2019 Charleston Holiday Gift Guide

A visit to Charleston is the perfect time to do some holiday shopping for friends and family. Choose from specialty food items, arts and crafts, jewelry and other items completely unique to Charleston. We’ve selected a few favorites for our Holiday Gift Guide we think would make great presents. And be sure to pick up a little something for yourself!

For the baker

From Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, the Cinnamon Stickies BiscuitBox comes with all the essentials needed to bake, transport and serve the perfect stickies. This ideal holiday gift includes one biscuit mix, a bag of pecans, a jar of honey, a jar of cinnamon topping and a recipe card. Price: $75.80; order online at calliesbiscuits.com

For the oyster shucker

It’s a two for one with this oyster knife. Pop open those oysters and a cold beverage with one handy knife. The Stowaway Shucker from Charleston Shucker Co. features a beveled stainless-steel blade with a built-in bottle opener that folds for safe, convenient storage. Price: $45 (personalized engraving available). Visit charlestonshuckerco.com to order online or for a list of local retailers. Special deal for Traveler of Charleston readers: save 15% off your online purchase of a Stowaway Shucker with code “Traveler.” Offer expires Dec. 31, 2019.

For the hostess

The pineapple is used in architecture and décor all around Charleston as a welcoming symbol of hospitality. According to the Historic Charleston Foundation, seafaring captains from East Coast ports, including Charleston, would impale fresh pineapples – souvenirs of their travels to tropical ports – atop the porch railings of their homes when they returned. It was a sign the man of the house was home and receiving visitors. Take some hospitality home with a Charleston Pineapple Brass Ornament available from the Historic Charleston Foundation Shop, 108 Meeting St. Price: $20 or order online at historiccharleston.org.

For the pampered

Old Whaling Co. makes bar soaps, bath bombs, body butter and salt scrubs so treat yourself – or a loved one – to soft and smooth skin. Try the body butter set for a blend of shea butter, sunflower oil and aloe vera perfect for all skin types. Choose from five different fragrances or go with the best-selling one, fruity-scented Seaberry. Fun fact: Old Whaling Co. was featured in O: The Oprah Magazine in July 2018. Price: $50; order online at oldwhalingcompany.com or stop by their shop at 43 Broad St. or in the City Market at 188 Meeting St.

For the craft beer connoisseur

Experience Charleston’s amazing brewery scene with the Brew Hop Pass. The free mobile app lists and describes Charleston’s top breweries and includes maps and other helpful information. By purchasing a subscription (48-hour, monthly or an annual pass), you can take advantage of offers such as BOGO pint, free flights and more. Purchase online at brewhoppass.com

For the wine drinker

At Deep Water Vineyard on Wadmalaw Island, you’ll find vines filled with muscadine grapes, a fruit native to the Southeastern United States. Those grapes are turned into authentic muscadine wine – five different labels from four varieties of grapes. Pick up a few bottles for friends or as a holiday party hostess gift. Deep Water Wine is available at retail locations around the Charleston area and at the vineyard; see deepwatervineyard.com for details (tours and tastings also available).

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Charleston FAQ's

Best Places to Stay and Hotels in Charleston?

Choosing a hotel and where to stay in Charleston all depends on your budget and goals. Do you want to stay Downtown, at the beach or in the outer areas such as North Charleston where you have to drive to get everywhere? For more help on deciding: https://travelerofcharleston.com/articles/hotels/

What Beach in Charleston is Best?

Charleston has 3 main public beaches which are: Folly, Isle of Palms and Sullivans. Each beach has it’s own atmosphere. The most common beach that people visit is Folly Beach and then Isle of Palms followed by Sullivans Island. For more info on Charleston’s beaches visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/guide-charlestons-beaches/

What are some historical things to do in Charleston?

Charleston, SC is full of historical things to do. Everything from museums, to public sites and free landmark sites such as Rainbow Row and the Battery can be seen. For more info on Charleston’s top historical sites visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/places-to-learn-about-charleston-sc-history/

What to do with the family and kids in Charleston?

There are many things that will keep the kids and family entertained and educated in Charleston. There are historic sites such as Fort Sumter, a Children’s Museum, Aquarium and the USS Yorktown…a WWII era aircraft carrier you can tour. For more info visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-family-fun-activities/

Are you a Charleston First Time Visitor? Checkout the guide

There’s so many things you could do in Charleston it can be overwhelming. We recommend that first time visitors, checkout the ultimate first-time visitor guide here: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-first-time-visitors-guide/

Charleston things to do in the Spring season?

Spring in Charleston, SC is an amazing time of year to visit. The flowers are blooming and the weather is mild and sunny. For more info, check-out our spring guide to Charleston here: https://travelerofcharleston.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-springtime-in-charleston/

Charleston things to do in the Summer season?

Summer in Charleston is a great time to visit. There’s plenty of things to keep you busy and visiting the beach will probably….or should be on your short-list. Also water-based activities and tours are popular. Checkout this summer guide to Charleston for more info:

Our 10 Favorite Summer Activities in Charleston

Charleston things to do in the Fall season?

Fall is one of the best times to visit. The weather cools down a bit and the skies are typically blue and clear. In addition there are many great events, festivals and the large crowds of summer have gone back to school or work. For more info on visiting in the fall, checkout this article: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-12-things-to-do-fall/

What should I not miss in Charleston?

There are so many great things to do that it’s difficult to narrow the list down. This article does a great job with figuring out the must do things to do in Charleston

7 Can’t Miss Reasons to Visit Charleston, SC Now

How many days do I need in Charleston?

The consensus is a minimum of 3-days is needed to settle in and experience Charleston. For instance, many people take 2 days exploring downtown and another day visiting sites outside of downtown such as the plantations, Angel Oak Tree or beaches. Checkout this page for a list of tours and attractions:

Charleston’s Top Tours & Attractions | Things to do

Is Charleston a walkable city? Do I need a car?

Downtown Charleston was made for walking and for sure one of the best way to soak up and experience the history first-hand. This article goes over getting around Charleston with and without a car as well:

Getting Around Charleston, SC

Is Savannah or Charleston better?

We’re of course partial to Charleston, but here’s the truth. There are many similarities however there are some differences in our opinion:

Both cities are historic and beautiful.
Both cities are extremely walkable. Savannah, with it’s park-like squares maybe more walkable than Charleston.
Charleston has a more established and food scene with many more options.
Charleston has better hotels and shopping.
Both cities have equally good tours.
Charleston has better beach options. Savannah has Tybee which is great, however it’s 1 beach vibe versus Charleston which has 3 beaches with different vibes. Checkout this Charleston beach guide article: https://travelerofcharleston.com/guide-charlestons-beaches/
In Savannah you can walk with alcoholic beverages on the street. This is not allowed in Charleston. This can be good or bad depending on your stance.
Savannah is more affordable.
TourPass offers all-inclusive passes in both cities: https://tourpass.com