I love visiting Odd Bird! This local shop is filled unique and creative artisan goods. Things can…read morebe a bit on the pricey side here, but it makes sense because it's either locally made, handmade, or high quality. I usually come here when I need last second coffee beans since they carry Recluse coffee. I also have fun visiting this shop with friends when they visit me in Jackson Ward. One of my favorite things to buy here is their birthday card that has a candle imbedded into it along with a match. I think it's so cute and whimsical and the birthday person always loves it. I've been wanting to buy some of their beautifully colored taper candles. Every time I walk in always admire the ladder covered in an array of rainbow candles. If you're looking for a unique gift or a new statement piece, Odd Bird is the place for you.

If you live in Richmond, Gather is a real hike. This combination art gallery, boutique and…read moreboxed-lunch spot is waaaay out in Midlothian. It's housed in an old general store that the owners fixed up for business. The atmosphere here is elegant meets shabby chic. It's one of the stores where the inventory is so cool and well displayed, it makes me want to buy something and take a little piece of the store's feeling home with me. You'll find cool plates and glasses, antiques, designer purses and other fun stuff. The owner also sells her landscape paintings here. It's worth planning the drive for some cool shopping. On one occasion I got my mom some really beautiful hand-blown juice glasses. Each one was different, but they made a lovely set. And I got about 6 glasses for something like $35. Not bad. Along with the store, there's a pretty patio and the owner sells boxed lunches. The menu is online. There's usually some sandwiches for sale, but you can also call and place a specific order by 4 p.m. the day before you want to go for lunch. I've never eaten here, I've only shopped, so I can't comment on the food either way. I can say I do love shopping in the store and will go back for gifts...be they for others or me!

I want to live here. The owner is an artist and her paintings are a focal point, but she has that…read morecreative eye that can combine traditional pieces, kitschy finds, shabby chic, and modern crafts and it all flows colorfully and seamlessly. When I try this at home, it looks like I'm having a yard sale in my living room. It's not really that far if you hop on the Powhite...I don't know why Richmonders think going to Midlothian is like traveling to another country. Of course, I spend a lot of time in that part of the city since I have family there. It's a great place for gifts, especially for somebody who already has everthing, because there are a lot of one-of-a-kind things to wear or home accessories. I love the colorful cowboy hats and always see dishes or glasses I would like to have, but I've put a moratorium on buying stuff like that until I can afford a big hutch or china cabinet. I haven't ever had lunch there, but there's a really cute patio area so it looks like it would be a fun place to take a break from a hard day of shopping (or hunter-gathering as I like to think of it). I wouldn't call this an inexpensive place...more mid-range or pricing like you would expect in a Carytown boutique.

What a cheerful, charming shop! The wide selection and beautifully curated items create a great…read moreshopping experience- and the original artwork adds a beautiful touch- I had to bring one of those amazing pieces home!

I'm still not starry eyed about this shop. I reluctantly came in here the other day because my…read morefriend wanted to purchase something inside. I chuckled at the ridiculously high mark up on their items. The "cocktail mixology jars" cracked me up! Some sugar cubes, a cinnamon stick and a couple pieces of dried fruit in a jar for $25! Do they come with your very own personal bartender? I guess the people who buy these things are the same folks who bought "pet rocks and mood rings in the '70's" as my Yelp pal Jim C. mused. They also had a glass dome of colored matchsticks for $28! You do realize these are wooden sticks you throw away? If you need an aesthetically pleasing way to display your matches, then by all means, spend your hard earned money at this frivolous store. I did see a set of three Chinese paper lanterns that caught my eye... they were originally $40! Similar items with the same design and sizes sell on-line and at Party City for $8-10. Even on sale at $20, they are overpriced. Look, I have no problem paying good money for cool, unique, quality gifts or jewelry... I LOVE to shop... but much of the inventory here makes a laughing"stock", well, of their stock! If you're strapped for c"ash", this extravagant shop isn't worth a glance. Ditch the preposterous vendors and stick to the classic, useful pieces like your jewelry, purses, bar ware and soaps, and be thoughtful about pricing. It just goes to show you, all that shimmers isn't "gild". Although perhaps "gilty" of price gouging, if you're a spendthrift, you've found your "gilty" pleasure.

Such a lovely addition to this block! KK and Bobby are the best and will not only beautifully wrap…read moreyour gifts but can handpick the best little goodies to go inside. I've gotten a few gift boxes from here and they really do pick each item thoughtfully based on who the recipient may be. Hands down the best place if you're looking for a gift. Wide range of prices and items so there's something for everyone.

I think this is a beautiful shop. I mean it. It's like you've stepped into a Parisian gift shop…read more They have individual displays of tea, cocktail extras, perfume, candles, cards, dish towels, etc. I smelled the candles and wow they are luxurious. Everything is pricey, but if you think of this shop as a place you go to find a high end gift, then I think it's a great place. I would especially recommend it for Mother's Day goodies. Your mom needs one of their candles. Also, did I mention they are friendly and happy to help you look?

Great place to find unique gifts from local artisans in a lovely neighborhood on Southside.read more

I would add the 43rd St. Gallery to the list of top gift shops in Richmond. This shop features…read morework by area artists and many are in very affordable price ranges. The diversity of the selection makes it easy to find a unique and beautiful gift for just about anyone. They offer handmade jewelry, pottery, framed art, hanging art, and all kinds of cool things that I haven't seen anywhere else in Richmond. The last thing I will say is prepare to want to buy yourself a gift when you visit there. The 43rd St. Gallery is full of temptations. It's a beautiful place to visit, that is for sure. Enjoy!

I love to visit Art Works Inc. I almost always come home with something even if it's a note card…read more Many arts have studios at Art Works others have mini galleries inside the gallery. As a result, you can find art in varied media as well as a wide- range of price points.

I recently visited ArtWorks Inc located in Richmond. While parking is a bear, find a spot and enjoy…read moreArtWorks. There are a variety of artists housed in the space and it is great to wander the halls and discover treasures. There is also a main gallery which houses a show on the regular. Everyone we met there was welcoming and happy to see us. Artwork featured there was varied in price so you could easily find gifts for someone or for yourself without breaking the bank!

I love this museum! The building itself is an architectural beauty which opened in 2018 with…read morenationwide recognitio.. Bright, open space with multiple floors to explore. The museum features contemporary art....very unique and thought provoking works. It is a noncollecting contemporary art museum, so note, the exhibits change multiple times a year It is relatively small, so depending on time to take to enjoy each piece, you could see the whole place in 1-2 hrs. There is a small Cafe and gift shop. Restrooms on multiple floors, with an elevator and stairs. Small rooftop garden too! Free admission. Some events require registration

I always enjoy a visit to ICA. I typically go during an event so I can also interact with other…read morelocal artists. There are 3 main floors, including an auditorium for speakers/viewings and a balcony. It's free, so worth a visit if you like contemporary art, or like to get lost in public local spaces (like me).

Such a cute shop! It's located inside the main hall at the botanical gardens. They have plenty of…read moregifts, flower-inspired items, locally crafted earrings, and kids toys. It's definitely worth a stop after walking through the gardens. Prices are totally reasonable too. I perused with a friend and enjoyed my visit. If you're a member you get a discount too.

The name Garden Shop couldn't be more appropriate here, because this is way more than your typical…read moregift or souvenir shop. - After you park in one of the three parking lots (A, B, & C), you'll be coming through Robinson Visitors Center where you pay an entrance fee and get a visitor sticker that you're supposed to stick on your chest. - Around the corner on your left past the information desk and at the end of the hallway is the Garden Shop where a world of treats awaits you. - The space is basically divided into two large rooms, and packed full of gift ideas without being completely overwhelming. - We pick up hand-painted Austrian eggs and a card that opens up with a gorgeous 3-D cherry tree. - "Garden Members" receive a 10% discount on purchases here, as well as free regular admission all year.