Greenville gift guide: Here's where to shop local for books, toys, games for Christmas
The season of gift-giving is upon us, and this year, we can show those we love we know them best by making sure their present includes a personalized touch.
The Greenville area has some of the best stores around for readers and gaming enthusiasts. Mr. K's Used Books and 2nd and Charles are two stores where you can find gifts for folks with both hobbies. When it comes to toys, kids can enjoy downtown's O.P. Taylors and Haywood Mall's Zoie's Toys. Adults might even get a thrill while searching for gifts at Greer's Toy Federation LLC, a trip back in time to a world of classic childhood nostalgia.
Although your pets might not know what time of year it is, that doesn't mean they have to miss out on the holiday fun. We recommend where to shop so your furry friends can look forward to unwrapping (or chewing through) the best dog toys and treats with their family under the Christmas tree.
Gifts for food lovers? We've got you covered, too.
Books, games, merch: Mr. K's, 2nd and Charles, Borderlands, Box Lunch and Pop Cult
∎ Mr. K's Used Books, Greenville: Mr. K's is a family-owned favorite where you can buy, sell and trade books, DVDs and CDs. It also has video games. The store is known for its bargain prices on new book releases, with a selection of books across all categories: bestsellers, fiction, non-fiction, young adult, children's and manga. You can even find gently used TV show seasons for just under $5. 101 Verdae Blvd #320, Greenville.
∎ 2nd and Charles, Greenville: 2nd and Charles is practically Mr. K's big brother. The two stores are located right up the street from one another, with Mr. K's being the smaller, cozy store. At 2nd and Charles, you can expect to find the same items and low prices as Mr. K's, but of a wider variety. 2465 Laurens Road, Greenville.
∎ Borderlands Comics and Games, Greenville: For over three decades, Borderlands has been known as the Upstate's premier comic book and game shop. The store offers the region the best in comics, graphic novels, collectibles and gaming. 410 S. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville.
∎ Box Lunch, Greenville: Box Lunch is a treasure cove located on the upper level of the Haywood Mall. Although store items are pricey, there is merchandise for just about anyone who enters. Loungefly backpacks are always in stock, and filling up shelves with matching wallets. There is also clothing and merch available from your favorite Disney and Marvel movies. 700 Haywood Road, Space 2019A, Greenville.
∎ Pop Cult, Greenville: Located on the lower level of the Haywood Mall in front of Dillard's, Pop Cult carries a variety of anime and pop culture items. Fans of Pusheen the Cat will find plenty of cat plushies in the store, among other items like kawaii Sanrio key chains and stationery, Studio Ghibli food ware and anime figurines. 700 Haywood Road, #1052A, Greenville.
Toys for kids: O.P. Taylors, Zoie's Toys, The Elephant's Trunk, Toy Federation
∎ O.P. Taylors, Greenville: Since 2002, O.P. Taylors has operated in downtown Greenville, providing customers with classic and the latest toy trends. Every corner of this toy store is loaded with fun things to do: arts and crafts, Barbie dolls, board games and LEGO sets just to name a few. Parents, you are warned ― it is certainly one of those stores that might leave a kid teary-eyed should they go home empty-handed. 117 N. Main St., Greenville.
∎ Zoie's Toys, Greenville: Located on Haywood Mall's lower level just across from Pop Cult is Zoie's Toy's. One of the shop's latest boasts is their limited-edition Toy Story + Vera Bradley collection, featuring bags and pillows from the collaboration. Other brands carried by the store include Sanrio, RC Toys, Crazy Aarons, Ty, Plus Plus and Specks. 700 Haywood Road, Space 1055.
∎ The Elephant's Trunk, Greenville: The Elephant's Trunk is a specialty toy store that has focused on unique and educational toys for kids of all ages for 37 years. The store recently dropped its HoliYay Catalog on its website. Printed catalogs are available in-store. To view them digitally, please click here. 2222 Augusta St. #8, Greenville.
∎ Toy Federation LLC, Greer: Step into a world of classic childhood nostalgia at Toy Federation. This hidden gem in Greer will bring you back to when you first watched E.T. or Gremlins on the big screen. Its impressive Star Wars figurine collection may even take you back to lightsaber duels with friends. At this store, you are destined to rediscover something you haven't seen in a long time. 104 Middleton Way, Greer.
Gifts for pets: Barkery Bistro to Woof Gang Bakery
∎ The Barkery Bistro, Pet Bakery & Grooming Salon, Anderson, Greenville: This mother and son business began out of a love for all things dogs. Here, you will find a wide variety of everyday bakery items from mini treats as well as medium and large treats for bigger dogs. Flavors will vary depending on what items are selected. The business has two locations in Anderson and Greenville, with a third location opening up soon in Clemson. 2123 Augusta St., Greenville.
∎ Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, Greenville: Woof Gang Bakery creates exclusive gourmet treats that are dog-tested and puppy-approved. Treats are all-natural and made with high-quality nutrient-rich foods that promote your pet's lifelong health. You can even place delivery orders from the convenience of your mobile device or desktop. 7 W. North St, Greenville.
Food, candy shops: King Arthur Baking, Cook's Station to Swamp Rabbit
∎ King Arthur Baking Company, Greenville: Through Dec. 22, King Arthur's pop-up store in the West End of Greenville will offer holiday baking essentials and gifts for baking enthusiasts. Shelves will be stocked up on ingredients, mixes, utensils and kitchen appliances. Be sure to visit soon ― this is a limited-time celebration. 640 S. Main St., Greenville.
∎ The Cook's Station, Greenville: From stylish tableware and top-of-the-line chef's knives to unique culinary tools, The Cook's Station caters to any cook's culinary craft. The restaurant serves breakfast and lunch menu items like its loaded potato soup, the Porchetta and crispy fried butter chicken. If you are looking to gift an aspiring chef, gift cards are available. 515 Buncombe St, Greenville.
∎ Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery, Greenville: This hybrid cafe and bakery features locavore American eats, desserts and grocery items. Pastries are made from scratch with wholesome ingredients like the cafe's made daily stecca bread for sandwiches. If you are a coffee lover, you may find yourself indulging in sustainably sourced craft coffee and expresso. On your next bike ride down the Swamp Rabbit trail, be sure to pull over and check it out. 205 Cedar Lane Road, Greenville.
∎ Rocket Fizz, Greenville: This one-stop shop for soda pop and candy cravings offers gift cards if you are looking to purchase a gift for a friend with a sweet tooth. Bottled sodas come in a variety of innovative flavors, and there is no shortage when it comes to the amount of chocolate and taffy throughout the shop. 118 N. Main St., Greenville.
∎ River Street Sweets, Greenville: River Street Sweets is one of downtown Greenville's main attractions that you won't want to miss. The candy shop has spread joy over the holidays and throughout the year with its made-from-scratch gourmet southern sweets; World Famous Pralines, saltwater taffy, hand-stretched peanut brittle and homemade pecans abound. If you are curious to know what the shop has in store for the holidays, you can flip through its 2023 Christmas catalog here. 12 S. Main St., Greenville.
Nina Tran covers trending topics. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Here's where to shop in Greenville for family, friends for Christmas.
