Luxury Is: Finding the Perfect Gift

White Diamond is more than a real estate agency, we’re proud to serve our community by shining a spotlight on everything it offers. Today, we are boosting some of the small businesses that make North Central West Virginia a shopping destination, with a few helpful tips on finding one-of-a-kind holiday treasures.  

From a better buying experience to a bigger return on your tax dollars, small businesses are the gift that keeps on giving. Shopping locally doesn’t just help small business owners thrive, it boosts our economy, increases our tax base, and makes the entrepreneurial dreams of friends and neighbors come true. After all, whether it’s a favorite boutique, a quiet café, or a whitewater outfitter, nothing shapes a community’s identity like small businesses.    

In the spirit of supporting our community, White Diamond Realty has compiled a list of five local shopping ideas for luxury homeowners in North Central West Virginia, including links for exactly where to find memorable gifts for everyone on your holiday list. 

1. Outdoor gear from McFly Outdoors 

If you live in North Central West Virginia, you already know someone who loves to hike, camp, fish, or hunt. But did you know that our region is home to one of the very best shopping options for outdoor enthusiasts? 

From backpacks and binoculars to camo and crossbows, you can’t go wrong with any of McFly Outfitters’ carefully curated products, but for a one-of-a-kind experience, we recommend gifting one of McFly’s guided trips for anglers.  

Whether it’s a half day casting for bass on a local lake, a full day stalking muskie on a wild river, or even a six-hour hike to a secret back country fishing hole, McFly Outdoors Outfitters supplies the boats, guides, and gear to give anglers a memory they will never forget.  

Visit their store at 20 Shaner Drive in Bridgeport on Small Business Saturday, or book a guided tour online anytime.  

2. Camp craft cocktails from Hoot and Howl 

Speaking of the outdoors, consider picking up a camp cocktail infusion kit from Hoot and Howl. Each kit contains everything you need to make 8 craft cocktails (16 if infused twice). Just fill with 12 ounces of alcohol, refrigerate 3 days, shake well, strain, and add 1.5oz shot to a splash of soda, juice and/or tonic. Keeps for 30 days!  

For a non-alcoholic version, fill the jar with hot water, cap, and refrigerate to cool. Then, strain 1.5 oz into a cup of hot tea, iced tea, sparkling water or citrus juice. And no, you don’t have to drink them around a campfire. 

If you’ve never shopped at Hoot and Howl, you are in for a treat. This award-winning shop features ethical brands made in West Virginia! They even carry vintage items you won’t find anywhere else.  

Located at 245 Walnut Street, in the heart of Morgantown’s shopping district, Hoot and Howl not only ships, but they will deliver orders over $75 for free, within a five-mile radius. 

3. Wooden kitchen utensils from Allegheny Treenware. 

Individually fashioned from West Virginia hardwoods, Allegheny Treenware’s elegant yet practical utensils are available in a variety of styles, from paw shaped paddles to a spouted serving spoon worthy of your grandmother’s gravy. With over 170 options, these one-of-a-kind items make the perfect gift for the culinary enthusiast on your list.  

Shoppers are invited to visit this small businesses’ workshop by appointment, where you’ll see a wooden spoon made from beginning to end. You can even take a spoon home with you, free of charge! 

Allegheny Treenware is open for tours Monday through Friday, 8:00-4:30. Evening and weekend tours are available by appointment. After hours, appointments can be made at (304) 892-3270. During business hours, they accept calls at their shop number (304) 892-5008. For directions, click here. 

You can also find Allegheny Treenware’s wooden utensils at Tamarack in Beckley, or if you’d rather avoid that seasonal chill, you can order online. 

4. Festive wind chimes from River Fair Trade 

Another shop featuring handmade products is River Fair Trade at 316 High Street in Morgantown.  This store features socially and environmentally responsible products that please the most discerning shopper. Their fair-trade policy helps empower small collectives and single artisans.  

As for great gifts, Rive Fair Tade carries gorgeous metal windchimes and mobiles in a variety of shapes and sizes. Glory in the beauty of their Phases of the Moon mobile or delight in the sweet sounds of their Bohemian waterfall chime, which is designed for outdoor use and hand-tuned to perfection! Some of their smaller options even make great tree ornaments. 

5. Holiday decor from Modern Homestead 

Located in Reedsville, Modern Homestead has become a treasured shopping destination for folks looking to spruce up their seasonal décor. From holiday themed tea towels to vintage reflector ornaments, you’ll be ready to host the world’s greatest gift exchange after shopping at Modern Homestead. Some people visit this store just to smell the mélange of holiday scents their products exude! 

Still need a tree? Modern Homestead carries fresh cut trees, including blue spruce seedlings with matching LED lights! They also have fragrant evergreen wreaths, several varieties of amaryllis, and of course, both white and red poinsettias. However, if you want a wreath or a tree, you need to put in a reservation, because these items are in high demand. 

6. Buy your luxury home from White Diamond Realty 

We love to shop for gifts as much as anyone, but once that’s done, there is nothing like kicking off your shoes, sipping some hot chocolate, and cozying down in your own living room. While you’re relaxing, take a few moments to check out the latest featured homes from White Diamond Realty.