Give Local! C3's Annual Gift Guide

From handmade jewelry and second-hand thrifts to all sorts of delicious food and brews, every year C3 creates a gift guide for all your LOCAL buying needs during the holiday season!

This year’s guide includes over two dozen past participants of our Better Business Challenge, a program designed to help any type of business incorporate sustainability into their daily operations. 

This way, you know that these businesses have made an effort—big or small—to lower their impact.

From the High Tor Exchange Website

#1 For the Outdoor Adventurer 

Charlottesville’s proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains provides us all with countless opportunities to explore the outdoors. A gift certificate to High Tor Gear Exchange can help outfit your next outdoor adventure and lessen the impact of consumption as the majority of their items are reused clothing, equipment, and outdoor gear. They also carry all sorts of products from local artisans like hand made soaps, salves, and sprays. In 2018, High Tor Gear Exchange won the Better Business Champion award.

For those who may be driven inside by the cooler temperatures but still want to pursue an outdoors inspired lifestyle, a membership to Rocky Top Climbing Gym may be the perfect fit. Whether you are new to climbing or a seasoned veteran, there is room for everyone at this local gym. 

From the Market Street Market Website

#2 For the Foodie

Whether your foodie likes to go out to explore different cuisines or experiment in the kitchen— we’ve got you covered. For those who prefer the comfort of their kitchen, consider a gift certificate to a local grocery. Rebecca’s Natural Food, Market Street Market, and Integral Yoga Natural Foods, are all great places to start their next edible escapade. 

For those looking to explore Charlottesville’s extensive eateries, consider treating a friend for lunch this holiday season. These businesses not only serve up phenomenal foods, but are also committed to climate as previous Better Business Challenge participants:

• Fig Bistro

• Firefly Restaurant

• The Pie Chest 

• The Pie Guy

• Roots Natural Kitchen

• Little Manila

• Soul Food Joint

• Angelica's Kitchen 

• Iron Paffles & Coffee

• Orange Dot Baking Company

• Pearl Island Foods

From Potter’s Craft Cidery on Facebook

#3 For the Beverage Aficionado

One thing is for sure, Charlottesville is not short on places you can grab a drink. From the countless coffee shops and breweries located in town, to the vineyards located in the surrounding counties, there is always somewhere new to try. 

• Shenandoah Joe

• Milli Coffee Roasters

• Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar

• Snowing in Space

• Reason Beer

• Rockfish Brewing Company

• Kardinal Hall

• Pippin Hill Winery

• Potter’s Craft Cider

From the New Dominion Bookshop Website

#4 For the Book Lover

The pandemic has been a prime time for curling up with a good book indoors, which means this holiday season, book-related gifts are a must! Head to the Downtown Mall and wander into your favorite bookstore to pick out the perfect reads for everyone in your life. Here are local used book shops:

• Blue Whale Books

• 2nd Act Books

• Daedalus Bookshop

• Heartwood Books

• New Dominion Bookshop

Photo Credit: Darling Boutique website

#5 For the Fashionista

Prepare your friends to embody a “new year, new me” ethos by giving the gift of a fresh hair style from one of the three salons who have participated in the Better Business Challenge: Hair Smith & Co., Loyal Beyond Beauty, and Mixed Beauty. 

Or, spread the second-hand love and support one of Charlottesville’s many local consignment shops and thrift stores this holiday season. 

• ReThreads (they support Schoolhouse Thrift Shop and On Our Own)

• Low-Vintage Clothing with lots of unique vintage options

• Darling Boutique has signage about the positive impact of buying second hand throughout the store

• Charlottesville’s newest thrift shop UpThrift

• Twice is Nice (which benefits local seniors in need)

• Natalie Dressed specializing in contemporary clothing

• Fabb Finds- a curated, second-hand boutique

From The Jefferson on Facebook

#5 For the Arts Enthusiasts

It’s no secret that Charlottesville is home to a thriving arts scene. Whether seeing a show at John Paul Jones Arena or attending a smaller, more intimate venue like the Southern or the Jefferson Theater, there is never a shortage of live music to enjoy. Stay up-to-date on visiting artists here on Bands In Town and give someone the gift of a musical experience. Alternatively, check out Charlottesville’s Live Arts theater to see up to date listings for drama, dance, comedy, and music performances in town.

For the aspiring musician in your life, consider connecting through music by reserving a spot in a class or booking private lessons with The Front Porch. No waste, only good memories! 

#6 For Those Who Love to Give Back

Spread the holiday cheer by making a donation in your loved one’s name to a local organization. No matter where you choose to give, organizations of all sorts (including our own) are able to make a difference because of your support. When you donate to C3, you are contributing to local climate action and supporting programs like the Green Business Alliance and the Fall Energy Clinics!

Happy LOCAL Holiday!

—Emma

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 every purchase to C3 or any other charity.