We can’t promise you won’t break the bank, but we can promise an array of local gifts and souvenirs you can cherish for a lifetime. While free two-day shipping is convenient, there is just something about meandering a boutique store looking for the best gift for your loved ones. Below, we have outlined the best gift shops, artisan, consignment and antique stores that are scattered throughout the city.
Selden Market
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Let’s start with the all-encompassing Selden Market. Located in the heart of our downtown, Selden is an eclectic, historic shopping hall that features local artisans, chefs, and new pop-up shops weekly. Because it is ever-changing, every time you visit Norfolk there will be different vendors. Worried your favorite shop will disappear once it leaves Selden? Don’t. Success stories like Pure Lagos (and others), have these shops moving out of Selden Market and into brick and mortar within our city, so your favorite shop won’t just disappear! Visitors may find an assortment of offerings like handmade leather goods, unique jewelry, DIY candles, international cuisine and more. For a full list of their current shops click here.
Gift Shops
Decorum
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Located inside Decorum Furniture is Norfolk’s most eclectic gift shop, Decorum. Find the perfect present for your next celebration such as games, diffusers, handmade kitchen utensils, quirky magnets and more.
Mermaid Market
We would hate to see you leave Norfolk without a mermaid souvenir. Visit the Mermaid Market located inside our downtown tourist information office. Mermaid bottle openers, ornaments, hats and the most iconic souvenir of all, a classic mermaid city t-shirt.
A. Dodson’s
Owner Alison Dodson grew up among the aisles of her grandfather’s general store, and has been in the retail industry ever since. Her offerings are endless! Whether you’re in town for a trip or just a local exploring the city, A. Dodson’s is your one-stop-shop for everyone in the family. You will find gifts to please your tech-savvy dad, the wine-enthusiast aunt and gifts for the newborn in the family.
Mermaid Factory
With one visit to our city you will quickly notice Mermaids everywhere. They have become our city’s mascot and the Mermaid Factory sells all the mermaid trinkets you could ever imagine. Their mermaids make perfect gifts for both locals and visiting guests as a memento of your time spent in Coastal Virginia. The Factory also doubles as a paint shop where you can create and decorate your own mermaid – great for kids and ladies night out (complimentary wine included)!
Artisan
Hamilton Perkins
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Gift your loved ones with a bag that is not only stylish, but that is also making a positive impact on our world. From travel bags, totes, backpacks and crossbody bags, Hamilton Perkins creates items using recycled materials. These timeless editions are made from plastic water bottles, pineapple leaf fiber and billboard vinyl. This being said, no two bags are the same. Hamilton Perkins is a local to Norfolk and his store can be found on the second floor of the MacArthur Center Mall.
Kitsch
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Kitsch showcases over 100 artists, crafters, and makers within the 757 region and offers shoppers original art, beautiful prints, handmade jewelry, toys and much more. Locals rave about their vintage selection so be sure to check it out.
Prince Ink
Prince Ink is by no means your typical touristy T-shirt store, in fact, it’s quite the opposite; a craftsman’s workshop heaven. All of their apparel is one-of-a-kind with distinct designs and immense attention to detail. Whether it be a Norfolk T-shirt or hat, you will set your gift apart from the rest. Shop on their online store or swing by the VisitNorfolk Visitor Center to pick up one of their custom-made items.
Texture of Ghent
Women-owned and operated, Texture of Ghent opened their doors in 1999 and has become a crucial boutique shop within Norfolk’s shopping culture. What makes Texture so special is that it carries more than 200 artists and small business goods from Virginia, other states and even from around the world. When you shop at Texture you will easily raise the bar for gift giving, everything is truly unique and handmade.
The Industrial Cottage
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The Industrial Cottage, family-owned and operated, sells rejuvenated pieces of furniture, offers custom builds and graces us with a gift shop full of home decor for those looking for smaller scale items. Their talent is unmatched; they turn the old and dingy dresser into a new and gorgeous statement piece. The best part is they will ship the item directly to you.
Consignment
Mrs. Pinkadot
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A mixture of vendor products and consignment pieces, Mrs. Pinkadot is one of the most beloved consignment shops in the city. Owner, Joan Wilkening, focuses on decor and furniture with styles ranging from coastal and mid century modern to French country, farmhouse and more. She hosts frequent flea markets and sales throughout the store, so check her events calendar for the most up to date information. Mrs. Pinkadot is that “you can’t live without it” type of consignment store.
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Nomad’s Clothing Exchange
Owner Grice, a Norfolk native, has turned her mother’s previous Double Take consignment store into her very own, Nomad’s. Since reconfiguring the store, Grice has created quite the reputation for selling handpicked vintage and contemporary clothing. Most items are priced anywhere from five to twenty dollars, keeping it reasonably priced for all. Grice’s love for the city and all things preloved shine through at her storefront on 21st Street.
Vintage Rooster
Rummage through this eclectic vintage gift store, and you’ll find everything from vintage jewelry and fine China to bookcases and handmade celebration cards. The Vintage Rooster will satisfy any shopper’s wants.
The Attic at East Beach
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An unexpected consignment store nestled in the coastal neighborhood of East Beach, The Attic’s friendly demeanor and the wonderful array of old and new coastal treasures makes for a perfect shopping stop after a day in the sun.
White Rabbit
Let all of your kid-centric gift needs be met at Ghent’s beloved White Rabbit children’s consignment. Their beautifully curated selection of items make for the perfect birthday present, shower gift or a surprise for your well-behaved kiddo. Stuffed animals, wooden toys and children’s books are just among some of the types of items you can find at this boutique.
Antique
Michael Millard-Lowe
Michael Millard-Lowe Antiques is a nationally known provider of fine antiques. They source specialty pieces almost exclusively from France and Italy, and bring the flavor and style of the European continent to the friends of their shop. Only the best, curated antiques and curiosities are offered for sale here.
Ghent Antiques
Founded in 2016, Ghent Antiques’s selection of furnishings and home decor is curated through specialty consignments and thoroughly sorted through estate sales. Director Dan Hunt has been collecting antiques since he was 16 and loves to share his passion with shoppers for all old things turned new again.
Le Marché
Le Marché offers fine French antiques and furnishings, as well as a full-service bridal, nursery and gift registry. Under the ownership of Nabil Abdalla and Donna Marie Murphy since May 1999, Le Marché boasts uncompromising customer service in addition to over thirty years of professional experience. They invite you to come in and experience their magnificent European bed and table linens, fine china, crystal, sterling flatware, iron beds, cribs, armoires, tables, chairs, lounges and decadent chocolates.
Attic Treasures Antique Mall
Stop by the Attic Treasures Antique Mall and you will find everything from a Hawaiian shirt for your next Aloha Friday at the office to an old-school popcorn machine for the perfect family night activity. Attic Treasures sells items from a selection of vendors, so make sure you check out every nook and cranny.
Three Swallows Imports
Located along 21st Street, Three Swallows specializes in Asian collectibles, antiques and home furnishings. You can find anything from a classic Buddha garden statue to a hand-painted credenza.