Happy holidays! We are so blessed to work with some incredible businesses and nonprofits. The holiday season is a terrific time to showcase their work as part of our holiday gift guide. As you’re making your shopping list, consider one of these products, events or even a charitable donation as a way to honor friends and family this season.

Give the Gift of Charleston

Charleston Children’s Book: Charleston landmarks and historic attractions are beautifully highlighted in a children’s book written and illustrated by Charleston graphic designer and author Andrew Barton. “Heyward the Horse Loves Charleston, Of Course!” is the tale of Heyward M. Pinckney IV, a carriage horse in downtown Charleston. Heyward takes visitors on a carriage ride past a variety of Charleston area landmarks and attractions, including Riley Waterfront Park, Rainbow Row, historic churches and the Charleston City Market. With his magical bow tie, Heyward is able to fly his carriage over the Holy City, pointing out the marshes, plantations and the beaches. Order online: www.heywardthehorse.com

Custom Oyster Knives: The Charleston Shucker Co. has a terrific selection of oyster knives, including a great stocking stuffer: a folding oyster knife with a built-in bottle opener. The Stowaway Shucker is perfect for popping open both oysters and a cold beverage. Priced at $45, The Stowaway Shucker features a wooden handle and a beveled stainless-steel blade with a built-in bottle opener that folds for safe, convenient storage. Be sure to check out the full collection of custom oyster knives and gift products at www.charlestonshuckerco.com.

Charleston Experiences: A Charleston Tour Pass is perfect for anyone with an itch to visit the Holy City. Pay a one-time fee for instant access to more than 30 Charleston attractions, museums, tours and even restaurants and breweries. Save your friends and family the hassle of figuring out how to experience Charleston with a Charleston Tour Pass – shopping and vacationing made easy! Order online at www.charlestontourpass.com.

Give the Gift of an Experience

Instead of giving another sweater or tie, why not give the gift of a holiday experience:

Charleston Christmas Special: Some of the most talented singers, dancers and musicians from around the country will gather on stage at the Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St., for 13 shows from Dec. 8 to Dec. 23. Tickets are on sale now at www.bradandjennifermoranz.com.

Holly and her family have been attending this show for years and it is the highlight of the season!

It’s a Magical Christmas: Threshold Repertory Theatre is putting a twist on the traditional holiday performance as it hosts singing illusionist Russell Anderson for “It’s a Magical Christmas.” The show runs Nov. 30 to Dec. 23 at the theatre, 84 1/2 Society St. in downtown Charleston. Purchase tickets at www.thresholdrep.org.

Ugly Sweater 5K Dash: Take part in this inaugural 5K run and 1-mile stroll on Dec. 1 through historic downtown Summerville. All race proceeds benefit The ARK in its work providing comprehensive support services to families living with Alzheimer’s or related dementia. Register online at www.TheARKofSC.org.

Give the Gift of Doing Good

We are fortunate to work with several wonderful nonprofit organizations that would benefit from your holiday gift.

Charleston Parks Conservancy – Help make Charleston’s city parks more beautiful with a gift to this organization. And enjoy one of our favorite park renovation projects at Light the Lake hosted by the Charleston Parks Conservancy. Come out to the Colonial Lake the evening of Nov. 30 for a tree lighting and holiday fun.

East Cooper Meals on Wheels – This organization relies solely on donations to provide meals to homebound neighbors regardless or age or income. Make a monetary donation or you can donate breakfast items for recipients as well as pet food.

Palmetto Community Care – Formerly Lowcountry AIDS Services, Palmetto Community Care is working to help those living with HIV/AIDS in our community while focusing on ways to curb the rising rates of HIV infection right here in the Charleston community. Support Palmetto Community care at a Dec. 1 Pint of Hope event at Rusty Bull Brewing (bonus: wear an ugly holiday sweater for a chance to win prizes). Also, sign up to host a Dining With Friends party on Jan. 19.

Commonwealth Cares Foundation: Registration is open for the 2019 NEEDTOBREATHE Classic, a celebrity golf tournament and musical event benefiting Charleston-based nonprofit OneWorld Health. Organized by Commonwealth Cares Foundation, the seventh annual NEEDTOBREATHE Classic is set for March 25, 2019, at the Daniel Island Club. Golfers from around the country converge on the Lowcountry for a chance to hit the links with musicians, athletes and actors. The event culminates in an evening concert featuring southern rock band NEEDTOBREATHE and other musicians at the Charleston Music Farm.

Postpartum Support Charleston (Fisher Creative pro bono client): This nonprofit provides support and resources to women and their families struggling with maternal mental illnesses (such as depression, anxiety, OCD, and psychosis during and after pregnancy). Learn how you can help.

BONUS:

Mount Pleasant pediatric dentist Kids Teeth is inviting all local families to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Dec. 19. Avoid long lines and take your own holiday photos at this special event open to the general public. Visit with Santa from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 19 at the office located at 1073 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. and from 2-4 p.m. at the Park West location at 1130 Professional Lane. Children can create holiday cards that will donated to East Cooper Meals on Wheels and distributed to its homebound recipients around the East Cooper area. Families also can bring breakfast items for East Cooper Meals on Wheels (breakfast bars, cereal, fruit cups and other non-perishable items).

Looks like we just took care of everyone on your list! Merry Christmas!