I decided to save this post until the week before Christmas when people are scrambling to figure out what to get. The stores this year will be more "picked over" than ever and, as you have all heard, shipping stuff has become a nightmare. So, what are you to do? Well, I have some solutions.A couple of weeks ago, I featured some of my favorite items from my fellow Alexandria Stylebook stores. But what if you don't want to give an "item" — and you want something more. Well, there are plenty of great options right here in Alexandria. I bet you can just email them or even message them on Instagram, and they will get something to you to wrap-up. All of these businesses have gift cards in all amounts. It is a great way to support our small business community and keep us going in 2021. 

The Gift of Wellness:

I don't know if I can think of two women-owned businesses that care more about a person's overall health than Alexandria Wellness and Mind the Mat, and we are fortunate to have them contribute to Alexandria Stylebook. Both businesses are about so much more than exercise or working out; they are about living longer, feeling better, and being part of a community.Alexandria WellnessIf someone you know always says, "I just don't have time to fit it all in," or "I never seem to get anything done," then Alexandria Wellness is what they need. It is a Concierge Wellness Service that looks at the whole picture. They guide you through managing your schedule, sleep, nutrition, mindfulness, and exercise. If you are looking for small virtual classes, you can find that here as well, click here to read more about it.Mind the MatIf you follow me on Instagram you know I love Pilates Bootcamp. But Mind the Mat is more than one class or one instructor. Sara and Megan have created a community that feels like a family. When gyms shutdown, they immediately shifted online and have virtual programming like no other studio I have seen. They literally have more than a dozen classes a day, including all different types of yoga and Pilates. They now have in-studio options and outdoor as well. It isn't just classes: They have therapeutic yoga, pre and post-natal yoga, workshops if you have ever wanted to become a teacher… they have it all.

The Gift of Learning a New Skill:

As winter approaches and we are all hunkered inside, wouldn't it be a great time to learn a new skill or brush up on an old one.fibre spaceI learned to knit years ago to help with my anxiety when I fly. I wish I did it more and 2021 is my year to get back at it. If you are a beginner and need to learn to cast on, or if you are more advanced and ready to take on cable knit, this is your place. They have the most beautiful yarn and everyone that works there can help solve your knitting dilemmas. And I mean, you can make the most beautiful clothes with your own hands!Helen OliviaNo other business has impressed me more during Covid-19 than Helen Olivia. They didn't just pivot; they have done backflips to keep their small business running. If you have always wanted to learn how to arrange flowers, this is your chance. They just announced the new list of workshops for 2021.

The Gift of Style:

DC gets a bad rap when it comes to style, but these three women are changing that. If you know someone who says they never know what to wear or have so many clothing items that they buy but don't know what to wear them with, these three women can come to the rescue. They will edit your closet, help you shop your own closet, or help find items that make all the things you already own work. The gift of an organized closet also helps save time and money. No more staring blankly at the piles of sweaters and not knowing what to do. No more buying your 10th black turtleneck because you can't find the other nine.Alexandria Stylebook has three great stylists that we work with and they are all amazing:Tulle BoxALH StyleLindsey Evans

The Gift of Not Having to Make Dinner:

Are you so sick of cooking after the holidays? Okay, I am always sick of cooking. But when it is cold out and you want something comforting and cozy, wouldn't it be great to have it dropped off or just swing by and pick it up. Well, you can give that gift to someone with Stomping Ground. Nicole just announced her new dinner menu and it is amazing. I could eat her soup and salad every night (I mean, you also get a dessert with it too), but it doesn't stop there. Burgers are my kids' favorite, and don't worry, you can still get Andy's Pizza.

The Gift of a Beautiful Home:

We are all home all the time. I think it has us all wanting to upgrade our living space. I know I sat on my couch and stared at a light fixture for months, hoping I could will it to change. But I don't have those magical powers, so I had to call Ivy Lane Living. I can't think of a better gift than the gift of having someone come help make my house beautiful. Maybe it is a certain room, maybe you need more than that. Whatever it is, this dynamic duo will make you love your home.