updated 2025
Fairfax County is home to an incredible and diverse group of artisan makers – so much so that the Made in Fairfax initiative was born.
The Made in Fairfax network aims to be a one-stop shop for maker businesses and those who want to support them. The Made in Fairfax directory features dozens of artisans who create a variety of unique gifts from Northern Virginia made in the county like custom furniture, baked goods, jewelry, and more.
This holiday season (or any time of year, really!) take “shop local” to new heights by directly supporting the makers of these gift-worthy products – created right here in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Fairfax County 2025 Gifts from Northern Virginia
Holiday Gift Guide Table of Contents
(Shop by category with these links)
Artwork, Photography & Stationery
Image submitted by Shop Like You Live Here
Shop Like You Live Here is a woman-owned business specializing in art with hometown heart. Owner Liz Powell, a calligrapher and illustrator based in Vienna, creates whimsical greeting cards, stickers, and art prints that honor the places we love. There’s something for everyone on your list: Surprise the live music lover with a Fall Church State Theatre print ($22) or treat the friend who’s juggling it all to the oversized Virginia map tote ($28). Shop the whole collection to share a little Virginia love this holiday season.
Image submitted by Cards by Carol Lee
Send a piece of home (or vacation!) along with your holiday cards this year by picking up a box set of Carol Lee’s cards ($30-31/set of 10), which features some of her favorite shots from her years of photography work. She also offers matted and framed prints for any recipients who adore their new holiday card and wish to display them in their home. Browse her card sets on Etsy or look for her at area markets!
Image submitted by Trupti's Craft Paper Quilling
Add a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork to your home collection or bring in some unique new holiday decorations this year from Trupti's Craft Paper Quilling Art. Paper quilling is a rare, quickly growing art form that involves rolling, shaping, and gluing paper strips together to create intricate designs. From holiday or baby nursery decor to customized pet portraits that start as low as $5 (quilling printed cards), holiday ornaments ($12), and framed prints ($35+), this is a gift that your loved one will never forget. Browse some designs on their website here. And if you’re more into gifting experiences, give the gift of a Paper Quilling Workshop (ages 8 and older)!
Image submitted by JHK Photography Studio
We all know the Capital Region is a stunningly photogenic area to live and visit. Why not gift some DC-area pride this holiday season with prints by JHK Photography Studio? With a focus on showcasing the area’s monuments and memorials across time, these photographs will brighten your day and remind you why you love living in or visiting this vibrant area. Prices vary by size of print, ranging from $10-$120; visit their Etsy shop to choose your favorites.
Image submitted by Joyful Creations
Offer some serenity with your holiday cards this year with original paintings by Joyful Creations that reflect healing, calm, and encouragement. Inspired by the state bird of Virginia, the Winter Cardinal print is a beautiful reminder of the Commonwealth and can be purchased in note card sets ($10/set of 7) or a matted print ($25).
More ideas: Make a point to swing by the Workhouse Arts Center for unique prints and other artistic endeavors from the 65+ studio artists-in-residence at the center. We promise you'll find more than one truly unique gift for those on your list. This year, they've given you a perfect reason to stop by during their Holiday Sale, where you can enjoy 15% off ALL art and gift shop merchandise campus-wide, plus look for additional savings from individual artists! Closer to the Annandale area? Stop by the Craft Gallery by Artisans United within Annandale Community Park for more locally created artwork, textiles, toys, jewelry and more.
Body & Wellness
Image submitted by OmBaked
OmBaked is Northern Virginia’s top CBD store, specializing in wellness products designed to enhance your self-care routines and support a lifestyle of holistic wellness. Products include Yummy Gummies that can help with pain and inflammation, chocolate bars that help with sleep or brain fog, and calming drops that can help reduce stress in everyday life. You’ll also find a variety of Body Care products for sale in their online shop or at their retail location on Lake Anne Plaza. OmBaked Yummy Gummies are THC-free and included in the VDACS Voluntary Registry of Compliant Edible Hemp Products.
Image submitted by Thulisa Naturals
End the year feeling like your best self with handcrafted bath and body products by Thulisa Naturals, which was started by a mom who wanted to create products that help women prioritize self-care in an all-natural way. Browse options like shower steamers to body butters to magnesium bath soaks, plus a whole collection dedicated to the man in your life. While supplies last, check out the holiday bundles ($7-$12)that are inspired by the scents and warmth of the holiday season and packaged in a way that makes gift-giving a piece of cake!
Books & Games
Image submitted by RPSWC
Infuse some creative fun into your loved one’s stocking stuffer this year with a unique card game from a Herndon-based creator called Rock Paper Scissors Wizard Croc ($15-$19). This family-friendly competition adds a strategy component and more choices to the classic game we all know and love. Easy to learn, easy to play, and wholesome fun for all generations. Good Housekeeping says this game “rockets to the top of the charts” on its list of the 50 Best Gifts for Boys Our Readers Are Loving Right Now.
More ideas: Stock up on more good reads from our local independent bookshops, like Scrawl Books in Reston or Bards Alley in Vienna.
Chocolate & Sweets
Image courtesy River Sea Chocolates
What’s the holidays without a bit of chocolate!? In-the-know residents may already be clued into the amazing bean-to-bar chocolate crafted at River-Sea Chocolate Factory in Chantilly (and now Reston!). But for the uninitiated, you can find some perfect gifts for the chocolate lovers in your life, including a sampler gift box with 12 mini bars ($35.99), a 10-piece truffle gift box ($29.99), a 12-piece sampler with a sloth warmie plush ($49.99) or a selection of their best-selling bars ($8.99 each or 3 for $25).
Image submitted by Baden's Bakery
Bring a delightful dozen(s) cupcakes or cookies from Fairfax-based dessert studio, Baden’s Bakery, to your holiday gathering, each made from scratch and designed specifically for the season. Seasonal flavors range from Autumn Spice to White Velvet to Bourbon Butter, in addition to your classic favs. Pricing ranges from $36 - $72. Order online.
Image submitted by Tysons Creamery
For some cooler treats, don’t overlook Tysons Creamery for catered 3 oz. cups of handmade, artisan, gelato-style ice cream. Order online, starting at just $5/cup with delivery and set-up preferences specific to your occasion available.
More ideas: Stop by or pre-order gifts from any of these amazing chocolatiers in the area, like Cocoa Vienna or Cameron’s Coffee & Chocolates. Your taste buds will thank you!
Coffee & Tea
Offer a gift that truly kickstarts your loved one’s day every day – with a gift of locally roasted coffee beans. Stop by some of Fairfax County’s favorite coffee shops for a pick-your-own bag, or check out some of these special gift ideas below.
Image submitted by Cervantes Coffee
Cervantes Coffee Roasters, based in Springfield, is a woman-owned roastery that works directly with small farmer cooperatives to offer an array of ethically sourced, single-origin beans. The good news for you? You don’t have to pick favorites yet because Cervantes offers a 6-month coffee subscription where you can try a new roast each month ($130). Even more unique? Gift your caffeine fiend a spot in one of Cervantes’ educational classes, from brewing techniques to advanced cupping!
Image submitted by Inner Loop Coffee
For a shorter, more seasonal subscription approach, check out Inner Loop Coffee, where you can get two bags of coffee a month for four months delivered in your grind of choice. Also available are their beautiful, customized holiday gift boxes ($26 - $68), which include a freshly roasted bag of coffee, baked goods from J’Aime Madeleine, plus locally crafted items like candles, mugs, and gift tags. Pre-orders available now through December 10.
Image submitted by Index Coffee
Index Coffee roasts specialty single-origin coffees with a focus on those with distinct natural flavors. Offering whole bean coffee, coffee beans pre-ground to order, k-cups, and cold brew concentrate, Index Coffee can be purchased online or at various farmers markets in Northern Virginia. Try a new roast this holiday season, like the Colombia Geisha El Jardin-Antioquia ($24.50) or the Ethiopia Sidamo Dark Roast ($19.85). Have a coffee fan in your life? Spring for the gift card so they can try a variety of roasts!
Tea lovers, we haven’t forgotten you! Elden Street Tea Shop is your must-shop shop this holiday season, especially after the news of its acquisition of Dominion Tea. Get a pre-order in for the 2025 Gingerbread Tea House Advent Calendar ($39.95/per oz), a one-of-a-kind gingerbread house that dispenses one tea bag at a time! and was 100% designed and manufactured by the Elden Street Tea Shop! Blends include holiday exclusives, customer favorites, and winter warmers. After all, Tea’s the Season!
Food
Image submitted by Bisnonna Bakeshop
Bisnonna Bakeshop serves up incredible classic Italian pastries like signature cannoli, sfogliatelle, and more from generations-old recipes that are always made from scratch as an ode to the family matriarchs who celebrated togetherness through flour, sugar, and butter. Be the star of the holiday season with a dozen of Bisnonna's best-selling Italian Cookies or the Christmas-themed Cuccidati, a Sicilian holiday staple. Or pre-order one of the decadent Tiramisu cakes or Torta della Nonna desserts that are sure to leave your guests craving more.
Image submitted by Chunker's Bakery
If you haven’t purchased your own sourdough starter yet, leave it to the pros at Chunker’s Bakery, a sourdough microbakery out of Herndon. Be the hero at the Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner party by bringing a fresh-baked loaf of sourdough bread or a tray of delectable brownies. Go seasonal with a limited edition Pumpkin Sourdough Boule ($15-25) or serve up your favorite soups in a two-pack of classic Sourdough Bread Bowls ($11). And if you’re extra inspired, you can add on a purchase of that starter kit to start practicing your own bread-making!
Image submitted by Dano's Granola
Packed with superfoods like almonds, chia, and hemp seeds, and sweetened up (in some cases) with chocolate chips, the newly relocated Dano’s Granola (now in Reston) offers handmade granola and other baked goods. Add these tasty items to your stocking stuffer list this year: the Granola Sample Pack ($22) or a selection of various flavors of individually bagged granola ($14). This year, Dano's is offering Oatmeal as well! Find more ideas in their shop.
Image submitted by Nordic Knot
Be the belle of the holiday party ball this year with a handcrafted and custom pretzel charcuterie platter, pretzel croissants, or pretzel variety packs from Nordic Knot. Pair these with a selection of tasty dips and you’ll have the tastiest holiday ever! Order online.
Image submitted by Jake's Gourmet Popcorn
Queuing up the holiday movie watch list? Can’t forget the popcorn! Falls Church-based gourmet popcorn shop, Jake’s, offers more than 30 flavors to choose from, including special seasonal offerings. Whether you want a bag ($3.75 - $29), a popcorn ball ($2 - $3.50), or a 1-2 gallon tin ($35 - $45), Jake’s Gourmet Popcorn has it all. Pair it with one of their hot cocoa kits and you’re good to go! Pick up at the shop.
Home Goods
Image submitted by Flame + Pout
Evoke cherished memories with one of the creative hand-poured soy candles or room sprays from Flame + Pout, a bespoke home and body fragrance brand that puts personalization at the core of its mission. The company creates products that feel meaningful and intentional and also remain committed to generating community impact, through fundraising initiatives that strengthen local connection. Check out the 5oz. custom candles ($18/each) or the ScentScape Reed Diffuser ($25/each) to add some creativity to your day! Browse their shop here.
Image courtesy George Washington's Mount Vernon
You may know that Fairfax County is home to America’s first president, George Washington. And you may know that Mount Vernon is a must-visit for anyone coming to the Washington, DC region - ESPECIALLY as we enter into 2026, the year America celebrates its 250th Birthday. However, did you know that Mount Vernon’s gift shop offers some truly unique items that will bring a bit of that Virginia hospitality to your own home? From the tabletop-sized weathervane (on sale for $49!) and the Mount Vernon Water Lantern ($79) that would make stand-out centerpieces for your holiday meal to the Colonial Black Lantern ($89) that could light your pathways, there are a myriad of options to choose from. Plus, don't miss the 2025 Mount Vernon Annual Ornament ($24) Pick up items in person at The Shops at Mount Vernon or browse the online storefront.
Image submitted by Smell of Love Candles
Smell of Love Candles is an organic candle company founded and led by Alejandro Buxton, a young teenage "Kidpreneur" who not only was the youngest tenant ever to hold a kiosk lease at Tysons Corner Center, but has also appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show! This holiday, treat your friends and family to not only this fabulous story, but also some pretty fabulous candles, which use hand-poured soy and coconut wax that are good for you and the environment, and are socially responsible. The company’s Limited Edition Collectible for 2025 is the “Emotional Support Candle Mug,” a 12oz pour with a wooden wick ($38) that blends the cozy sweetness of salted caramel and apple with the rich, grounding notes of oud. Check out their site for even more ideas, like Holiday Gift Sets, a Giftable Candle Making Kit, Room Sprays, Wax Melts, and more.
More ideas: Karin's Florist is a popular florist in Vienna, but did you know they also offer an array of incredible gifts for your home or loved ones? Stop by their shop on Maple Avenue or browse their website for unique, handpicked items from the staff. Each year they work to ensure they offer different products, so you'll always be surprised to see what graces the shelves of this delightful family-run shop. This year, don't miss the colorful Pylones home items like cutting boards, salad servers, and coasters ($14 - $25).
Jewelry
Image submitted by The Shell Patch
If you’re missing the ocean this winter, check out the beach and shell-inspired jewelry at The Shell Patch, created by teenage sensation Anna. It all began with painted seashells when Anna was 14 in 2020, but has quickly grown to include one-of-a-kind beaded jewelry pieces, unique seashell home décor, painted canvases, handstitched pillows, and more. This holiday season, browse the Etsy shop for unique pieces like the pink chalk-like textured glass beaded flower choker ($36.99), hand-painted drip-designed genuine dosinia seashell framed wall art ($29.99) or the genuine quartz beaded chandelier, which was completely wire-wrapped by hand ($364.99).
Pets
Image submitted by Pawfectly Delicious
Your furry friends deserve some love this holiday season, too! Luckily for you, Pawfectly Delicious Dog Treats offers up all-natural ginger doggie treats. The non-profit has been providing job training and meaningful work to young adults with disabilities since 2017 in an effort to celebrate their unique talents and abilities with the community. Just in time for the holidays, you can treat your pup to a holiday assortment of treats that have been handcrafted, baked, and stenciled, like the Hanukkah Dreidel Dog medley bag ($5), Naughty & Nice holiday bones ($10), and festive Christmas medley bags ($5). Order online.
Stocking Stuffers
Image submitted by Curls by Carolyn Belefski
Carolyn Belefski is an award-winning cartoonist, designer, and illustrator who has worked on projects for The Obama Administration White House, Clorox, and the National Archives, and also publishes a comic strip called "Curls." She has turned her love of illustration into wearable art, so now you can take home an original piece! Browse her shop for stocking stuffer ideas that range from enamel pins to bandanas to buttons to stickers. Carolyn can also do a custom-designed illustration for your holiday greeting card. Order online or contact her for custom work.
Textiles
Image submitted by Hoagland Handmade
Searching for a unique and warm eco-friendly gift? Check out the natural fiber knits from Hoagland Handmade, which uses fibers farmed in the greater DMV region to create sustainable gifts that will warm the hands (or head or ears) and the heart. For each item sold, a tree is planted through a partnership with the National Forest Foundation. Winter must-haves include the Virginia-raised alpaca mittens ($54-$59), which were recently named as a Virginia Living Magazine's Made in Virginia Winner for 2025. Plus, new babies in the family? Don't miss the Organic Cotton Newborn Booties/Mittens set that comes in a variety of colors ($38).
For sustainable tote bags, look no further than Springfield artisan Angie Kaiser's Bespoke Bags by Angie, where you can find hand-crocheted, one-of-a-kind gifts that have been designed and finished locally with cork or vegan-leather accents and are woven with recycled and eco-friendly yarns. Browse the collection for ideas like the Hydration & Holiday Totes, Stellar Satchels (perfect for everyday use!), and Clutches, Pouches and gift-ready smaller pieces. Plus, right now you can score a deal where if you buy any two items, you'll get 20% off the second piece. Contact Angie for more details on how to order!
Wine, Beer & Spirits
Image courtesy Open Road Distilling Co
You can also pick up wine, beer, and spirit-related gifts at our Fairfax County wineries and Fairfax County breweries. If you're a fan of whiskey, stop by George Washington's Mount Vernon for a gift set that includes a bottle of George Washington's Signature Rye Whiskey, the official state spirit of the Commonwealth of Virginia. At Open Road Distilling Co., at Reston Town Center, you can pick up handcrafted - and bottled by hand - spirits that range from Eage Eye Rye, Independence Bourbon, and American Gin or Vodka. Bonus while you're there - grab a gift card for an upcoming spirit tasting or for a dining reservation in their two restaurants.
Many of these products can be purchased online, but you can also find many of the makers from the "Made in Fairfax" initiative - and beyond - at upcoming holiday markets, like the Mosaic Holiday Village & Market (November 22-23 & December 13-14) or The Winery at Bull Run's Holiday Vendor Faire (November 23) and Celebrate Fairfax's Winter Market at The PARC Tysons or the Herndon WinterMarkt (both on December 13).
For the growing list of vendors that are part of the Made in Fairfax initiative, check out their directory here. (If you are an artisan who would like to join, you can apply right here.)
What is your favorite product to find locally? Who will you be picking these gift ideas up for? Let us know in the comments below or tag us on social media using #FXVA and @VisitFairfax. Happy shopping!
