Our Top Picks to Shop Local This Holiday Season
Ah, winter in the south. The air is crisp, light, and nearly bug-free for the first time in ten months. Droves of Georgians turn off their ceiling fans and emerge from their townhouses and lofts to walk down cobble-stoned streets with steaming cups of Coffee Fox lattes and hot chocolates in hand. You can pull those brightly colored sweaters and scarves from the depths of your closet and take to the streets, its holiday-prepping time!
Here’s a list of eight of our favorite local places to shop for the holidays:
Shoshanna Walker grew up watching her mother make soap from home. As she grew up, she fell in love with the craft herself, and with her husband, began mass producing environmentally friendly, non-toxic soaps that are good for the body and the earth. They use natural ingredients to make shampoos, soft scrubs, bath bombs, and candles that you can only find in their centrally located Savannah shop. At Nourish, you can support local shops and help the environment at the same time.
This antique boutique’s wide array of products is supported by their motto, “Give Unique, Live Unique.” Eclecticism featuring coastal art and decor, distinguished women’s apparel and accessories, and charming table ornaments makes this quaint shop solitary in its éclat. For gifts on behalf of the best of southern chic, Ella’s is the place to go.
Located on Ford Avenue in Richmond Hill, ATC is southern cooking with a twist. While they specialize in Traditional American and Italian cuisine, they pride themselves on their diverse selection of desserts and pastries. A tray of chocolate covered strawberries, truffles, and salted caramels would make the perfect addition to any holiday festivity.
On the corner of beautiful Madison Square is Savannah’s oldest and most beloved bookstore. Locally owned and operated for over 40 years, E. Shaver specializes in fiction and non-fiction books on local and regional topics. An authentic taste of the south, specifically the history, architecture, and art of Savannah, rests within the seven-roomed landmark.
Another Richmond Hill favorite is this interactive pottery and art studio. With a diverse array of offerings – paint-your-own-pottery, clay sculpting and wheel throwing, canvas painting, and glass fusion – Midnight Star is the most all-inclusive art studio in Georgia. For hand-crafted Christmas gifts, a fun activity for visiting relatives, or glass ornaments that are original to you, Midnight Star is an excellent holiday destination.
Southern Sweets Café and Bakery
This Hinesville bakery will surprise you with their creative ideas and flavorsome cakes. Each morning welcomes freshly baked brownies, banana bread, pound cake, and many more treats made from scratch. And around Christmastime, they host a special holiday exhibition from local art group, Melting Pot of Art. Two birds with one stone; Southern Sweets’ seasonal events, flavors and designs are sure to get you and your family in the holiday spirit.
Positioned in central Savannah, Satchel is a hybrid of a studio and store. Each of their handbags and leather goods are made in-house by a staff of three, guaranteeing an original addition to your wardrobe. And, if by some miracle, you don’t completely fall in love with one of their products, they offer customizable bags and accessories, going so far as to let you build your dream bag from scratch. Satchel promises the highest quality of personalized Christmas gifts.
Born on the belief that children should feel confident in their clothes – and have fun looking for them – Sara Jane is Savannah’s premier children’s boutique. Sara Jane combines her love of children and fashion to create unique, stylish clothes your little ones will never want to grow out of.
With this brief directory, you should be able to check off every item on your Christmas list knowing you supported local business owners and their families during the holidays. Happy shopping!