Bring a Gift, Not Just an Appetite This Friendsgiving

Friendsgiving is all about good food, chosen family, and a little friendly competition over who makes the best side dish. But before you roll up with your famous mac and cheese, don't forget the person opening their home to the whole crew. Nobody wants to be the guest who shows up with nothing but an appetite. You get to skip the setup and cleanup. The least you can do is bring a decent thank-you gift.

Mongrel

This LGBTQ+-owned Carytown gift shop is a gold mine for gifts with personality. Browse funny greeting cards, candles, home accessories, and delightfully unexpected finds that say, “I appreciate you” without getting sappy about it.

Maven Theory

Give your host's home a little upgrade with locally made fragrances, candles, and other scent-focused goodies. It's a thoughtful pick for the friend who loves a cozy atmosphere and makes lighting a candle feel like an entire personality trait.

Fountain Bookstore

For the host who always has a book on the nightstand, stop by this independent bookstore for a new read, a queer story, or a title tailored to their latest obsession. Pair it with a sweet treat for bonus points.

Small Friend Records & Books

For the friend whose taste runs a little offbeat, this woman-owned independent shop specializes in books and records with plenty of personality. Find something unexpected for their collection or pick out a record to soundtrack the next dinner party.

Diversity Thrift

A host gift doesn't have to be brand-new to be a great find. Browse secondhand home décor, art, and other unique treasures for something your host didn't know they needed. Even better, proceeds support LGBTQ+ programs and services through Diversity Richmond. That's a gift that gives twice.

Dinner Party

Wine is a classic host gift, but why stop at the bottle? Dinner Party in Carytown stocks thoughtfully selected wines, pantry treats, and goods for the table. Ask for a bottle that pairs well with the meal, then add a specialty snack or something useful for the next dinner party. It's basically a hostess gift in one convenient stop.

This Friendsgiving, bring a little something for your host, because the only thing that should be too salty at Friendsgiving is the gravy.