2021 Holiday Gift Guide

The hustle and bustle of the holidays and shopping for everyone in your life can feel a bit overwhelming each year! Whether you are ready to hit the streets of a West Virginian mountain town in search of the perfect gift or hoping to find unique finds online, we have you covered. Use this gift guide to simplify your holiday shopping, while supporting local businesses, unique artisans and Appalachian creators this season.

1. For the Foodie

Rays Rub

Shopping for someone who loves a good barbecue year-round? Spice up their cooking this holiday season with a delicious 3-pack of seasoning from Ray’s Rub. This dry rub is ideal for ribs, wings and more!

Photo: Ray’s Rub

2. For the Grandkids

Winterplace Ski Resort

Looking to gift a little adventure and make new memories with family and friends this season? Book a snow-tubing adventure with Winterplace Ski Resort. Offered throughout the winter months, Snowtubing tickets are a great winter-time adventure for families.

Photo: Winterplace Ski Resort

3. For the Man-cave

Bear Wood Company

Searching for the perfect gift for a Mountain State craft-brew lover? Bear Wood Company has you covered. Their new Craft Beer Flights are the perfect man-cave decoration or hosting conversation piece for your next tailgate party or get-together.

Photo: Bear Wood Company

4. For the Traveler

Loving WV

Have a friend or family member who likes to explore the quaint winding courses of Almost Heaven country roads day and night? The Midnight Stars Sticker from Loving WV is a uniquely West Virginian car or laptop decal, ideal for students and frequent travelers.

Photo: Loving WV

5. For the Cozy Nights

Gauley River Pottery

Gauley River Pottery‘s breathtaking West Virginia Mugs are perfect for cozying up by the fire while sipping coffee or hot coco with loved ones. Know someone who loves a cozy night in? The Fat Belly WV Mug, one of the owner’s original designs, may be the perfect holiday gift for them.

Photo: Gauley River Pottery

6. For the Stylish

Morgan Rhea

Hunting for the perfect purse to cross off your holiday wish list? No worries, the elegant Honeycomb Mary Crossbody is here to make all your fashion dreams come true. Made by Morgan Rhea, the charming crossbody is a must-have game day, holiday or date night accessory.

Photo: Morgan Rhea

7. For the Natural

Mountain Mindful

Have a buddy who likes to keep it natural? Gift them the Hunk O’ Man Soap from Mountain Mindful. Made with natural ingredients like sweet almond oil, castor oil, dead nettle powder, yogurt and more—the soap bar is great for overnight travel adventures or an organic rinse off at home.

Photo: Mountain Mindful

8. For the Storyteller

Liz Pavlovic Design

Know someone who loves to spice it up and get a little spooky? Gift them an unbelievably unique and quirky Holographic Mothman Pep Roll sticker. Take the mystical experience of West Virginia cryptid legends like the Mothman and pepperoni roll with you whenever you go with this fun design from Liz Pavlovic Design.

Photo: Liz Pavlovic Design

9. For the Chef

Fiesta Dinnerware

Gift your cooking king or queen the favorite 3pc Classic Place Setting now available in a vivid, new color: Twilight. This stunning set, from Fiesta Dinnerware, is perfect for anyone wishing to harness the feeling and flavor of an Almost Heaven meal each time they sit down at the dinner table.

Photo: Fiesta Dinnerware

10. For the Sweet Tooth

Mountain State Honey Company

Know someone who can’t eat their breakfast without a little honey? Order them the Chunk Honey Pint, a pint jar of Honeycomb covered with Basswood honey, from Mountain State Honey Company. Ideal for any sweet tooth, this delectable nectar is delicious on any bread, cheese spread or mixed into a freshly brewed cup of coffee.

Photo: Mountain State Honey Company

11. For the Spirited

Black Draft Distillery

Want to participate in a rugged Mountain State tradition this season? Grab a mason jar of First Harvest Moonshine or a bottle of Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Black Draft Distillery for your most spirited friend. Cracking open a jar to be enjoyed in a festive mixed drink is the perfect way to add some spice to your next holiday party.

Photo: Black Draft Distillery

12. For the Aspiring Astronomer

Ada Lace Books

Know a little one who’s into science, math and technology? They will adore The Complete Ada Lace Adventures Pack, written by Emily Calandrelli, an MIT-engineer turned Emmy-nominated science TV host who was born in Morgantown, WV. The books inspire young children to conquer their dreams and shoot for the stars and can be ordered individually at The Space Gal Store.

Photo: The Space Gal

13. For the Artist

Nevada Tribble

Looking for the perfect piece of cozy wall decor that is as unique as your favorite artistic friend? Gift them this gorgeous piece of artwork, the Goldenrod Print by local artist, Nevada Tribble. You can pick up your masterpiece at the Mountain People’s Co-op in Morgantown or order from the store’s online shop. This cozy stitching is great for those who cherish Almost Heaven’s warm sunsets sweeping over local flora and fauna.

Photo: Nevada Tribble

14. For the Adventurer

Water Stone Outdoors

Know someone who loves a hiking adventure? Gift them the Black Diamond Creek 50 Pack from Water Stone Outdoors. The pack is considered one of the best to hit the market in a long time and is perfect for those off-grid overnight stays and outdoor adventures.

Photo: Water Stone Outdoors

15. For the Book Worm

The Unquiet Earth

Local West Virginia author, Denise Giardina, fostered some of the greatest fictional writing of her time. If you know someone who loves adventure, history and a good book, gift them Storming Heaven and its sequel, The Unquiet Earth. Magical tales of the history within West Virginia’s Mountain Towns are a charming ode to yesteryear.

Photo: W. W. Norton & Company

16. For the Fashionista

Charlie’s Market

Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift for a one-of-a-kind pal? The Pearly Rose Earrings from Charlie’s Market are sure to make their heart skip a beat this holiday season. Perfect for a fun and flirty night out or a romantic night in—these earrings are a go-to fashion statement this season.

Photo: Charlie’s Market

There are so many unique shops across the Mountain State offering local gifts, both online and in-person, ideal for creating a special Christmas morning anyone will enjoy. Check out more West Virginia dreamy wintertime adventures by signing up for Winter Snowfall Updates.

This post was last updated on May 17, 2023