Holiday Hacks: Your Go-To List for Gifting Local Experiences and Treasures
- Gabrielle Buchieri
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The holiday clock is ticking, and we all have that one person on our list—the one who buys what they need, has unique tastes, or simply tells you, "I don't need a thing!" This year, let's skip the big-box store scramble and find gifts with real meaning right here in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) and Augusta.
Shopping local not only guarantees a unique, thoughtful find, but it also directly supports your neighbors and helps keep our community vibrant.
Here are four tailored recommendations, featuring specific Augusta-area small businesses, to help you nail those tricky gifts:
1. The Gift of Pure Relaxation: A Massage Experience
For anyone whose resolution is to slow down or who carries the weight of the world on their shoulders, the gift of therapeutic bodywork is an unparalleled act of care.
The Local Pick: Gift Cards from Knead to Unwind
A gift card for a professional massage at Knead to Unwind is the ultimate thoughtful present. It’s an easy, zero-stress gift for you to purchase and a guaranteed stress-reliever for them to receive. Whether they need a deep tissue session after a long week or a gentle Swedish massage to simply unwind, you’re giving them permission to prioritize their well-being.
Easy Online Shopping Tip: Gift cards can be purchased instantly and conveniently online through the Knead to Unwind website, perfect for a last-minute miracle gift!
2. For the Home Decor Lover & Unique Collector: Local Boutiques
Instead of generic items, find handcrafted or specially curated pieces that reflect Augusta's unique style.
The Local Picks:
The Swank Company: Located on Highland Avenue, this boutique often carries a mix of stylish clothing, accessories, and thoughtful gift items that are a step above the usual.
Southern Willow Market: Perfect for a cozy home gift! They specialize in locally hand-poured soy wax candles with rich, lasting fragrances. Nothing makes a house feel like a home quite like a premium local candle.
Augusta & Co.: This downtown experience center is a fantastic stop for true local pride. They feature products and artisan goods from numerous CSRA makers—a great place to grab Augusta-themed apparel, local snacks, or unique souvenirs.
Sacred Heart Gift Shop: Tucked away in the historic Sacred Heart Cultural Center, this shop features work from over 70 local consigners, offering unique art, books, and home accessories you won't find anywhere else.
3. For the Foodie & Host: Gourmet Goodies
You can’t go wrong with food, especially when it features the best flavors the CSRA has to offer.
The Local Picks:
Augusta Gift Baskets: Take the guesswork out of curating a perfect collection. They create beautiful, pre-made baskets featuring only local products, such as beans from Ubora Coffee Roasters, jams from Still Creek Kitchen, and honey from Augusta Honey Company.
La Bonbonniere: For the serious chocolate lover, stop by this specialty shop for quality, made-in-house artisan chocolates that look as good as they taste.
4. For the Creative & Experience Seeker: Workshops and Classes
Give the gift of a new skill or a fun night out! Experiences create memories, which are often the best gifts of all.
The Local Picks:
Tire City Potters: Book a "Throwing Experience" workshop or a dedicated pottery class. Learning to use a potter's wheel is a unique, hands-on activity that results in a beautiful, hand-made creation. They also sell incredible ceramics perfect for gifting.
4P Studios: Look into their schedule for workshops in painting, photography, or other media. A one-time class pass is a great way to encourage a little creativity.
Augusta Candle Company: If they love Southern Willow Market’s candles, take it a step further and gift them the experience of creating their own custom scent and candle in a hands-on workshop.
This holiday season, make your gifts mean more by keeping your shopping dollars right here in the CSRA. You'll discover incredible treasures and give gifts that are truly one-of-a-kind!
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