Distinctive gift giving—if it has become a chore for you, keep reading. When you’re looking for that “something different” to thrill family and friends on holidays and special occasions, look to the creativity of South Carolina’s artists, craftsmen and food producers. Giving a gift that’s inspired by the state’s bounty, people and natural resources is a treasure and a thoughtful expression of caring. Here are 12 gifts you’ll feel proud to give and just as excited to receive:
House-cured meats, Four Oaks Farm, Lexington
One word: Bacon. Okay, one more word: Ham. Heck, might as well throw summer sausage into the mix, too. Let the folks at Four Oaks Farm make those holiday mornings sizzle with gift boxes brimming with their savory signature meats. Shoot to “rock star” status with the Bacon Lover’s Sampler—a mix of house-cured, pepper-coated, hickory-smoked, applewood-smoked and sliced smoked jowl bacon. Or give the gift of a full Southern breakfast with the Palmetto Favorite: country ham, country bacon, pancake mix, stone-ground grits and pancake syrup. Other gift boxes include pecans, jams and jellies and Four Oaks holiday fruitcake made from a cherished family recipe. Order early for the best selection.
Seafood dip trio, Big T Coastal Provisions
What’s better than a batch of lip-smacking seafood dip? Three lip-smacking seafood dips, that’s what. Big T Coastal Provisions offers a trio of dips made from local coastal recipes that have been passed down through generations. The seafood lover on your gift list will eagerly take a dive into 8-ounce containers of Big T’s most popular dips: crab, jalapeño crab and shrimp. Ain’t nothing like the real thing—no faux crab or fillers used in the crafting of these delicious dips.
Coffee gift box with brew pod, Iron Brew Coffee, Blythewood
For the Keurig fan on your list, Iron Brew Coffee in Blythewood offers a four-pack of premium coffee (12-ounce bags) and one reusable, single-serving pod to use for brewing. It all comes in a festive gift box, too. While that’s nifty, it’s the coffee (made from 100% Arabica beans from Brazil) that will make the biggest impression.
Jam gift pack, Sallie’s Greatest
Give the gift of SC’s food heritage with jams from Sallie’s Greatest. Surprising sweet and savory flavors, made with fresh fruits and herbs, put the “great” in Sallie's Greatest. A gift box of six 9.5-ounce jars of jam makes a thoughtful and tasty gift. Wow your recipient with flavors like strawberry and basil, peach pepper and ginger, fig sweet onion and rosemary, blackberry spice and sage, blueberry and lavender, and blueberry and lemon thyme. Pass the biscuits, please.
Boat Cleat Coat Rack, Willis Wood Designs
This two-person operation is small, but it is making big waves with these boat cleat coat racks. Made from weathered wood and galvanized dock cleats, these racks will add rustic nautical charm to your decor—landlubber and seafarer approved.
Hand-crafted oyster knives, Coastal Custom Knifeworks
Coastal Custom Knifeworks turns out an array of oyster knives that are as handsome as they are utilitarian. These handcrafted “shuckers” are particularly prized by South Carolinians who eat mounds of oysters during the season. The expert craftsmanship of these shuckers will stand up to the most stubborn bivalve. Whip one out and be the envy of the oyster roast.
