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Holiday Shopping

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the challenge of finding the perfect gifts for friends and loved ones. If you want to avoid crowded malls and generic presents, consider a trip to one of Virginia's state parks.

From handcrafted pottery and one-of-a-kind jewelry to comfy sweatshirts and cuddly animal plushies, Virginia State Parks’ gift shops have something for everyone.

Keep reading to learn more about where to shop and the different gifts parks across the state offer.

For the person who has everything

Holiday shopping
Artisan Center at Natural Bridge State Park

If you’re looking for something unique, head to one of our gift shops that features items crafted by local artisans.

Depending on the park, you can find pottery, soaps, candles, and prints and crafts that depict the scenery and showcase the culture of the region where the park is located.

Some of the parks that offer regional artisan crafts in their gift shops include Machicomoco, Natural Bridge, Sky Meadows, Pocahontas and Southwest Virginia Museum. Since our parks get new items throughout the year, we recommend contacting the park you plan on visiting to confirm if they sell artisan crafts.

Shop local at a Virginia State Park this holiday season and give a gift they’ll never forget.

Bonus shopping: Fairy Stone State Park is hosting a Holiday Market on Small Business Saturday featuring local vendors. Learn more here.

For the outdoor adventurer

Holiday shopping
Douthat State Park

Virginia State Parks are a treasure trove if you’re shopping for someone who loves spending time in nature. Many gift shops offer sturdy, handcrafted walking sticks, perfect for hiking the park’s trails, alongside maps, nature photography books and birdwatching guides.

For campers, you’ll find essentials such as fire starters, drybags, bug spray and more.

Keep your outdoor adventurer protected from the elements with a moisture-wicking t-shirt, warm hoodie or hat, and help them stay prepared with an eco-friendly water bottle or insulated travel mug.

The best thing about these gifts is that they’re practical and won’t end up gathering dust in a closet.

For the kids

Holiday Shopping
Sky Meadows State Park

Most of Virginia State Parks' gift shops have fun gifts designed to spark kids' curiosity and love for nature.

From educational toys like wildlife puzzles, bug-catching kits and nature-themed coloring books to plush animals inspired by local wildlife, such as deer, foxes or owls, there’s something for every young adventurer.

Many shops also feature kid-friendly field guides, binoculars and junior ranger gear to encourage hands-on exploration of the outdoors.

These gifts make learning about nature exciting and memorable for children of all ages.

For anyone

Holiday Shopping
False Cape State Park

A Virginia State Parks gift certificate is the perfect present for anyone who loves the outdoors or wants to try new adventures.

Gift certificates can be used for annual passes, park entry fees, overnight stays in a cabin or at a campsite and gift shop purchases, offering flexibility and convenience.

Whether you’re buying a gift certificate for a family planning a weekend getaway, a friend who loves hiking and fishing or a coworker who’s never been to Virginia State Parks before, this gift opens the door to unforgettable experiences.

You can purchase a gift certificate online.

Bonus shopping: Virginia State Parks is offering 15% off gift certificates on Cyber Monday. Learn more here.

Where to shop

Holiday Shopping
Wilderness Road State Park

Every park, and every gift shop, is unique. Gift shops range in size, offerings and operating hours, so if you have questions about one, you’ll need to contact the park where you want to shop.

Mountain region

Central region

Coastal region

Northern region


When making your purchase, consider rounding up and donating your change to the Virginia State Parks Round Up for Parks program. One hundred percent of the change collected goes toward the conservation, development and maintenance of parks.

So, this holiday season, skip the big-box stores and give gifts with meaning. Whether it’s a hand-carved ornament, a jar of local honey or the promise of an outdoor adventure, shopping at Virginia State Parks is a great way to celebrate the season.

Happy holidays, and happy shopping!

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If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

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