Looking to shop local? Here are 10 Christmas gift ideas from Greenville area businesses
Christmas is less than two weeks away and some shoppers are still looking for just the right gift for those who have almost everything and are hard to please.
It is possible the solution could be easier than trying to say Reedy River three times fast. Instead of checking out cyber deals and shopping malls, how about looking for items that are uniquely Greenville?
Many of these items can be found in downtown shops and are a good way to escape the overcrowded malls and their hectic pace. This isn't a complete list, but it will help you get started.
Check out some of these gift ideas made in Greenville or that have a Greenville theme.
Christmas Mugs from Southernside Brewery
Kick off the holiday spirit with a good adult beverage — responsibly, of course.
Southernside Brewery has decorated its drink menu with 13 Christmas-themed cocktails tailored for the holiday season, featuring: Grandma Got Run Over By a T-Rex (vodka based), Santa's Little Helper (gin), and Holiday spiked chai (Brandy & rum) featuring a koala bear hanging onto a straw.
The "miracle mugs" are available for purchase, ranging between $12 to $18 for cups showcasing Santa, a Christmas dinosaur, and a holiday barrel mug, plus more. The deal lasts through New Year's Eve.
∎ A holiday gift for: Hot chocolate, coffee, tea or even champagne lovers
∎ Location: 25 Delano Drive Unit D
Season Passes at M. Judson Bookstore
Avid readers can enjoy time with guest authors and food while in a group setting at M. Judson Bookstore's "Lunch & Lit" and "Page Pairing" events.
Choose between a 6-month ($300) or 12-month ($600) Lunch & Lit season pass that allows literary lovers and socialites to meet with guest authors, enjoy a meal at Soby's and connect with other book lovers in downtown Greenville.
Additionally, the Page Pairing season pass allows either a 6-ticket package for ($180) or a 12-ticket package for ($360) option based upon books and a wine tasting held monthly.
∎ A holiday gift for: Book lovers, literary clubs and socialites
∎ Location: 130 S. Main St.
Upgrade dad at A Polished Man
Unsure of what to get dad? The usual socks, underwear and tie are fine, but why not step it up with premium dress wear and accessories?
Stop by A Polished Man — a men's fashion and professional attire boutique that offers sleek wallet designs, pocket squares for suits, Beachwood fiber underwear and Greenville-farmed belts made from cow and gator skin.
∎ A holiday gift for: Suit wearers, men in the family and people looking for a splash of professional style
∎ Location: 2 W. Washington St.
Gallons of Popcorn from Poppington's Gourmet Popcorn
Good things come in tin packaging, as the perfect universal gift arrives in kernel form from Poppington's Gourmet Popcorn which offers an assortment of caramel, cheese and chocolate options, and more.
Popular holiday gifts are the 3.5-gallon popcorn tins ($77) that can be assorted into different flavors, and a 6.5-gallon ($135) option, as well, said Rose Augustyn, store owner of the downtown location.
∎ A holiday gift for: White elephant gift swap, corporate parties and snack lovers
∎ Location: 30 S. Main St.
10 ticket toe-drag for Swamp Rabbits Ice Hockey
Take nine friends to a single game or divvy up the tickets however you wish as the Greenville Swamp Rabbits are offering a 10-game ticket voucher that includes admission and a team-inspired beanie cap.
For ticket bundles near mid-ice ($220) or seats near or behind the goalie ($120), this ice-cold deal makes the perfect gift to see professional hockey, at a bargain.
∎ A holiday gift for: Sports fans, a guy's night out and a night at Bon Secours Wellness Arena
∎ Location: 650 N. Academy St.
Locally themed Christmas Ornaments from Greenville County Historical Society
For those who know and love Greenville the most, and decorate their tree with the same vigor, a Christmas-themed glass ornament would be the perfect gift.
Greenville County Historical Society has ornaments on sale which feature hand-sized images of Cherrydale, Poinsett Club, The Southern Railway Depot, Whitehall and more ($25). There are also maps and county history books from local authors available, as well.
∎ A holiday gift for: Greenville historians and those with beautifully decorated Christmas trees
∎ Location: 100 Lavinia Ave.
Concessions voucher at Regal Hollywood Theatres
Everyone knows gift cards aren't considered a real gift, but when it comes to going to saving money on movies and concessions, we'll give it a pass.
Stop by Regal Hollywood and buy a holiday e-card offer which includes a $50 gift card and a $10 concession card bonus, which can be used from Jan. 1 through Feb. 28 of 2023.
∎ A holiday gift for: Movie lovers and those who sneak snacks into the theater
∎ Location: 1029 Woodruff Road
Sweets & wine packages at LaRue Fine Chocolate
Chocolates and wine are always a wonderful gift, well, "Because who doesn't love wine and chocolate," said Elizabeth McDaniel, owner of LaRue Fine Chocolate. The chocolate shop offers gift boxes ($50 - $60) that include a variety of chocolates paired with a red wine or a bubbly option. LaRue offers vegan options as well.
Get a holiday package of six chocolates ($13), 12 chocolates ($25), or 24 chocolate options ($50) that are sure to make your loved one smile.
∎ A holiday gift for: Chocolate and wine lovers, the girlfriend/wife
∎ Location: 556 Perry Ave. Suite B115
Try an addition of flavor at Vinegar & Oil
The perfect grab-and-go gift for those who know their way around the kitchen.
Swing by Oil & Vinegar for gift sets that give the basics for making a pizza, a package for truffle lovers, Italian dipping oils and even barbecue starters.
∎ A holiday gift for: Those who love the kitchen
∎ Location: 220 N. Main St.
Spend the holidays at Greenville Zoo
Enjoy the Christmas spirit with the children and zoo animals as Greenville Holiday at the Zoo spans from Dec. 15 to 23, and then Dec. 26 to 30.
Enjoy pictures with Santa, Christmas light decorations and holiday music alongside an exploration of land and water animals for the day.
Ticket prices range from $10 to $14 for adults and $8 to $12 for children.
∎ A holiday gift for: Kids to open before Christmas
∎ Location: 150 Cleveland Park Drive
– A.J. Jackson covers arts, entertainment and more for The Greenville News and Anderson Independent Mail. Contact him by email at ajackson@gannett.com, and follow him on Twitter @ajhappened.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: No place like home: 10 Christmas gift ideas from Greenville businesses
