November 23, 2011

For this week's segment of Charlottesville Plugged In, Amy Eastlack of SuzySaidCville, joined CBS19's Jim Hanchett to discuss Redbud Gifts. Redbud gifts is an online outlet store for local goods and experiences.

The site was developed by Charlottesville local Kate Bennis and everything sold on the web site originates within 100 miles of Charlottesville, Virginia.

The site features hand-made goods such as jewelry, ceramics, baked goods and toys crafted by local artisans. It also sells experiences such as dinner delivery, massages and language and music classes.

Redbud Gifts also has a “Big Gift” category featuring big ticket items for purchase by an individual or a group.

“Big Gifts” includes film-making, party bands, organic local catered parties, and backyard structures like gazebos and chicken coops.

Another unique feature of Redbud Gifts is that it also provides a way to give donations as gifts and all items and packages on the site are
exclusive to Redbud Gifts.

Here are a few things that make Redbud Gifts interesting:

1) Local, yet online

2) Goods, Experiences, and Charitable Giving

3) Curated site with only 100 vendors offering 3 exclusive items or
packages each

4) Big Gifts, which one can purchase individually or as a group

5) Flexible and Creative Lists: Create a List or Registry for yourself,
like “Our Family Holiday Wish List,” or “Kate’s Birthday Wish List,” or “
Kate and Hal’s Wedding Registry. ” You can also create Lists for others like, “Get Well Soon, Jamie,” or “Mr. Spencer’s 3rd Grade End-Of-Year Gift,” or “Welcome to this World, Baby Lulu!”

Additionally, the site is beautiful, easy to use and not cluttered with
unnecessary boxes or advertising.