We know that finding a great present for Dad isn’t always easy, so we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite locally-made products to help you find a gift that he’s sure to love. Use our Made in Virginia gift guide to pick out the perfect gift for your father this year.
Virginia Distillery Company’s Courage & Conviction Whisky
If your Dad is a whiskey drinker, get him a bottle of Virginia Distillery Company’s newest release, Courage & Conviction Whisky. Inspired by the founder’s principles to “have the courage of your convictions”, this American Single Malt barley whisky has been aged a minimum of three years. This year, the spirits producer added three new whiskys to the Courage & Conviction lineup: Sherry Cask, Cuvee Cask, and Bourbon Cask single malt whiskys, aged in these barrels to create distinct yet subtle flavors for the truly discerning whisky lover.
Handley Watches
Photo Credit: Jay Carpenter
Based out of Richmond, Virginia, Handley watches was started by a husband and wife duo that were looking to combine functionality and style into a timepiece that was also comfortable to wear. A few of the watches in the collection give a nod to iconic Richmond streets and restaurants, like The Continental and The Libbie. Dad will love the look and feel of these watches – and the free shipping doesn’t hurt either!
Seigler Fishing Reels
A fishing reel manufacturer based in Virginia Beach, Siegler Fishing Reels are a great gift for the father who spends a lot of time out on the water. These award-winning, top-quality reels come in a range of styles and price points, from fly fishing reels to lever drag reels. You can also get him a matching t-shirt or hat to wear during his next fishing trip.
BS Grillin’ Company
Photo Credit: Nathan Haefer, @jnphotographyva
Does Dad spend a good number of evenings grilling out? If so, he’ll probably appreciate some nice sauces and condiments to pair with his grilled meals. BS Grillin’ Company, based out of Lynchburg, makes a wide variety of sauces, such as Kickin’ Pineapple BBQ, Smokin’ Chipotle BBQ, and as well as relishes like their Blazin’ Pepper Relish and Sweet Zucchini Relish. These can also be used in lieu of your average sauces and seasonings in dips, sandwich spreads, marinades, and more.
Green Cove Collective Socks
Many Dads are big on the Great Outdoors, and if yours happens to like exploring Virginia’s untouched wilderness and conquering the most strenuous trails, socks from Green Cove Collective are a perfect gift. The company resides in the mountains of Southwest Virginia, so they have plenty of places to test out their latest socks for quality and endurance. Plus, every time you purchase a product from Green Cove Collective, they provide a meal to a person in need, supporting their community while also crafting excellent hiking accessories.
A Mixed Basket of Virginia Craft Beer
Photo Credit: Shannon Terry
If your Dad is a craft brew lover, take a DIY approach and build a basket of your favorite Virginia craft beers. Sharing a love of brews is a great way to bond, and he will appreciate the careful selection you’ve taken the time to put together! Not sure where to start? For a great selection of award-winning IPAs, consider ordering from The Veil Brewing Company, or if he’s more of a light beer guy, pick up some beers from New Realm Brewing Company, who won the 2019 Virginia Craft Beer Cup for their Euphoria Pilsner.
Autumn Olive Farm Meats, Waynesboro
We mentioned grilling before, but starting with a nice cut of meat will help those spices taste even better. Gift Dad some meats from Autumn Olive Farm, such as gorgeous steak cuts like filet mignon, New York Strip, and Top Sirloin, pork products like ribs, bacon, and pork chops, or processed meat products like ground beef or a wide variety of housemade sausages. All meats are raised on the environmentally-friendly farm in the Shenandoah Valley, which is owned and operated by local families. Current pickup locations for their products include Roanoke, Staunton, Harrisonburg, Northern Virginia, and Richmond.
Lineage Candles
Photo Credit: Jason Collins, @jasoncollinsphotography
Candles aren’t just for Moms! With smells like Appalachian Woodsmoke, Boot Jack, Bourbon & Ginger, Cinnamon & Cedar, Pine Camp, and Mill Lodge, Dad will enjoy the candles from Harrisonburg-based workshop Lineage, too. In addition to candles, you’ll find other great gifts for dad at Lineage, including leather coasters embossed with the state of Virginia, toiletry bags, cook & bar ware, and grooming products.
Framed Letterpress Virginia Outdoors Prints from Wild Wander Co.
Photo Credit: Clara Cline
Outdoorsy dads will appreciate the framed letterpress prints created by Wild Wander Co., available for sale on Etsy. Featuring designs like the Flora & Fauna of Virginia, a Field Guide to the Appalachian Trail, a charming Atlantic Oyster print, and a Field Guide to Shenandoah National Park, these prints will be hung proudly on the wall of Dad’s office or “man cave”. If he’s more into wearing his hobby, the designer also makes a selection of screen printed tees featuring a few Virginia-themed designs.
Moore & Giles Leather Wrapped Flask
Since 1933, Lynchburg’s Moore & Giles has been turning natural leathers into both commercial goods in the automotive and aviation industries and gorgeous high-end products for consumers. If your Dad is a spirits enthusiast, order him their Leather Wrapped Flask (available in forest green, burgundy, and rich brown colors), a stainless steel flask wrapped in vegetable-tanned Italian leather. Other leather products include luxurious leather coasters, games, and office accessories, so peruse their online shop for further inspiration.
Intro to Knifemaking Class at Join or Die Knives, Richmond
The custom knives from Join or Die are handmade in Richmond, but if you’re not located near Virginia’s Capital city, you can order the blades online and have them shipped to you. Depending on Dad’s hobbies, there are several knives he may appreciate as a gift; the oyster knives are great for those that enjoy a backyard grill including Virginia’s well-known bivalves, the field mate knives are best for the Dads that spend their weekends hunting, and the kitchen knives are for the Dads that love to cook. However, if your Dad is a more hands-on guy, he may appreciate Join or Die’s Introduction to Knifemaking Class, where he’ll learn how to make his own blade.
Grill Out With Virginia-Grown Oysters
Photo Credit: Sam Dean, @sdeanphotos
Grown in the famed Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, Virginia’s oysters are a gift not only made in Virginia, but made from Virginia’s waters. Get Dad a bushel of oysters for and host a cookout in the backyard where he can show his skills at the grill. With eight distinct oyster regions in the waters of the Bay, there are many different flavor profiles to Virginia oysters, whether Dad prefers the brinier bivalves of the Atlantic shores or the buttery taste of the oysters grown in the Rappahannock River. And many of these companies are currently offering curbside pickup or even home delivery, allowing you to easily get your gift for Dad.
Three Ships Coffee, Virginia Beach
Photo Credit: Cat Sellers
For Dads that start each day with a cup of gourmet coffee (or four), get a few bags of single-origin or blended beans from Three Ships Coffee,or step up your gift game and order a monthly coffee subscription from the Virginia Beach beanery. For $34 a month, your Dad will receive two unique coffees with detailed information about the coffee’s origins, as well as membership to the Coffee Club newsletter and monthly coupons in case he runs out and needs to restock.
Take Dad on a Short Road Trip Around Virginia
Photo Credit: Robert Harris, @robertharris
Spend some quality time together with a vacation in Virginia! Jump in the car and set out on a road trip along a scenic route to share the day and discover the beauty of the Commonwealth. Be sure to snap a picture at one of the 200+ LOVEworks along the way to commemorate the trip.
If you want more Made in Virginia products, check out our 2022 Gift Guide for tons of thoughtful gifts!