Happy Holidays, y’all!  I’m in no way, shape or form an expert on gift giving, but as this holiday season begins I wanted to share a few ideas that keep you off the Amazon train (they make it so easy, don’t they?).  Here are few of my favorite places in the Lowcountry with good missions backing them up.

I’ll add more as I think of them!
Kari Crolley

CUSTOM SHARK TOOTH NECKLACE

We love the idea of finding a fossilized shark tooth and making it into a treasured keepsake to remember the day.  Just down the street from our Shem Creek HQ, Dee Ruel creates bespoke jewelry from sea urchin spines, antique coral, shells and fossils.   Give a gift certificate for the adventure and jewelry for a really fun present!

WHY WE LOVE DEE: She’s got a big heart and gives back to our community all year round. At Christmas, she adopts a family (or two!) from East Cooper Community Outreach and helps to fund it by doing special Flash Sales with her Instagram community.

MIDDLETON PLACE MEMBERSHIP

When we partnered with Middleton Place to offer boat and kayak tours, Chris and I re-upped our family membership.   It’s good for us and our children to visit as much as we want (along with a bunch of other perks) and it has already paid off.

It’s not just a beautiful garden.  Its herds of wandering sheep, activities in the stableyards, history,  lunch in the restaurant and more.  And as naturalists, it is so enjoyable to see the way the landscape changes throughout the year.

For the next few weeks, their memberships are 20% off, so get yours soon.

HANDCRAFTED BELT BUCKLE

Designed by a Charlestonian and outdoorsman, Tom Mauldin, each HookNHike belt buckle is inspired by the outdoors.  Every buckle is handcrafted, with designs that include redfish, quail, bonefish and mallard.  Our current favorite is the American Chestnut, pictured above.

ANYTHING FROM THE SEWEE OUTPOST

There are few things you should know about the Sewee Outpost:

1. You could do all of your Christmas shopping here.  It has everything from Freefly Apparel on the racks to homemade cheese biscuits in the back freezer.
2. It’s the town center of Awendaw and we tell everyone that goes out on the Bulls Island Ferry to stop in here first.   The Bulls Island Ferry and a ham biscuit go hand-in-hand.  Not to mention they have everything you need before an adventure, including insect spray, baseball caps, sunglasses and sandwiches.
3. When Chris and I say that we live in Awendaw, people from ALL OVER tell us how much they love the Outpost. So head up the road for a visit and pick out a few hats for gifts- they will wear them with pride.
4. I’m planning to grab a couple of frozen quiches and packages of biscuits to have on hand during the holidays.  They’re great and it keeps me from going crazy with all the cooking.

WELLNESS DAY PASS

The Recharging Zone at Syncronicity is the best deal in Charleston for a wellness reset.  Chris and I stop in when we can for “day dates” and take advantage of the cyrotherapy, infrared sauna, massage chairs and salt therapy.   For only $50, you can do all of this– and leave feeling great.  Plus, the whole team at Syncronicity makes you feel welcome and relaxed as you try out the amenities.  Five out of five stars.