my favorite places to shop for gifts

Nothing brings me more joy than finding the perfect gift for someone, which makes the Christmas season feel like my personal Super Bowl. Over the years, I’ve honed the art of thoughtful gifting—finding items (or experiences) that align with my values, resonate with the recipient, and genuinely excite me to give.

This year, I’m sharing a few of my favorite places to shop, along with some tried-and-true tips for shopping thoughtfully and sustainably during the holiday season.

Sustainable Gifting Tips

Keep a running gift list.
I keep an ongoing list in my phone for everyone I typically shop for. If I see something during the year that reminds me of them or hear them mention something they’d love, I add it to the list. When Christmas or a birthday comes around, I already have a head start. This eliminates the last-minute panic purchase (because honestly, how many more Target candles does the world need?).
Link items directly to small businesses.
My family and in-laws use online wishlists for our gift exchanges, which is great for avoiding gifting mishaps. This year, I took it a step further by linking items directly to the maker or brand, bypassing big-box retailers like Amazon. This way, more of my money supports small businesses. If someone prefers to shop elsewhere, I include the product name so they can find it on another site if needed.
Use reusable gift wrap.
Last year, Dave picked up fabric and ribbons from Recraft for wrapping gifts, and we’ve been reusing them ever since. It’s a fun, sustainable touch that makes our gifts feel more personal, and the wrap can either become part of the gift or be reused for future holidays.

Now, onto my favorite places to shop! These are not only a joy to browse but also offer unique, meaningful gifts for everyone on my list.

UPSTATE SC FAVORITES

ONLINE FAVORITES

Miller Lane Mercantile