The holidays are right around the corner, and shoppers everywhere are trying to find that perfect gift for someone in their lives. Whether you have something in mind already or are still searching for ideas, check out a few great gift ideas made or sold by Lancers!
The holidays aren’t complete without a poinsettia from one of Virginia’s largest greenhouse growers and a Richmond staple for nearly 100 years. BILL GOULDIN ’06 has been the CEO of Strange’s since 1971 and a lover of all things green since birth.
Do you have someone on your list who is an absolute D.C. sports junkie? MAX DUCHAINE ’11 has your back. His shop, Seventh & F, hits a home run with D.C. baseball, football, hockey and basketball merch that will make heads turn all across the capital.
In the handcrafted jewelry of JENNIFER STONE ’98, nature’s beauty is the star. She combines handmade sterling silver and gold with precious gems, pearls, fossils and sea glass to create exquisite one-of-a-kind pieces. Just for her fellow Lancers this holiday season, use the promo code “freshman15” for 15 percent off and free shipping!
Forget the holiday sweets—treat your loved one to the saltiest holiday treat in Virginia! LYNNE HUBBARD RABIL ’75 runs the family peanut business, which has been making the best peanuts around for nearly 70 years. Longwood is a big part of the Hub’s family: Rabil’s mother, DOT OWEN HUBBARD ’47, founded the company in 1954, and her sister SANDRA HUBBARD EDWARDS is a member of the CLASS OF ’77.
Give a gift that your puppy lover will cherish fur-ever! JENNY IHLENBURG MCMURTRIE ’94 makes paw-sitively the best dog-related gifts for all seasons—and most, including her yearly Christmas nutcracker, can be customized to feature your favorite breed!
There’s nothing better than the sun on your back and the wind in your hair as you’re on a starboard tack. JERRY LATELL ’93 creates the custom sails that deliver experiences of a lifetime on blue water.
When he’s not making soulful music, JOEL WORFORD ’18 is perfecting his writing skills at one of the most prestigious MFA programs in the world—the Iowa Writer’s Workshop. You can pick up a copy of his debut full length album and give the gift of music.
From her beginnings designing jewelry in her Longwood residence hall, VICTORIA DISILVESTRO ’20 has built a fashion brand that is in stores nationwide. From jewelry to eyewear, dresses to swimwear, Airotciv (her name, backward) is a onestop shop for any fashionista!
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Much of the time, MONTY MONTGOMERY ’98 is on a ladder painting murals— stunning examples of which can be found at Longwood and around Farmville. But he also has series of paintings and prints that will add color and style to any home.
We all know a pickle-head—the person who loves those tangy, sour or sweet treats so much that they are more than happy to take yours off your hands! JAMES BARBOUR ’05 is one of those people—and while his pickles are only available in Australia (potentially making him the farthest flung Lancer out there), his merchandise is perfect for Santa’s
pickle-heads.
Everyone knows someone whose head—and heart—stay permanently at the beach, especially during the long winter months. SCOTT SMITH ’05, co-founder of Outer Banks Distilling Co., has been turning people into pirates since 2015.
Elegantly designed prints meet custom invitations and stationery in the studio of EMILY BAIRD ’11. The alumna has been featured in Brides and Martha Stewart magazines for her custom wedding invitations, but she has branched out to new prints of her own artwork.
Civil War buffs are always looking for a new read with expert insight into the intricacies of the war. DAN DAVIS ’05 has you covered. A former historian at several Civil War battlefields, including Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, he’s the author or co-author of seven books about the war.
Sweaters and scarves and blankets, oh my! DEBBIE FLOYD ’79, M.S. ’04, is Richmond’s queen of yarn, from super bulky to lace. Holding court over her store, Dances With Wool, which is conveniently located in the heart of Midlothian, she also offers classes for beginners to advanced learners in knitting, crochet, spinning and weaving.
Whether a vase, tableware or artistic centerpiece, handmade ceramics are a classic way to show you care. SHAWN GROVE ’93 creates wood-fired masterpieces at his workshop in Lucketts, Virginia, that are treasured in homes across the country.
If you’re looking to give the gift of style this holiday, look no further than Monkee’s of Fredericksburg. This boutique women’s shop, owned by CATHERINE SULLIVAN ’08, has something for every woman on your list..
It’s the details that make a house a home. Whether it’s a perfectly scented candle or comfy throw, home décor is a classic holiday gift for a reason, and MADDIE HUMERICK ’09 has gift ideas galore at the online shop she launched in 2022 with her siblings.
Don’t let that person on your list show up to game day without looking as fly as possible! MADISON JOHNSON ’21 has the affordable fashion that turns heads at Sage & Honey, whether it’s accessories, dresses, tops or sets.
