It’s that time of year when we start making that list and checking it twice!
I’ve compiled a list of stocking stuffers and gift ideas including some local places to make it a little bit easier on you this year.
And to make things even easier, this blog post is a one stop shop!
Keep scrolling for fun holiday things to do in Charleston AND a holiday recipe as well!
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Small and Local Businesses:
Lowcountry Candle Co: I love the beaufort Candle. I also loved their ‘hunting Island’ candle.
La Vie Creative Co.-Shameless shout ;0
Carolina Cider Co.-Unique and tasty gift ideas from a local fave.
Tigertown Graphics-my favorite place to get Clemson gear! Everything here is so unique and there’s plenty to stuff a stocking with here! They always ship things super quick and though they aren’t local to Charleston, they are right in downtown Clemson.
Candlefish-on King Street in downtown Charleston is where they make my favorite candle ever, number 8!
Charleston City Market-Stroll through on any given day to find local crafts and vendors galore!
Tiny Tassel: Colorful and unique gift ideas. Local Downtown Shop
Christophe Artisan Chocolatier: Charleston Chocolate Bars. West Ashley and Downtown shops!
Summer of 99′ Candle- Not local to Charleston but small and made in the USA products by Erin Napier of HGTV’s Home Town. I love this scent oh.so.much!
Useful:
Clear Bag-almost anywhere you go now, you need a clear bag, am I right? Why not have one that’s a bit fashionable and crossbody is my go-to.
Pie Crust Shield– For pie-making season, this handy gadget will help keep your pie crust just right! It’s oven safe and will save your hands from burning trying to fool with foil.
Hug Doug Spoon Saver– A perfect little stocking stuffer for just about anyone who dabbles in the kitchen.
Robe: Coziest fluffiest priced just right robe in 2 colors.
Travel Jewelry Case -A cute way to keep up with all of your jewelry while traveling or at home.
iPhone Stand-A handy little desk accessory!
Waterbottle Backpack-A backpack for your Stanley! I love this idea.
Games(these also make great ‘white elephant’ gifts!)
Happy Salmon-Such a FUN game to play with a big group. Oh the laughs we had! Adult and kid friendly! Try to play it silently for even more laughs
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza– Fun for the kids but adults can get in too!
Slap Burger-I haven’t played this one, but it looks like it’s along the lines of the other 2.
Herd Mentality-I like to get a new game every year and THIS is my pick for this year! 🙂 SHHHHH-ps..last year it was Happy Salmon(above)!
Fashion & Beauty:
Cushionaire Sneakers-For those who need a little wedge for comfort, I love these cushionaire sneakers!
Small Crossbody-every color you can think of. I’ve had this bag for over a year now and still love it like I did on day one.
Bum Bum Cream-gold in a jar. A perfect little stocking stuffer. It smells like summer!
Lip Tint-The best ever lip tint!(my fave is red dhalia)
Laundry:
Fresh Linen Oil-If you use wool dryer balls, you’ll love this fresh linen scented oil.
In the Kitchen:
Air Fryer-If you haven’t purchased an air fryer, you need one! This is the one I have and it works so perfectly to heat up garlic bread for pasta nights, tater tots, crescents, any frozen snacks like pizza bites, bagel bites, etc. Re-heating chick-fil-a fries in this air fryer is a game changer! Truly it’s just a must have in your kitchen and will make your life so much easier.
Sun and Sand:
Sun Bum Sunscreen Mist- Smells just like bananas in the best way! It’s a light mist spray that will fit right in your purse! A must have and a perfect stocking stuffer.
Sun Shade– I finally got one of these this summer and I love it! They work great in the afternoon at the beach b/c the winds have settled to whatever direction they will blow. It’s easy to set up and perfect for a beach afternoon. Rather than fighting the wind, this shade flaps pleasantly with the breeze.
Books:
Not That Fancy Book-Reba’s new coffee table book makes a wonderful gift. Everybody knows Reba and she’s not going anywhere and her recipes and stories make for some great reading.
Joyful Book-I have loved this book for years now. It’s a great book to gift and it’s one you will read again and again. I love to read it at the start of a year to get inspired.
Book Light– I use this nifty gadget ALL.THE.TIME. It’s great at home, but also on the go. If you’re a mom taxi like me, it fits right in your purse and perfect to have on hand when you’re waiting on kids at practices!
Art:
Lindsay Letters Art-So many beautiful pieces to enjoy for many years to come. Anything here makes a great gift.
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Things to do in and around Charleston this holiday season!
Keep checking back as I’ll add things to this list as I find them!
DO!
Go See a Holiday Show!
-We saw the ELF musical at Dock Street Theater one year. This year they have A Christmas Carol!
-Farmers Market every Saturday morning at Marion Square!
The boiled peanuts are amazing and the lemonade stand has the best mint green tea!
You might also get lucky and have a chance to view the break dancers who love to entertain right by the fountain
Ice Skating
-at Daniel Islands Credit one stadium!
Reindeer Bell Hunt at Hampton Park
FREE and do at your own pace!
SEE!
-The Holiday Lights at College Of Charleston!-FREE
Every night beginning at 5:30pm(and on the 1/2 hour) you can view the lights in motion at the Cistern Yard. This goes through 12/31.
-See it SNOW at Charleston Place Hotel
-every night at 6pm! Make sure you go inside as well and see the epic and classic train display.
Also FREE, but for 2023, you may need to make a reservation online. If it’s not super crowded, I think they let you in anyway, but no matter what you can view from the street.
There are also several other events listed on their website for the holiday season.
Life Size Gingerbread house at Hotel Bennett-downtown Charleston
Right next to the downtown market!
Made from real sweet treats like:
2 lbs of candy canes, 10 lbs of marshmallows, Gummy bears, rock suckers, Rice Krispies, Skittles and Jolly Ranchers, etc!
-The James Island Holiday lights-A must
This is just a must if you’re in Charleston during December! Cost is $15 per car I think. You can ride through as many times as you want. There’s also a chance to park and get out of the car. You can visit santa(up until Christmas eve eve), take a train ride, see the custom artistic life size Christmas Card Displays done by local elementary schools(always one of my favorite parts.) I love to see what they come up with each year. There’s a carousel, a marshmallow roasting station, a toy shop, interactive lights, a sand sculpture, hot chocolate, and more!
Walk Through Town
The free option is always the best! A simple walk or ride through downtown to see the Christmas decor. Begin at the battery where the gazebo is subtly decorated and just walk down East Bay to see some beautiful bold wreaths, left on Broad then right on Church ending at the city market(or keep going to King street and shop your heart out!)
Christmas Trees!
You can view some oversized trees at Tanger Outlets in N. Charleston, Marion Square, Mount Pleasant Town Center(in front of Belk), and a smaller tree in the middle of Colonial Lake off Broad St. Downtown.
There’s a cool lego tree in the window display of Louis Vuitton on your way to see it snow!
You can view a smaller display of trees at North Charleston’s Park Circle. Ride or get out and walk to see the trees around the circle.
EAT!
You can reserve your own YURT at Emelines
Handcraft Kitchen and cocktails usually does a holiday themed dining experience that is just super fun
Tea with Santa at Hotel Bennet
PARADES & Festivals!
Mount Pleasant evening holiday lights parade: 12/10 | 5:30pm on Coleman Blvd.
Charleston City-Day Parade: 12/3 at 3pm beginning at Broad Street @Rutledge, ending at Calhoun Street. Marion Square Tree lighting to follow.
Isle of Palms Street Festival: 12/2 2-7pm at Front Beach.
Folly Beach Parade: 12/9 at noon
Summerville Parade: 12/10 at 7pm-Main St
Even MORE unique things to do in town in this post!
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2023
Recipe:
Chocolate Chip Pie:
Make it seasonally appropriate by adding some cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup salted butter(melted)
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup milk chocolate chips
2 eggs-lightly beaten
1 unbaked deep dish pie crust
optional: 1 tsp cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
Mix ingredients well in large bowl. Pour into an unbaked pie crust and bake at 350 for 50 minutes.
Use the pie crust shield above and get perfect crust every time!