Shopping locally during the holidays is meaningful— it feels more personal, more intentional, and way more fun. Around Columbia, December is filled with those moments — the kind you feel when you walk into a small business, are greeted by name, discover something you’ve never seen before, and know you’re supporting a real person, not a warehouse.The search becomes part of the memory — coffee in hand, bouncing between boutiques, finding pieces that feel personal and thoughtful versus rushed and generic.
This season, make it fun. Make it intentional.
Whether you’re shopping for someone who loves timeless jewelry, a foodie with a sweet tooth, the friend who’s impossible to shop for, or the person who prefers gifts that feel more experiential than material — there’s something here for every type of holiday personality. From heirloom-worthy sparkle and classic European holiday craftsmanship… to small-batch sweet treats, customizable fragrances, Mahjong girl nights, and beautifully curated boutique finds — these gifts are the kind that surprise people, not the kind that get returned or forgotten.
Book a Saturday shopping day with friends. Build in a coffee stop, a late brunch, or a holiday cocktail downtown. Visit places you’ve never walked into before. Let the fun of the hunt actually be part of the tradition this year. Because the best gifts aren’t random — they’re thoughtful, intentional, and often found by wandering just a little longer or turning into a shop you normally drive by without stopping.
Here in Columbia, we’re lucky — we have so many small businesses that pour heart into what they offer. And when you shop local, you’re not only giving someone a gift they’ll love… you’re also giving back to a community you love.
These are a few of our favorite local finds this season — discovered right here, close to home.
18K White Gold Emerald & Diamond Ring | $4,299
This exquisite 18k white gold ring dazzles with 16 emeralds (0.96 ct) and 107 full-cut diamonds (0.79 ct) in a stunning figure-eight design. A timeless gift of elegance, available at Betz Jewelers — where beautiful moments begin. $4,299. Don’t miss their Advent Calendar Giveaway, Dec. 1–25!
Floris of London Fragrance | $35
Founded in 1730, Floris of London is a family-owned fragrance and body care company known for timeless scents. Their 10 ml travel-size colognes make the perfect stocking stuffer for the adventurous man. Find Floris and other refined accessories for the discerning gentleman this holiday season at Binghams.
Mahjong Gift Set | $ price
Gift idea for the Mahjong lover in your life. This playful Mahjong themed gift set includes notepads, themed accessories, and cute game-night essentials packaged in a whimsical ceramic container. Perfect for hostess gifting, holiday girls’ nights, and anyone who plans their December around Mahjong. Available at The Tin Roof Monogram & Gift.
Custom Fragrance Experience | starting at $15
Give a gift that smells uniquely like them. At Makes Scents, you can custom create your own perfume, cologne, lotion, bath gel, candle and more — blended to match your personal style and mood. A fun and thoughtful holiday gifting experience.Available at Makes Scents.
Caramel Pecan Katys | $ price
The Candy Factory’s Caramel Pecan Katys are their signature twist on the classic chocolate pecan turtle — made with fresh Missouri pecans, old-fashioned copper kettle caramel, and rich chocolate. Available individually wrapped or boxed, they’re a beloved seasonal favorite and the perfect sweet gift — or stocking stuffer — for the holidays.
Polish Pottery Santa Ornament | $ price
Handmade and hand-painted in Poland, this Polish Pottery Santa ornament is a keepsake holiday treasure — full of charm, color, and old-world craft. A perfect small gift or stocking stuffer, available at Serendipity Salon + Gallery.
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