Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are quickly approaching, and we know you’re looking for some unique ideas beyond the standard flowers for Mom and grilling equipment for Dad.
Fairfax County is home to an incredible and diverse group of artisan makers, many of which are part of the growing Made in Fairfax initiative. The Made in Fairfax directory highlights businesses that create various products – some of which are the perfect gift for Mom for Mother’s Day 2024 and the perfect gift for Dad for Father’s Day 2024.
Here are some of our top gift ideas for Mom and unique gift ideas for Dad, made locally here in Fairfax County, Virginia by local artisan makers:
Personalized Tumblers
by Crafting Thru Life
For Mother’s Day and Father's Day: Parents have enough to keep track of every day; they shouldn’t have to worry about her coffee getting cold! Surprise them with these floral tumblers or even customize their travel mugs with a personal touch. Choose from a variety of font styles and designs to personalize a tumbler they'll cherish everyday. Available in 20oz and 40oz sizes. Order here. For Yetti loyalists, tailor their tumblers with a heartfelt message or get their name engraved! Start personalizing now.
Custom Cupcakes, Cakes, & Cookies
by Jake’s Ice Cream
For Mother’s Day and Father’s Day: Jake’s Ice Cream is a new storefront serving up small-batch artisanal ice cream and confections, staffed by differently-abled adults. In the week(s) leading up to Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, order and pick up your custom ice cream cake, ice cream cupcakes, decorated cookies, cake pops, or just a carton of your parent’s favorite ice cream flavor. Orders need at least 2 days' notice, but certain items will be available without a custom order. Order here.
Artisanal Peanut Butter Gift Set
by OmMade Peanut Butter
For both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day: What’s better than delicious peanut butter? Delicious peanut butter made from 100 percent pure Virginia peanuts! Grab a gift box of four, 4oz. artisanal peanut butter jars from Reston-based, woman-owned OmMade. Mix and match 11 different flavors, including Vibrant Turmeric, Crunchie Munchie, Chai Nirvana, Coconut Bliss, and Mmm...Matcha (the newest in the flavor family). Choose your packaging based on your occasion. Order here.
Pretzel Bouquet / Pretzel Dogs
by Nordic Knot
Photo Courtesy of Nordic Knot
For Mother’s Day: A bouquet of roses is nice and all, but what about a bouquet that won’t wilt? Nordic Knot’s long-stemmed pretzel bouquets are available for order through Friday, May 10 for pickup on Sunday, May 12. Get the wine glasses ready for the ultimate dynamic duo to saturate your mom’s savory cravings. The Jumbo Pretzel Charcuterie Board is another perfect Mother's Day present, promising a splendid evening filled with wine, good ol conversations, and a treat of cured meats, cheeses, assorted fruits, nuts, dips, and, of course, the centerpiece: the Nordic-Knot Jumbo Pretzel. Better hurry and order in time for Mother's Day! (Please give one week's notice when ordering).
For Father’s Day: Nordic Knot knows how to level up your hot dog game! Gift Dad a box of pretzel dogs – all-beef hot dogs wrapped in their traditional or twisted dough and topped with sesame seeds. Order anytime. Order here.
Korean-Inspired Hair & Jewelry Accessories
by Nol.jah
For Mother’s Day: For a whimsical and colorful gift idea, visit Nol.jah for fun and unique products with a twist of Korean culture that will make Mom smile. Browse the shop’s earrings, hair clips, stickers, and bracelets for inspiration on what will suit your creative and dashing mom! Order here.
Botanical Shower Steamer
by Thulisa Naturals
Photo Courtesy of Thulisa Naturals' Facebook
For Mother’s Day: A thoughtful way to ease Mom's stress is by gifting her a set of wonderful botanical shower steamers. Available in a pack of two, these steamers come in three lovely scents: Orange-Rose, Lavender-Lime, and Bergamot-Plum. The Mom's Night Out Shower Steamer Gift Set or the Forever Grateful Lavender Lime Shower Steamers are the ideal gift for relaxation, offering two steamers for Mom to soothe and unwind with. Order here.
Classic Italian Cannoli and Cookies
by Bisnonna Bakeshop
For Mother’s Day: They are rolling out a special Mother's Day offering that will feel like you are traveling to the Amalfi Coast! Buy the new Mediterranean Citrus Gift Box filled with zesty lemon, orange, and pistachio flavors! This flavorful box features an assortment of the best cookies and pastries perfect for mom's morning coffee and post-dinner (or pre-dinner) dessert. What mom wouldn't want a "You're the Zest, Mom!" beautiful blue Italian tile design shortbread cookie? Place your order now. Find even more scrumptious goodies here.
For Father's Day: For papas and nonnos near or far, hand-rolled cannoli are definitely on their wish list. Let's be real, picking a flavor from Bisnonna's extensive array of cannoli is no easy task with options like Cinnamon Honey Latte, Nutella, and Rainbow Cookie. The decision will be a tough one, but dads will surely appreciate and show their gratitude later! Order here.
Merino Yoga Socks
by Hoagland Handmade
For Mother’s Day: Active, yoga-loving moms will love the hand-dyed merino yoga socks from Hoagland Handmade, a sustainable shop that crafts products using all-natural fiber knits sourced from local fiber farms and the like. Creating the perfect balance of style, warmth, and flexibility, these socks will become a quick favorite of moms. Order here. Find more products, like totes, mittens, and soap savers here.
Afternoon Tea Gift Box / Cookie Cake
by The Playful Bakester
Photo Courtesy of The Playful Bakester
For Mother’s Day: The Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Gift Box is a tea-riffic treat for this special day. Pair this delightful treat box with mom's favorite tea and The Playful Bakester will supply the scrumptious desserts for the perfect tea party! Order by May 6 to get two dreamy white cake bites; three Earl Grey tea cookies; three Swedish butter cookies; a scones trio (lemon basil, vanilla bean, and blueberry lavender); and lemon bread with raspberry rose glaze. Email to place your order now!
For Father's Day: Every dad loves to be called #1 Dad, so why not put it in frosting? The Father’s Day brownie cookie cake contains a rich fudgy brownie with vanilla buttercream frosting and a choice of #1 Dad or Happy Father’s Day decoration to complete this tasty gift. Order by June 9 to give the best fudging gift ever.
Thank You Mom Enamel Pins
by Curls Studio
For Mother’s Day: Remind mom just how much she means to you with a custom enamel pin that she can wear each day, crafted by popular “Curls” comic strip artist Carolyn Belefski. Featuring a design with a floral motif of mother and child forming a heart shape surrounded by a nest of greens, this pin represents the feeling of unconditional love. Order here and browse other design ideas here.
Have you come across some other incredible gift ideas for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day 2024? Tell us about it in the comments below or join the conversation on social at @VisitFairfax and #FXVA.
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.)
