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Libby Wiersema lived in California and Alabama before settling in South Carolina 38 years ago,
where she's covered the state's best culinary offerings and tells the stories behind the food.
Mermaid wall sculptures by Iron Fish Gallery artist, Chase Allen, have been featured in Southern Living and Martha Stewart Living.
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:
Metal Art, Iron Fish Gallery, Daufuskie Island
Tucked away on Daufuskie Island, Iron Fish Gallery is only accessible via a boat ride. But you can use the online shopping feature to gift someone extra special with something extra special from this vibrant beach cottage shop.
Artist Chase Allen uses self-taught techniques as well as traditional blacksmithing and welding to create his art. Blue crab or lobster, anyone? Or perhaps a colorful fish or whimsical mermaid? These sculptures, each bearing the artist’s signature, will turn any wall, indoors or outdoors, into a work of art.
Oyster Candles, Oyster Candle Company, Mount Pleasant
Candles from Oyster Candle Company are poured in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina with the Sea Salt & Palmetto line inspired by the state's coastal areas. The elegant yet soft floral scents will instantly make you think of a day at the spa with hints of natural orange oil, sea salt, wood, lilies and jasmine.
Each gift set comes with 3 oyster shell candles recycled from Shem Creek restaurants.
Bloody Point mixes let you give the gift of a perfect Bloody Mary infused with South Carolina flavor.
Bloody Point Mixes, Bloody Point Mixing Co., Hilton Head
This is your secret ingredient for the perfect Bloody Mary. Distinctive hints of rosemary and fennel in the Original, a subtle brininess mingling with Sichuan pepper in the Coastal Mary, and a horseradish finish to complement the smooth profile of The Remedy make this trio of mixes super special.
For a unique touch, try the Bloody Point Evolution, a dry mix that doubles as a marinade with a citrusy, spicy profile. Bloody Point Mixes are, for all intents and purposes, really on-point.
Coffee Gift Box, Iron Brew Coffee, Columbia
For the Keurig fan on your list, Iron Brew Coffee 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.
Make someone’s morning with the Palmetto Favorite gift box from Four Oaks Farm.
Bacon Gift Boxes, 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.
Jam Gift Pack, Sallie's Greatest, Cameron
Give the gift of South Carolina’s food heritage with jams from Sallie’s Greatest, an Oprah favorite renowned for their surprising sweet and savory flavors made with fresh fruits and herbs.
Spread some cheer this year with Oprah's three favorite herbal fruit jams in one delicious Trio Jam Pack.
Seafood Dip Trio, Big T Coastal Provisions, Charleston
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.
From tip to handle, shuckers from Coastal Custom Knifeworks are functional and attractive.
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.
Serve impressive charcuterie on these gorgeous boards from Michael's Woodcrafts. Each is made from solid maple, cherry, ambrosia maple, walnut hardwood or a combination of cherry, maple, and walnut.
These handsome kitchen boards can also be personalized with an engraved name, date or other message.
On their 4,000-acre Darlington County farm, the Woodards cultivate upland cotton to make throws and other woven products.
Woven Throws, Covered in Cotton, Darlington
Woven gifts from Covered in Cotton are simply beautiful. Baby blankets, throws and hand towels have caught the eye of Southern Living, Garden & Gun and other publications for their fine, classic designs.
Each is created from high-quality cotton grown on a Darlington County family farm. From harvesting to processing to weaving, these products never leave the Carolinas. It doesn’t get more local than that.
Bowties and Blossoms, Paw Paws USA, Greenville
When it comes to having the best-dressed dog, Paw Paws USA knows that accessories matter. Outfit your bestie’s Fido with a bow tie or collar “blossom” from this popular Greenville operation.
Holiday-themed collars, bone stockings, and other fun items are just right for expressing that special bond you feel for your fur baby.
Park Passport, South Carolina State Parks
Give the beauty and serenity of South Carolina when you gift someone with an South Carolina Park Passport. Unlimited access to SC state parks—47 in all—allows for amazing outdoor adventures and unparalleled experiences on the Palmetto State's waterways, hiking trails and more.
It’s the South Carolina gift just right for the person who has everything.
Libby Wiersema lived in California and Alabama before settling in South Carolina 38 years ago,
where she's covered the state's best culinary offerings and tells the stories behind the food.
