Shop the Exchange District: Gift Guide 2022
The holidays are here! Shopping for that perfect gift can be difficult, but we love the unique pieces that you’ll find with some of our favorite artisans in the Exchange District. Join us on the tour to learn even more about these and other creative businesses in Charleston!
Did you know that our beloved Hat Man mural is painted on the side of the Old Whaling Co. building? We stop by this gorgeous shop all the time to check out their handmade bath and body products - shop by scent, and surround yourself with the soothing fragrances of the sea. Cozy up with a candle or treat everyone on your list to a set of bath bombs. You’ll also find gorgeous locally-designed jewelry and bath accessories in this little shop, located inside a historic building that once housed a haberdashery and hatmakers.
Though the company and designer James McCleod is based in Massachusetts, Cleod Glassworks’ Charleston location always delights! Here you’ll find colorful, modern glassware and custom lighting, featuring stunning shapes and clean design lines. Discover gorgeous gifts for that party host in your life, or splurge on an incredible lighting piece for your home.
For the person who has everything, we recommend finding their next treasure at Boysterous. This family-owned boutique features incredible one-of-a-kind leather goods and accessories. However, they’re best known for their signature oyster shell bowties, handcrafted from shells collected throughout the lowcountry. Make sure you also check out the atelier in the back, where you’ll find pieces from fashion label Brooke Wilder. With a focus on romantic silhouettes and slow-fashion creative processes, Brooke Wilder’s owner and designer Gina Marie utilizes natural dyes and hand-sewn details to create dreamy one-of-a-kind pieces.
Find the whimsical jewelry of your dreams at Van H and Holst + Lee. These two jewelry brands share a gorgeous space in downtown Charleston, and feature fun pieces that are sure to garner attention! Van H, founded by designer Annie Van Harlingen, is inspired by her childhood in the Caribbean and her travels throughout Asia, combining distinctive colors and textures with a focus on unique gemstones. Holst + Lee was founded by Natalie Holst, and her pieces are designed and made by hand in her Charleston studio. These bold, colorful accessories can’t be missed!
This delightful boutique harkens back to the days of shopping as an experience. Step inside to discover a fantastic collection of gifts, from cocktail accessories to candles, beautiful puzzles to jewelry, whimsical stationery to funky home decor. We love the fun vintage vibes and beautiful, playful pieces!
Seyahan jewelry was founded by couple Laura Parker and Matthias Weimer, inspired by their love for the jewelry traditions of Turkey. The couple met while living in Istanbul, and forged connections with Turkish gold and silver craftspeople, whose stunning works they feature in their curated collections. Here you’ll find fresh, modern pieces inspired by old-world design lines, created by gifted artisans and selected with care.
Founded in 2017, this fashion label is the result of years of creative exploration by Ala Von Auersperg. Drawing inspiration from her natural surroundings, Ala creates colorful sketches and paintings that are then reimagined in textile patterns, then complemented by striking silhouettes. Her collections are created to inspire and delight, and range from daily staples, to cocktail and event dresses, to relaxed resort wear. Shop her Charleston boutique, just down the block from the Hat Man mural.
