Well, Charleston, we’re not sure how it happened, but in the blink of an eye, the holidays have arrived. Hanukkah started this week, Christmas is 14 days aways, Kwanzaa starts on Dec. 26, and the general season of giving is well underway. Long story short — we’ve got some shopping to do. 🎁
Here is our curated list of qualitree local gift ideas so you can sleigh the holidays.
🎁 Editor’s picks
Last year, I (Vagney) got my mom beautifully scented body butter cream from the Old Whaling Company and she loved it. Handmade jewelry, bath bombs, and hand poured candles are also high on my local shopping list this year.
Katie here. Rewined candles are a personal favorite to get my friends + family (and sometimes, myself 😉). The fall + winter collections make for the perfect holiday gift! I’m also always in the market for locally-made kitchen supplies for my dad who loves to cook.
🎁 Stocking Stuffers
○ Tea from the Charleston Tea Garden
○ This Charleston Palmetto Map Ornament
○ This Sisal washcloth made from agave plant
○ This bag of Geechie Boy stone ground white grits from Edisto Island
○ This collection of prints from the Gibbes Museum
○ This locally-made pair of sunny yellow textured clay + brass earrings
○ This Charleston Rice Bead Bracelet
○ A book from local book store, the Turning Page Bookshop
🎁 If you’re shopping for…
Your mom who runs half marathons faster than you and has the best eye for home decor:
○ A piece of hand blown glassware from Estelle Colored Glass or this “mama” bracelet from Hart Hagerty
Your dad, the undisputed grill master + craft beer aficionado, who would also love to not receive another pair of socks this year:
○ A stainless steel oyster knife from the Charleston Shucker Company, local cuts of meat from Herd Provisions, or his favorite sports team jersey from The Fan Zone
Your sister that loves taking nature photos, but only for the aesthetic:
○ Tickets to a Crafted Charleston Tour or a local jar of raw honey from hives in Mount Pleasant + Sullivan’s Island
Your grandma who plays a mean game of bridge, lets you eat ice cream for breakfast + just learned how to FaceTime:
○ A sweet pair of Charleston rice bead earrings from Gold Creations at the Historic Charleston City Market or a Rainbow Row gift basket from the Historic Charleston Foundation. (Bonus points for a double local buy!)
Your neighbor who always has a treat for your dog and seems to always know the latest news on your street:
○ A handmade Charleston Oyster Wreath made with recycled oyster shells for their front door or hand lettered artwork by local artist, Andrea Glover
The person you met online who you’re not dating but you’re not, like, not dating either:
○ Tickets to a drive in movie showing at the Terrace Theater + a reservation at Chucktown Axe Throwing
Your funny coworker who has a sweet tooth and never gets annoyed when you have a dumb question on a Monday morning:
○ A hand-painted chocolate box from Christophe Chocolatier, a mug or plant from The Station Park Circle
Your BFF from college who moved to Seattle after graduation and is one cold winter away from being convinced to move back:
○ A pair of locally hand-dyed socks or this bag of coffee from Sightsee Shop
For the friend that has an Instagram page for their pet:
○ Pamper that pup with a new bow tie collar from CrewLaLa (yes, they come in 200+ colors)
Your one-year-old nephew (or best friends’ kid) who is, without a doubt, the cutest nugget of all time:
○ A microwaveable, soft plush animal that is gently scented with lavender from Hollipops Fine Toys & Gifts or this pretty picture book about an adorable pup.
Your White Elephant gift exchange match (with a $25 limit to boot):
○ A Carolina t-shirt from Palmetto Blended or this palm and moon embroidered blanket
The music maven that you just know will sell out the North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center one day:
○ Charleston Music Hall Stage Sessions Volume 1, a record made by Charleston artists, a classic vinyl from the Record Stop or previously owned music gems from Mr. K’s Used books, music + more
Your Gen-Z cousin who sends you the funniest memes on Instagram + has 609 followers on Spotify:
○ A witty t-shirt from Palmetto Moon or tickets to take a charleston dungeon or paranormal tour of the city