Gifts You Can't Find Just Anywhere

With so many of us staying put for the holidays this year, we're highlighting a mix of quarantine staples, some Alexandria-specific treasures, and a few one-of-a-kind gifts you won't find just anywhere, all of which are sure to delight just about anyone on your list. The following gifts are all available at Red Barn Mercantile.  

1. A particularly festive puzzle that celebrates the places we've been and the places we look forward to visiting again. (Holidays Across the USA Puzzle, $27)
2. A handmade felt ornament to remember, honor, and celebrate the one and only RBG. (Ruth Bader Ginsberg Ornament, $22.50)
3. A limited-edition, (very) 2020 holiday mug designed by local calligrapher Michele Hatty Fritz of Meant To Be Calligraphy. (Staying Home for the Holidays Mug, $18)
4. Our exclusive Apolis market tote! Made with a waterproof liner and tanned leather straps, this bag is a perfect way to rep our great city. (Alexandria Tote, $88)
5. You simply cannot go wrong with this gorgeous handmade pottery. Each piece is a (food-safe) work of art! (Terrafirma Serving Bowl, $175)
6. Another custom item we offer to show our love for this Alexandria. Hand-hooked wool pillows to throw on their favorite chair. (Alexandria Pillow, $59)
7. An oversized scarf made of 100% Merino Lambswool. Chic, cozy, classy comfort. (Wearable Wrap, $136)

  Penny Post, of course, completely delivers on ways to keep busy at home. Plus, snacks and accessories! You cannot go wrong here.

1. Because COVID calories don't count, send a few bags of our favorite popcorn to sustain them through the winter months. (Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn, $10)
2. Everyone is dealing with a lot of emotions, some of which are brand new. This box holds 80 cards containing mini-essays on different emotions. This set will teach one about themselves and what makes other people tick — from anger and worry to empathy and courage. (The Box of Emotions, $19.99)
3. A good reminder for all of us. (Water Frequently Patch, $7.50)
4. One should only craft and wrap with beautiful tools. These snips are a gorgeous addition to anyone's stationery supplies. (Red Scissors, $25)
5. A book to help create vision boards, birthday cards, and so much more. With 1500+ objects included, the possibilities to cut out and collage are limitless. Flowers, birds, cats, and butterflies can be combined with buildings, eyes, mustaches, and men in dubious pants to create extraordinary original artworks and talking pieces. (Extraordinary Things to Cut Out and Collage, $19.99)
6. A set of eight single cards to help them keep in touch. I'll bet at least one of these will find their way back to you. (Harvest Boxed Set, $10)
7. A sweet pair of earrings to elevate any sweatshirt and PJ ensemble. (Big Colorloop Earrings, $48)
8. So many new puzzles to choose from, but our eyes are locked on this Rifle Paper Co. puzzle. (Strawberry Fields Puzzle, $35)

Hopefully, some of these ideas inspire you. And don't forget we are happy to help you curate the perfect gift. Simply fill out a custom gift form at Penny Post or Red Barn Mercantile to give us an idea of the person you're shopping for and we'll do the rest! You can also order a surprise gift box from either shop (Penny Post's boxes + Red Barn Mercantile's boxes). We recommend placing orders by December 11 if you need something shipped!