Charleston’s Christmas Shopping Guide: Find the Most Unique Gifts from Local Artisans
When December rolls around, Christmas shopping in Charleston brings the city to life with holiday charm. Picture cobblestone streets wrapped in twinkling lights, pine-scented courtyards, and carolers singing through historic Charleston.
Staying at The Iris Charleston, one of the finest apartment hotels in Charleston, makes it feel as though you are at home in the city. Walk out your door, and you are only moments away from shopping on King Street’s Charleston-style, lively, and local streets, all infused with Southern hospitality.
Whether you are buying Christmas gifts from the artisans Charleston locals shop with or doing holiday shopping for the first time, you always leave with a special hand-crafted gift from one of Charleston’s artists.
The Heart of Holiday Shopping: King Street, Charleston
It’s no wonder travelers choose to stay close to King Street during the holidays. Shopping on King Street features boutique-style, locally owned shops, offering clothing and gifts for all tastes and budgets, all located in 19th-century buildings.
Visit the shops at the local market for unique gifts, then stroll toward Candlefish, where the air is perfumed with the scent of hand-poured candles. Along the way, you will find culinary and design inspiration along with beer and wine tastings.
A few blocks away, you will find Fieldshop by Garden & Gun. It is a great option for locally made goods that represent Charleston’s sophisticated, Southern style gift.
King Street Shopping: Charleston’s Holiday Hotspot
King Street shines during the holiday season. Storefronts sparkle with holiday lights, and there is holiday music throughout the air. If you’re staying in the King Street area, you’ll have the best holiday shopping that Charleston has to offer, right outside your door.
Here are the must-stop destinations on your holiday shopping journey;
- Candlefish (71 Wentworth St.) — A scent library with over 100 fragrances allows you to explore their candle-making classes or simply give the gift of a locally made candle set.
- Croghan’s Jewel Box (308 King St.) — An icon in Charleston since 1907, Croghan’s Jewel Box offers antique jewelry along with heirloom pieces, and their signature Goldbug Collection.
- Hampden Clothing (314 King St.) — A chic local boutique offering curated designer fashion for the modern traveler.
- Savannah Bee Company (276 King St.) — Honey, beeswax candles, and honey-infused skincare offer unique and thoughtful gift giving ideas for holiday entertaining.
Charleston City Market: Craftsmanship Blended into the Tradition
The Charleston City Market gives history and creativity a sense of place as over 300 local artisans present hand-crafted items that reflect Lowcountry heritage and craftsmanship.
Great gifts to give:
- Sweetgrass baskets — These handwoven baskets by Gullah-Geechee artisans symbolize Charleston’s cultural heritage.
- Brackish jewelry and bow ties —Luxurious jewelry, ties, and decor made from sustainably-sourced feathers.
- Taylor’s Charleston Tea Garden teas — Beautifully packaged teas grown here in Charleston.
- Smithey Ironware skillets — Made in the South, these timeless cast iron skillets are the pride of the South.
- Rewined or Candlefish candles — Beautifully scented candles inspired by wine and Charleston.
- Charleston Spice Company — Hand-crafted spice kits that make you feel like you’re taste-testing the Southern kitchen in Charleston.
Hidden Gems: Charleston’s Local Shops and Artisans
There are many delights in Charleston’s smaller boutiques beyond its King Street and Market.
Indigo Home & Gifts (79 Cannon St.)
At this shop, you will find a selection of coastal-inspired ceramic pottery, textiles dyed in indigo, and home decor for the Lowcountry.
Local Love CHS (James Island)
This cooperative is made up of Charleston artisans who sell handmade ornaments, jewelry, and candles.
Charleston Artist Collective (414 King St.)
A creative space inhabited by local artists selling original paintings (modern, coastal, and true to place).
Fun Fact: Over 7 million visitors visit Charleston each year. Many are drawn to its festive charm and artisan traditions.
A Luxurious Stay Near King Street: The Iris Charleston
After a long day of Christmas shopping in Charleston, return to relax at The Iris Charleston. We provide you with a memorable home-away-from-home stay.
This modern apartment hotel in Charleston fuses the sensibility of a residence with the aesthetic of a luxurious stay. Each suite has been thoughtfully designed, inspired by the architecture and sophistication of the Holy City.
If you stay near King Street, you’ll be only minutes from the Charleston City Market, neighborhood boutiques, and going to eat at fine dining locations like Husk, FIG, and 82 Queen. Wrap your Christmas presents, sip some good Charleston Tea Garden tea, and enjoy your lovely suite that serves as a peaceful home-away-from-home.
Wrap Up: Celebrate the Season, Charleston Style
This Christmas, leave the packed malls behind and experience the magic in Charleston, SC. Take a stroll along Charleston’s King Street, visit market vendors or artisans, and see why this city is a shopper’s paradise for the holidays!
Buy a handcrafted sweetgrass basket, a custom candle from Candlefish, or a piece of art from the Lowcountry – they all have a story related to the creativity & culture of Charleston. With each gift you find in this Charleston gift guide, you’re holding a history of both craft and charm with a little bit of the soul of the city.
After a long day of shopping, enjoy a home away from home experience at The Iris Charleston. As one of the most stylish apartment hotels in Charleston, it offers the perfect retreat after a day of exploring. Feel the warmth of your suite, savor a local beverage, such as Charleston Tea Garden tea or a glass of local wine, and let the spirit of the season linger a little longer.
In Charleston, every gift feels personal and every stay feels like coming home.
FAQs: Charleston Holiday Shopping
Where can I find handmade gifts from local Charleston artisans?
Great spots to shop include the Charleston City Market, Local Love CHS, and Indigo Home & Gifts. The Night Market and the Marion Square Holiday Market are the two most preferred markets to find local gifts.
What are the most popular locally made gifts to buy in Charleston?
Some favorites are sweetgrass baskets, Brackish jewelry, Candlefish candles, Charleston Spice Company spice blends, Smithey skillets, and teas from Charleston Tea Garden.
Is the Charleston City Market open during the Christmas season?
Yes! The market is open year-round, every day. The Night Market is open Fridays and Saturdays through December (6:30-10:30 PM).
What makes Charleston artisan gifts unique?
All gifts are handmade only by artisans who live in Charleston. They also utilize sustainable materials and techniques that are often based on Lowcountry tradition.
Can I ship Charleston artisan gifts to another state?
Yes! Shops such as Candlefish, Savannah Bee Company, and Essentially Charleston ship year-round as well as sell holiday gift boxes.