If holiday shopping feels like the most stressful chore of the season, flip the switch and make hunting for the perfect gift a joyful occasion. Shopping locally at the following destinations will simplify the experience, ensuring that this year, everyone on the list will be pleasantly surprised.
FOR BABIES AND CHILDREN
The holidays come alive for children of every age at Wonder Works, where spinners, first books, plushies, dolls, farm animals, chunky puzzles and PlayTab sensory sets make exciting gifts for babies and toddlers. For littles from 3 to 6 years, the Orbit Swing, sensory bin dinosaur dig, epic dinos, Mini Deluxe LED scooters, dress-up shoes and Rail Cube Magnetic Monorail deluxe set are sure to delight. Five to 10-year-olds will enjoy the Calico Critters Cottage Starter Home adventure tree house with the bedroom and bathroom add-ons. The Wicked for Good Deluxe Glinda doll, TurboTwister, Super Duper Bubble Gum Lab, Ultra Glow Air Soccer Disk, walkie talkie set, Lite-Brite and MAGNA-TILES are other slam dunks for this year.
FOR TWEENS AND TEENS
Tweens and teens will love anything from Lululemon, especially the Define Luon jacket, the Swiftly meshback long-sleeved shirt, a zip-up jacket with hood or a crossbody bag.
From Ulta Beauty, the mini brands, Tree Hut scrubs and soaps, Sol de Janeiro perfume, Hello Kitty lip balms, body butter, bubble bath, loofah soaps, body sprays, bath bombs, gel masks and pimple patches make fantastic stocking stuffers.
Music lovers will enjoy listening to the newly released Taylor Swift and KPop Demon Hunters albums on vinyl from the Record Stop downtown.
Gifting experiences such as an Outer Banks Film Location Boat Tour, which can be booked through charlestonoutdooradventures.com, season passes to the South Carolina Aquarium or a cooking class membership at the Young Chefs Academy creates memories that will last a lifetime.
FOR THE BOOK LOVER
At The Archive, spoil the book lover in your life with literature purses and totes featuring iconic covers and timeless classics. The fashion-forward reader will appreciate the “Introverted but Willing to Discuss Books” T-shirts, the classic Archive green fleece crewneck, the maroon “School of Thought” collegiate sweatshirt, “Go Read a Book” hats, literary mugs for coffee or tea rituals as well as the soft, oversized reading blankets. Hand-poured Archive signature candles, sourced from local businesses such as CandleFish, will enhance every room with scents including old parchment, spiced cider and candlelight.
FOR THE PERSON WHO HAS EVERYTHING
At The Southern Welcome, creating a holiday hamper is a simple yet meaningful gesture for the person who has everything. Choose from a variety of local delights such as cheese zingers, Lowcountry Olive Oil’s EVOO and balsamic vinegar, benne wafers, Charleston’s Own Carolina peach preserves, red velvet cherries, truffles, hot sauce, cocktail sauce, pickled garlic, candied red jalapenos, dips and salsas. Add a bottle of red and white from the Wine Shop OV.
A photo of a precious memory in the Viva frame from Shanty Shoppe is the gift that keeps on giving, as is a donation made in a loved one’s name to a local nonprofit such as the Center for Birds of Prey or the Charleston Animal Society.
FOR THE HOSTESS
For a unique hostess gift, The Southern Welcome offers home accessories such as cheese spreaders, oyster plates, napkin rings, painted glasses, coffee mugs, tumblers, antique brass trays, placemats, aprons, cutting boards, cocktail shakers, whimsical napkins, tea towels, coasters, coffee mugs, local artwork, candles and candle accessories.
FOR WOMEN
Women of every age will appreciate pampering products from Bluemercury, with top brands such as Bumble and bumble, Kiehl’s, La Mer, Laura Mercier, Molton Brown, Oribe and Sisley-Paris from which to choose. From Nellie & Lo, she will enjoy a Wanderful or weekender bag as well as a crewneck sweater or pajama set. She is also sure to love an assortment of seagrass vases from Shanty Shoppe. Additionally, Polly’s Fine Jewelry offers a variety of rings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets and custom designs that she will admire forever.
FOR MEN
From golf balls and golf bag tags to bourbon bow ties, trucker hats and beard spray, some of the best gifts for men can be found at The Southern Welcome.
FOR PETS
For pets, visit Hairy Winston Pet Boutique & Grocery and Dolittle’s to browse for stylish collars and leashes, toys and treats.
By Sarah Rose
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