Shopping for holiday gifts can be daunting. What do you buy for the person who as everything? We’ve put together gift ideas in some unexpected spaces here in Columbia SC that can help make this year’s giving special.
Souvenirs
One of the cool things about Columbia is that our favorite attractions also have gift shops to purchase one-of-a-kind souvenirs! For the history lover, find books, t-shirts, drink ware, garden tools, home accessories and more at Historic Columbia’s Gift Shop at Robert Mills. The State House Gift Shop carries an assortment of South Carolina items with the palmetto/crescent logo or the official state seal. It is also the only provider of South Carolina’s official dinnerware! The Cotton Mill Exchange at the SC State Museum offers a variety of unique gift ideas from linens to jewelry, gourmet food, and decorative items. Find all things Columbia SC at our Visitors Center. Pint glasses, t-shirts, hats and more can be found at the center or online. Is someone still talking about their experience at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden? Then their Souvenir Shop is the perfect place to shop for toys, apparel, and other zoo-themed gifts.
Hostess Gifts
For the hostess in your life, stop by City Grit Market and peruse their selection of artisan goods, house made dips, books, sweets, beer, wine, and other must haves. The Gourmet Shop offers way more than great food. Their market houses cookware, pantry, and specialty grocery items and even a walk-in humidor for cigar lovers. Don’t have time to shop? They will make a gift basket for you! Shop for locally made packaged foods and drinks and specialty items at Crave Artisan Market, Fusco’s Market in Irmo and Kudzu Bakery and Market or get gourmet popcorn and peanuts from Cromer’s.
Holiday Markets
There’s no better way grab a unique find than shopping at a holiday market. They scream local. Here in the Columbia region, there are several to check out to look for the perfect gift: the popular Junior League Holiday Market, Irmo Holiday Market, NoMa Warehouse Holiday Market.
Craftsman’s Christmas Classic Arts and Crafts Festival and the Holiday Jingle Market. No matter which one you choose, you are sure to find local makers selling personalized, unique items that you can’t get just anywhere.
Experiences
Giving the gift of a live show creates lasting memories. Fortunately, Columbia has a lot to offer. Pick up tickets to see the South Carolina Philharmonic, the Columbia City Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet or have some laughs with Nate Bargatze in The Be Funny Tour at The Koger Center for the Arts. Pick up basketball tickets for your favorite college fan or check out Cody Johnson, the Soul II Soul Tour, or the Journey 50th Anniversary Freedom Tour at the Colonial Life Arena. Columbia has plenty of experiences to gift from art exhibits at the Columbia Museum of Art to plays and live performances show Trustus Theatre, Harbison Theatre or Town Theatre.