Maybe it’s the jolly window displays or the warm shop owners, but there’s just something special about holiday shopping in Columbia, SC. While there is no shortage of gift guides this time of year, you’re sure to stumble upon unique finds when you buy local this holiday season. So put down the phone, set aside the online shopping and follow our recommendations for where to shop local for holiday gifts.
STOCKING STUFFERS
Pile the stockings in your home with cute knickknacks and drool-worthy candies. Mast General Store on Main Street has barrels of treats, including some vintage candies that the older folks on your list might enjoy. This is also the perfect place to pick up a gift for the outdoor adventurer in your life. If you’re shopping for a foodie, City Grit is the place to go. With an assortment of spices, sauces, jams and even fancy tinned fish, you’re sure to find the right thing. Has your secret Santa joined the pickleball craze? Stop by Break Point in Five Points for all the gear to support their new hobby. Tenfold Collection over in Lexington sells jewelry with a mission. In addition to their stylish and on-trend earrings, your purchase supports the artisans from around the world with a fair, living wage.
BIG TICKET ITEMS
Give the gift of an experience in Columbia SC. Broadway in Columbia has an excellent line up of shows coming to the Koger Center for the Arts this year including Wicked, Beetlejuice, and Chicago! If you’re a little more into the woods than the Broadway lovers, how about a SC State Park Pass? The annual pass grants admission to parks across the state including the Midland’s own Dreher Island State Park and Sesquicentennial State Park. Pair this with some outdoor gear from River Runner and you’ve guaranteed a perfect gift for your outdoorsy friend.
Movie buffs will love a membership at The Nick, South Carolina's only nonprofit arthouse cinema. With memberships at every price range, you can customize the gift for your recipient.
If you’re giving a gift to a Columbia SC local, may we suggest the gift of membership to one of our world-class attractions? Whether it’s the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden or Columbia Museum of Art, this is a gift that keeps giving all year round. For the out-of-town guest who is planning a visit to Columbia SC, purchase a CoolPass or CulturePass. These tickets get guests into several attractions for a lower price.
KIDS
As a family friendly destination, you know we have plenty of gift ideas for the kids on your list. On Devine Street, stop in at Marigold Modern Kids for sustainably crafted toys and clothing or Duck, Duck Goose for darling monogramed seasonal outfits and children’s books. Longstanding toyshop BeBeep has been supplying the Midlands with games, toys and books since the mid 1980s. Stop in to purchase a classic board game to stash under the tree.
HOSTESS GIFTS
If your mother was anything like ours, you learned to never show up empty handed. With the many holiday gatherings in your future, go ahead and stock up on a couple of hostess gifts that are sure to wow and delight. Uptown Gifts, now open in Five Points, offers all manner of gifts that your hostess will use during the holiday season and beyond. Across the street, Sunrise Artisan Bath & Body provides handmade vegan bath products, perfect to help your host to relax after throwing the party of the season. Now if you really want to keep the party going, show up with a pack of brews from one of our local breweries. The Coffee Lager from Steel Hands is always a crowd pleaser in the cooler months, as is Neuroscience from Hazelwood. For the wine-lovers, you can’t go wrong with a bottle from Gourmet Shop paired with a cute tea towel. If you’re in Forest Acres, Kudzu Bakery bakes up the most delightful cookies that would be welcome at any holiday gathering. Pair it with a platter from Cottage and Vine, and you’re sure to be invited back next year.
ONE-OF-A-KIND FINDS
If you’re shopping for that one tricky family member, might we suggest thinking outside the box? West Columbia is known for their abundance of antique stores, where you are sure to find something unexpected. ReFind is another great vintage and antique shop stocking everything from MCM furniture to fur coats and vintage records.
For something hand crafted, stop by any of the region’s holiday markets where local artisans are pouring their heart and soul into gifts.
FOR THE COLUMBIA FAN
If you’re shopping for someone who just can’t get enough of Columbia SC (trust us, we understand), stop by the Columbia SC Visitors Center to pick up some capital city swag. From Christmas tree ornaments to landmark t-shirts, they’d be lucky to unwrap these gifts this holiday season.
