Charleston Gift Guide: 2023

Charleston Gifts

How do you share that famous southern hospitality around the holidays? We’ve been collecting notable treats and trinkets throughout the year that we think would make great gifts for the Charleston lover in your life.

Home Goods

Templeton Silver

Elevate your holiday parties and gift-giving with elegant pieces from Templeton Silver. From gorgeously wrought trays to sculptural ice buckets to delicately detailed dishes, there is a perfect gift to find for the most fabulous host or hostess in your life. 

Corey Alston Sweetgrass Baskets

Bring a piece of the richness of Gullah-Geechee culture into your home with a beautiful handmade basket. These museum and heirloom quality sweetgrass baskets are made by local Gullah-Geechee artisan Corey Alston, and showcase the beauty of this traditional craft.

Charleston Candle Co

It’s thought that scent is connected to memory, and something about these candles brings Charleston to mind, no matter where you are. Cozy up to memories of your Charleston travels, or enhance your South Carolina home with these clean-burning fragrances inspired by the nature, history, and architecture of the lowcountry. 

Kaminer Haislip Silver

Local silversmith Kaminer Haislip creates artistic silver works that are simple enough for everyday use, but perfectly elegant to elevate special events. Combining centuries of silverworking tradition with sleek, modern designs, these are sure to become much-loved heirloom pieces. 

Charleston Puzzles & Games

Find some zen amidst the holiday madness while piecing together a puzzle inspired by the iconic work of Charleston artist Jonathan Green. Or add to the family madness (if you dare) with Charleston Monopoly! These purchases also benefit the Historic Charleston Foundation, which advocates for historic preservation here in Charleston to maintain what we love so much about the city for generations to come.

Magazine Subscriptions

Print’s not dead - it’s better than ever. Brighten up a loved one’s mailbox and gift them a subscription to a magazine that showcases local stories, or brings inspiration to the everyday with a focus on developing one’s unique style. Some of our current faves are Garden & Gun, Cabana, In Kind, and Charleston Magazine.

Rad Power E-Bike

Maybe not quite a home good, but hear us out: parking. problem. solved. We love getting around downtown on an e-bike - and Rad Power Bikes offer great options, from cargo-ready for hauling groceries, to foldable bikes to take on the go!

Wearables

The Yard Jewelry Co

Carry a fragment of Charleston history with you when you wear a piece from The Yard Jewelry Co. These one-of-a-kind pieces are created from ceramic sherds found at archaeological sites throughout Charleston’s historic district, with many dating to the Colonial and Federal periods. 

Shoes on King

As folks who walk everywhere, we know the importance of wearing good shoes! Some of our favorite finds have been from Shoes on King - drop by to discover your next favorite pair, or gift a sturdy and stylish set to your favorite wanderers. 

The Tiny Tassel

We love the bright, fun patterns of the Charleston-inspired jewelry and accessories you’ll find at The Tiny Tassel. This Black woman-owned business offers jewelry that incorporates playful beadwork and elegant tassels, and is where we’ve found some of our favorite statement earrings! Browse online or drop into their darling flagship store in downtown Charleston to shop for your favorite fashionista (or yourself - we won’t judge!)

Lake Pajamas

Nobody actually gets dressed on Christmas morning, right? If you’re going to stay in your pajamas all day (and really, what else are holidays for?) go all in and get comfy in a set from LAKE. If you do need to leave the house, they’ve got you covered: shop breezy caftans and lightweight lounge dresses that the ladies on your gifting list will love. 

Comestibles

Eat Me Cookie Cakes

Bring a little bit of *spice* to the holiday party with a sweet-and-sassy cookie cake from Eat Me Cookies. Toe the line between naughty and nice with a collection of cookies that may have grandma clutching her pearls - but have everyone else giggling in delight. Get your orders in now for holiday parties and gifts!

Oliver Pluff Tea

Did you know that there was a Charleston tea party well before the more famous Boston one? Sip modern interpretations of historical teas from Oliver Pluff - perfect for the history lover in your life. Get a taste of the types of teas Charleston’s colonists would have sipped, or serve a spiced Wassail at your next holiday gathering. 

Life Raft Treats

We like our ice cream with a side of whimsy, please - which is why we love the imaginative creations of Life Raft Treats. Gift a big bucket of Not Fried Chicken, or share a unique Buche de Noel at your next Christmas party. They also offer custom treats for weddings and other events! 

Anne’s Charleston Cheese Biscuits

There’s a reason we feature these so frequently - they’re staple here in Charleston! Savory, crispy, and perfectly southern, they deserve a spot on your party’s charcuterie board, or as a simple but heartfelt hostess gift. 

Daysie

Start your days better than ever with a sweet little splash of Daysie syrups in your morning coffee. Created right here in Charleston, Daysie syrups are certified organic, crafted with less sugar, and draw flavor inspirations from around the globe to bring the world to you. Shop this woman-owned business to brighten your special someone’s mornings! 

Red Clay 

In past years we’ve written about Red Clay’s amazing hot sauces, but this year we’re loving their habanero-infused hot honey - once you try it hot you'll never go back! Add it to your holiday party cheese board or even spice up your morning beverage – we like it with our home-grown meyer lemon and hot water. This sweet-hot drizzle elevates homemade pizzas, burgers, mac-and-cheese, and so much more (seriously, we have yet to find anything we didn’t love it on!)

Experiences

Workshops at Candlefish

For the person who has everything: gift an experience. Join a candle-making class at Candlefish to craft your very own custom fragrance combination, and take home a scent that is uniquely yours. 

Pizza-making class with Hotel Emeline

Cozy up in an intimate event space to learn how to make your new favorite pizza with Chef Paolo Rossin. Sip cocktails or champagne as you learn how to sling dough like a pro, and enjoy your handcrafted, wood-fired slice alongside new friends by the end of the evening.

Tickets to The Charleston Festival 

This month-long festival in spring 2024 takes a deep dive into the architectural history of the Holy City with the Historic Charleston Foundation. Explore the intersection of preservation and design with workshops, tours, lectures, and social gatherings. Tickets go on sale December 1, 2023. 

Membership to the Gibbes Museum of Art 

For the art lover in your life, gift a membership to the Gibbes Museum of Art. They’ll enjoy free admission for one year, invitations to members-only events, discounted admission to special lectures and events, and the opportunity to join the Museum’s auxiliary groups.

Private Event Space Rentals

Enjoy an unforgettable holiday party with a Private Skate Suite Rental at Credit One Stadium this winter. Or host a super-special movie screening at the Terrace Theater with a private auditorium rental.

Walk & Talk Charleston Gift Cards

Share the love! We offer gift cards & private tour packages that make the perfect gift year round. We can’t wait to share Charleston’s colorful characters and vibrant stories with the history lovers in your life!

Looking for even more options? Check out our past years’ gift guides here!