I love to give gifts with meaning. I love to receive gifts into which someone has put diligent thought. I love to support local businesses, and we are fortunate to have a nice selection in Middleburg and the surrounding area. Here are a few of my favorite things:

Tri-County Feeds, Fashions and Finds is just that, one can really find something for everyone at there. Not only do they have an excellent selection for fashionable equestrians, they also have a fantastic gift section with goodies of all kinds. Ladies, for the hard to shop for outdoors man in your life, they have an excellent selection of clothes designed for shooting and hunting as well as unique, supporting accoutrements. Let him know you acknowledge his hobby and find something wonderful to support it.

My husband and father do a tie exchange every year. They love the selection at Highcliffe Clothiers. They are both also very fond of their cufflink selection and covet their custom made dress shirts. What is better than something off the rack? Something that is specifically made for you. He will wonder what has taken him so long to get the perfect shirt.

For busy parents, I love to give a gift certificate to a fantastic restaurant. Your gift of a night out just might be the most needed, yet simple notion. There are plenty of great ones to choose from in Middleburg. I always have an amazing experience at The French Hound.

Staying with consumables, I also love giving a meaningful bottle of wine. Greenhill's Blanc de Blancs is out of this world as is Boxwood's Topiary. You cannot go wrong with either of them. For the non-alcoholic palate or gourmet in your life, visit Olio for specialty oils, vinegars and more. All of the above make great hostess gifts as well as to keep extras on hand for the person you forgot.

Who doesn't like to be pampered? One can rarely go wrong with a gift certificate for a facial, massage or pedicure. Some people won't splurge to pamper themselves and a gift of such decadence might be appreciated beyond belief. In Middleburg, even Fido can be gifted pampering at The Studio and is always appreciated by the dog lover.

For the cyber shopper, I think the two best things going are the iRobot Roomba and the Nutra Bullet. What better gift to give someone than a future without vacuuming? The Nutra Bullet brings health in blending and it also cuts down on dishes used. Score.

And if she is hinting hard for the vest on the mannequin outside of Duchessa, consider yourself lucky that that you need to look no further! It will create a beaming smile when opened and tried on with a twirl over her PJ's. (Can someone please call my husband to make sure he sees how I dropped my hint in print?)

I wish each and every one of you a perfect Christmas.