The holidays are upon us, and I am here to encourage you to shop locally for both items and experiences. While I understand the convenience of shopping quickly online, you just can’t beat the thoughtful recommendations from shop owners, the valuable gift of memories with family at local museums, or the promise of fun at area sporting events. I love the idea of supporting locally owned businesses, while purchasing gifts that will enrich your family’s life, not just add clutter to your home. With all that being said, here is the 2024 RFM/RVA Family Fun Shop Local Gift Guide!
bbgb books
This children’s bookstore in the heart of Carytown has an incredible selection. The booksellers are extremely knowledgeable and will help you find the perfect read for the young bibliophile in your life.
Holiday Promotion at bbgb:
Enter the RFM Audiobook raffle for RFM readers 11/25-12/6; Small Business Saturday 11/30 (in-store raffle for signed book bundle!)
Bella Ballerina
Bella Ballerina RVA is excited to help with gift shopping for any budding dancers this holiday season! Classes are available for ages from 18 months to 10 years old, and your gift recipient will delight in the small class sizes and storybook-themed approach to learning.
Holiday Promotion at Bella Ballerina:
Sign up for a winter session of dance classes and receive a FREE gift-wrapped tutu for under the tree! This is a great chance to get them an experience gift, AND something to open on Christmas morning! Register today, and fill out the form for a beautiful, gift-wrapped tutu!
Children’s Museum of Richmond
Learn through play at CMoR’s Downtown or Chesterfield locations, both full of engaging exhibits for ages 0-8. Highlights for my family include riding the carousel, exploring the cave, and of course, the water table.
Holiday Promotion at Children’s Museum of Richmond:
From November 29 – December 2, families can enjoy $15 off their membership purchase with code BFR24.
Cinema Café
Cinema Café in Chester features family-friendly dining and stadium seating, making for a comfortable and entertaining outing. Treat your child to a movie, or gift parents a night out at the movies! I love the idea of offering a night of babysitting paired with a Cinema Café gift card for caregivers who could use a date night.
Holiday Promotion at Cinema Café:
Purchase $50 in gift cards and get TWO free movie passes.
Marco’s Pizza
Whether for busy caregivers who will be relieved to have a break from cooking, or for kids who’d love a pizza party with friends, Marco’s Pizza gift cards make a great stocking stuffer, or pick up a cute pizza ornament and gift it along with the gift card.
Holiday Promotion at Marco’s Pizza:
15% off e-gift cards, Black Friday through Cyber Monday.
Maymont
Give the gift of a Family Membership to Maymont for a year packed with adventure, exploration and discovery! A family of 2 adults and up to 6 children will enjoy free admission to The Robins Nature Center and special events, discounts, and early registration for Summer Camps and Out-of-School Day Camps, plus $25 off birthday party packages and discounts on programs and merchandise.
Holiday Promotion at Maymont:
Special offer for RFM readers: $10 off an $80 Family Membership with the code RFMHOL25, valid through January 25, 2025.
Richmond Flying Squirrels
Take ’em out to the ball game with tickets to one of Richmond’s favorite sporting events! My family loves Flying Squirrels games – the concessions, the entertainment, Nutsy and Nutasha – it’s one of our Summer Bucket List Activities!
Grab a Squirrelsmas Holiday Package, complete with a Great 8 flexible ticket voucher book, good for eight tickets, a Nutzy Nutcracker ornament, and the option to add on Flying Squirrels wrapping paper. The Great 8 flexible ticket voucher book has 8 flexible tickets to use throughout the 2025 Flying Squirrels season.
Richmond Raceway
Fuel up your holiday giving with a family 4-pack! This fun family experience includes 2 Adult tickets, 2 Youth tickets, and a RE Scanner Double Headset rental for the Cook Out 400 NASCAR Cup Series race on Saturday August 16, 2025 at Richmond Raceway.
Come early and enjoy the Fan Zone Festival including a giant kid’s area with interactive games, music, performances, driver appearances, and more.
Science Museum of Virginia
This holiday season, skip the clutter and give the gift of limitless wonder! With a Science Museum of Virginia membership, unwrap endless experiences, exhilarating discoveries and unforgettable memories that will last all year long. Delight your family and friends with a gift that sparks curiosity and wonder—and save 15% with code GIFT24 at checkout until December 31, 2024. Learn more at smv.org/gift.
Soul Aerial & Performing Arts
SOUL Aerial & Performing Arts Center’s breathtaking Alice in Wonderland aerial cirque production will transport the whole family to a magical world of jaw-dropping stunts, dazzling visuals, and timeless characters. Alice in Wonderland is perfect for creating unforgettable memories for children and parents alike!
Holiday Promotions for Soul Aerial & Performing Arts:
From Friday, 11/29 10AM through Monday, 12/3 11:59PM, save 20% on select seats at all performances with code THANKS20.
Virginia Museum of History and Culture
Purchase a membership to VMHC, along with novelty LEGO® items from the gift shop. The LEGO® fan in your family will be ecstatic to not only have new LEGO items, but to visit Traveling Bricks: An Exhibition Made of LEGO® Bricks!
Holiday Promotion at Virginia Museum of History and Culture:
Use code RFM10 for 10% off in the VMHC Museum Store (VMHC members get an additional 10% on top of the regular member discount). Valid through 12/2.
I had so much fun putting this together for you. Shopping locally helps our businesses, and it also makes us appreciate the people who make our city great.
Bookmark this page to keep all our suggestions in one place. We hope this guide helps you streamline your shopping in staying local, and keeping your home free of unnecessary clutter.
Happy Holidays!
