In March, park staff from across the Commonwealth of Virginia gathered for our annual Merchandise Vendor Gift Show. This energizing opportunity allowed us to explore new products, connect with regional makers, and find fresh ways to enhance the guest experience in our park gift shops.

The show gathered a vibrant tapestry of creative businesses. From artwork shaped by nature to sustainably crafted apparel and playful, kid-friendly keepsakes, the event offered a first glimpse of items that honor Virginia's beauty and history. These items also celebrate the enduring spirit of Virginia’s great outdoors.

This year, several standout themes helped us shop for quality items to sell in our Virginia State Parks.

Craftsmanship

The Wilusz Way Design is a small family-owned business dedicated to creating unique, eco-friendly layered wood products, all handcrafted in the USA. With a passion for quality craftsmanship and sustainability, they offer a diverse range that brings warmth and character to any space.

Eco-friendly gear

Reusable water bottles, recycled-material textiles and low-impact outdoor goods continue to grow in popularity and support sustainable recreation.

Eco-friendly merchandise helps protect the places you love. These products often use materials and processes that reduce pollution, conserve water and minimize waste. This helps keep forests, rivers and parks healthy. Many eco-focused brands build their products to be durable, repairable and high-quality, so you need fewer replacements. Using these products also helps reduce your carbon footprint.

Trail Tether

Trail Tethers are built for life on the move and are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. They're the only child-safe pacifier clip that doubles as a reliable gear strap. Trail Tethers keep your essentials close and secure — whether you're wrangling little ones or hitting the trail. Perfect for everyday carry items like keys, water bottles, gloves or small tools, Trail Tethers adapt to whatever your day demands. Their rugged construction withstands camping, hiking and all-weather adventures. You get peace of mind knowing your gear stays exactly where you need it.

These items are personalized with the park’s name and make the perfect souvenir for you or a gift for someone you know.

Park-exclusive designs

Melissa Lew’s creations are lovingly handcrafted in the USA. Each piece is designed to invite you to carry moments of meaning through your everyday life. This year, several partners unveiled custom creations that capture the soul of Virginia. These feature native wildlife rendered with care, iconic vistas shaped in art and the exclusive “Virginia State Parks” brand woven throughout. Each keepsake, available only in our gift shops, is a treasure that echoes the landscapes it honors.

Family-friendly fun

Virginia State Parks are the perfect place to create experiences the whole family can enjoy. With Wildthings Interactive Educational Puzzle Sets, nature guides, junior ranger gear and hands-on learning toys, even our youngest explorers can discover the wonders of the natural world.

There was also dog merchandise, such as a B.A.R.K. Ranger vest, dog tags and a photo frame. Be sure to check out the Virginia State Parks B.A.R.K. Ranger programs this year.

Fuel for the trail

Whitley’s Peanut Factory is celebrating 40 years of home-cooked Virginia peanuts, 1986–2026. That’s four decades of crafting the finest gourmet peanuts and peanut confections. Their signature Virginia peanuts are known for their extra-large size, rich flavor and satisfying crunch. These qualities come from Tidewater soil and generations of peanut-growing tradition. From classic salted to bold new flavors and sweet treats, every batch is slow-roasted to perfection. This honors a beloved Virginia crop and the families who have grown it for generations.

It is important for the parks to showcase local and Virginia-made products. Be sure to check out the gift shop on your next park visit to discover more foods made in your home state.

Visit a Virginia State Park Gift Shop

Beyond discovering new merchandise, the event let park teams share ideas and discuss ways to make gift shops more welcoming and helpful to visitors.

Revenue from gift shops helps support park programs, interpretive efforts and guest services. Selecting the right assortment truly makes a difference.

Guests will begin seeing many of these new items arrive in park gift shops throughout the 2026 season. Whether you’re looking for trail-ready gear, a meaningful souvenir or a gift that celebrates Virginia’s natural beauty, we’re excited to share what’s coming next.

Keep an eye out on your next visit — and thank you for supporting Virginia State Parks!