift stores this holiday season. Charlottesville has no shortage of choices. Maybe your loved one would like a gift card to ReThreads (they support Schoolhouse Thrift Shop and On Our Own), Low-Vintage Clothing with lots of unique vintage options, and our newest thrift shop, UpThrift. Other options include Twice is Nice (which benefits local seniors in need), Natalie Dressed specializing in contemporary clothing, or Fabb Finds (a curated, second-hand boutique).

Idea #5: For Your Favorite Outdoor Adventurer

Wes Hicks via Unsplash 

Thanks to our gorgeous landscape and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesvillians have so many opportunities to explore the outdoors. Visit Charlottesville website has lots of outdoor adventure package ideas here. Give the gift of guided hike or a historical tour to someone who doesn’t let the cooler temperatures keep them inside. And if your looking for outdoor gear, High Tor Gear Exchange, our 2019 Better Business Champion for Small Business, has a great selection. 

Idea #6: Give to Your Favorite Cause 

Share the warmth of giving by making an honorary donation in your loved one’s name to a local organization. When you donate to the Charlottesville Climate Collaborative, you’re donating to fuel local climate action, and you support programs like the Better Business Challenge and the Home Energy Challenge. See our list of community partners for other Cville-based organizations that would love your support. 

We hope these five ideas have sparked some locally-inspired gift-giving!

—Ariana

p.s. If you do opt to buy something online this year, we encourage you to use AmazonSmile which donates a portion (0.5%) of your purchase to your selected charity or NGO. You could make us your nonprofit of choice!