The holidays are upon us. That being said, you may be wondering what gifts to give to friends and family. Given all the uncertainty that 2020 brought us with the ongoing international coronavirus pandemic, one thing is for certain- local, small businesses need support.
Consequently, USA Today reports on how holiday shopping is changing this year due to COVID-19. Notably, USA Today notes stay-at-home orders, store closures, and financial concerns as “just a few of the factors that are affecting holiday shopping this year.” Of additional concern for local, small businesses are the fact that holiday shopping this year is predicted to be “a digital-first shopping holiday.”
Due to the increase in online shopping, shipping times are delayed. Just another reason why shopping local, small businesses is one way to avoid any added holiday stressors. Another thing to think about according to USA Today is potential product shortages and sold-out stock.
Mad Menagerie
If you’d like to see an assortment of vintage and antique wares, furniture, personalized gifts, and handcrafted goods, be sure to check out the Mad Menagerie in Elgin, South Carolina. The Mad Menagerie is located at 10509 Two Notch Road, Suites B&C, Elgin, South Carolina, 29045. This antique shop is in the Shoppes of Pontiac shopping center. Additionally, this retail space is located next to local favorites Re-Find and Ivy House.
The Mad Menagerie’s slogan according to their Facebook Page is “Shop.Imagine.Create.” Additionally, they now offer DIY studio classes. All of this is made possible by over forty vendors.
Assuredly, the Mad Menagerie is a one-stop-shop for unique, local gifts. One visitor writes, “True vintage items. Great variety of vendors with a little bit of everything you would want in a shopping experience.” Another visitor piggybacks on the previous review listing that the Mad Menagerie also has “holiday decorations, painted signs, furniture, masks, linens, and much more.”
Uptown on Main
Uptown on Main is located at 1204 Main St., Columbia, South Carolina. Just in time for the holiday gift-giving season, this gift shop offers customizable gift baskets for any occasion. Offering a wide variety of gifts in their store, Uptown on Main also has a tremendously user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing website.
Along with local favorites, Uptown on Main also offers items from popular brands such as Nora Fleming, Beatriz Ball, Corkcicle, TERVIS, and Aida Rogers to name a few. Ultimately, their Facebook Page sums it up the best when describing what Uptown on Main has to offer to holiday shoppers. They offer “personalized gifts for all occasions.” Additionally, shoppers can find monogrammed accessories that “make great gifts for baby showers, weddings, holidays, graduations.” As a finishing touch, they also have complimentary gift wrap.
The Market Tea Room at Senate’s End
Located in the heart of downtown Columbia, South Carolina at 302 Senate Street, The Market Tea Room at Senate’s End, isn’t more than a quaint restaurant- it’s host to a local boutique shop. Their Facebook Page describes themselves as “an oasis in the Vista area of Columbia.”
Furthermore, their retail section has a variety of local goods. For example, The Market Tea Room at Senate’s End has a large selection of tea, local honey, and Sallie’s Greatest jams and Syrups. The local honey is sourced from Bee Trail Farms.
The Market Tea Room makes for a complete shopping experience. After spending time in downtown Columbia, you can swing by The Market Tea Room for a quick cup of tea, or enjoy a three course afternoon tea. And as one reviewer writes, “And don’t forget shopping local helps local!”
Southern Essence Distilling
Southern Essence Distilling is located just a quick drive away from downtown Columbia at 904 Frink St. in Cayce, South Carolina. Recently featured in Free Times, Southern Essence Distilling made headlines for launching a hemp spirit. Co-owner, John Sharpe tells Free Times that, “Anything out there that can be fermented we’re going to try it.”
Consequently, Southern Essence Distilling is known for their unique spirits. Some local favorites include small-batch honey brandy and peach cordials. Not only is Southern Essence Distilling a local favorite, but co-owner, Venetia Sharpe explains that they try to use local products. “We try to stay local and we try to stay as green as possible.”
You’ll have to plan your trip to Southern Essence Distilling accordingly. They are only open on Fridays and Saturdays from 3 PM until 6 PM for purchases. While tastes are free, COVID-19 precautions limit them to being done at the door. You can expect to spend around $20 to $35 before taxes at Southern Essence Distilling.
While things may be a little out of the ordinary this holiday season, the joy of gift-giving can still be sought. Shopping local not only helps stimulate your local economy during these unique times but ensures you’ll have your gifts in time for all your holiday outings. Be sure to check back with Lexington Yankee for more holiday ideas.