For the Host/Hostess
For the perfect hostess gift, Out of Hand (112 Pitt Street) has unique and fanciful clothes, housewares, and gifts you won’t find anywhere else in town. Instead of a bottle of grocery store wine, bring the Wine List Tea Towel ($27) or an Antebellum South Candle ($18) to your next holiday party, and secure your invitation to next year’s Christmas party.
For the Stressed Out Planner
There’s always someone who does all the shopping, cooks the holiday dinners, wraps all the gifts, and runs ragged during the Christmas season. Give the planner in your life the gift of relaxation with a gift certificate to The Woodhouse Day Spa (725 Johnnie Dodds Blvd.). Tired feet and aching shoulders will appreciate a Lavender and Seaweed Sugar Scrub Pedicure ($75) and Deep Tissue Massage ($125).
For Young Minds
For the tiny tinkerers, scientists, artists, and performers in your life, Wonder Works (624 Long Point Road) offers toys, kits, and gadgets for creative and curious young minds. Arrive on Christmas day with a set of Magna-Tiles ($54.99) or a Talking Microscope ($39.99) and you might be more popular than Santa.
For the Magpie
For the woman who likes anything and everything sparkly, Mount Pleasant has plenty of local options. Dee Ruel’s (826 Coleman Blvd.) delicate, creative pieces deliver shine with a distinct Lowcountry flair. The oyster shell necklace ($50) is the perfect way for your favorite jewelry lover to keep a little bit of the ocean close to her heart. Hermosa Jewelry (307 Simmons St.) will appeal to those who like their baubles bold and bright. Colorful, chunky designs like the Bamboo Coral Necklace ($195) are tailor made for women looking to make a statement with their jewelry.
For the Art Lover
Give a truly unique gift to your favorite art lover by selecting a piece of local art from the Charleston Artist Collective (414 Whilden St.). The gallery features a wide selection of paintings by local artists, with options for every taste and every budget. The gift will keep on giving too—the Collective donates a portion of each sale to a local non-profit organization.
For the Adventurer
Give the gift of experience to the person more interested in the great outdoors than material things. Coastal Expeditions (514 Mill Street) and Nature Adventures (1 Shrimp Boat Lane) both offer gift vouchers for your favorite adventurer to book their own kayak or paddle-boarding excursion. If you just can’t help putting a wrapped box under the tree, consider a paddle-board paddle ($185) or an Outback Hat ($24.99) from Half-Moon Outfitters (425 Coleman Blvd.).
For the Wine Lover (and Beer Lover, and Bourbon Lover, and Whiskey Lover)
Buying wine for your favorite oenophile can be intimidating, but the helpful and welcoming proprietors of Rudi’s Old Village Wine Shop (115 Pitt St.) can walk you through the process of selecting the perfect bottle. If beer or liquor is your recipient’s drink of choice, the knowledgeable staff at Bottles (610 Coleman Blvd.) are always happy to help.
For the Cook
The Coastal Cupboard (644-J Long Point Rd.) has something for the home cook who has everything. From grilling to baking, there’s a gadget or tool for every interest. But if you just can’t choose, consider a gift certificate for one of the Coastal Cupboard’s in-house cooking classes, like “Lowcountry Shrimp & Grits” or “Brisket 101.”
For For a Furry Friend
Don’t leave out your four-legged friends at Christmas! Pick up a fancy new collar, toy, or luxurious new bed for your dog or cat at Dolittle’s (976 D Houston Northcutt Blvd.) or Hairy Winston (1605 Palmetto Grande Dr.).