What will you be giving your true loves this holiday season? We used the old English carol as inspiration for a variety of Lowcountry-centric gift ideas, including some cool ways to give back to the community
An Egret in an Oak Tree
Since 1985, Lowcountry Land Trust has protected more than 138,000 acres across 17 coastal counties, including assisting in preserving 36 acres surrounding John’s Island’s iconic Angel Oak. Give the nature lover on your list a Land Trust membership (starting at $50); https://www.lowcountrylandtrust.org/.
VIDEO - Fly through the fern-covered branches of the Angel Oak Video
Angel Oak Tree of Life from Paradise on Vimeo.
Photograph by Nagel Photography
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two Sea Turtles
Dive headfirst into ocean conservation, hands-on learning, and lots of fun with a family membership ($189) to the South Carolina Aquarium. Your budding biologists can discover native plants and animals (more than 5,000 of them!) and have daily admission to the exhibits, including the Touch Tank with sea urchins, horseshoe crabs, and starfish and two-story Great Ocean Tank complete with circling sharks; dive shows; and Caretta, the 220-pound loggerhead sea turtle. The recently opened Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery allows guests to experience the rescue and rehabilitation of these endangered creatures. South Carolina Aquarium,100 Aquarium Wharf, http://scaquarium.org/
PHOTO: Caretta, the 220-pound loggerhead sea turtle, in the Great Ocean Tank (Photographs (2) courtesy of South Carolina Aquarium)
VIDEO - Watch a turtle release video
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three Feathered Pins
Flights of fancy with embellished avian-inspired brooches
PHOTO: (From left to right) Grainger McKoy - 14K yellow-gold “Carolina Wren“ pin, $993. Croghan’s Jewel Box, 308 King St., (843) 723-3594, https://www.croghansjewelbox.com/, Lanvin - Silver and Swarovski crystal brooch, price upon request. RTW, 186 King St., (843) 577-9748, http://rtwcharleston.com/, The Metropolitan Museum of Art - 18K gold overlay peacock feather brooch with Swaroviski crystals, $75. The Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St., (843) 722-2706, http://www.gibbesmuseum.org/ (Photographs by (Lanvin) Cocoa Rae & courtesy of (2) the retailers)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Four Wild Birds
Give them the thrill of experiencing untethered hawks, falcons, and eagles in action at The Center for Birds of Prey in Awendaw. With nearly 50 species from around the world, including 14 kinds of owls, the nonprofit hosts one of the largest and most diverse collections of raptors in the nation, and its Avian Medical Clinic treats more than 600 injured birds annually. A year-long family membership ($200) offers admission for two adults and two youth—as well as two Audubon stuffed animals, six passes to share with friends, a Sibley’s folding field guide, and more. Your favorite family can visit every season (or every day, if they like) to tour the property, learn from the expert educators, and delight in the flight demonstrations of these apex avian predators. The Center for Birds of Prey, 4719 Hwy. 17 N., Awendaw; (843) 971-7474; http://www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.org/
PHOTO: Four great horned owlets (Bubo virginianus)
VIDEO - Experience The Center for the Birds of Prey and its flight demos with the Born to Explore TV team
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Five Gorgeous Rings
Pave the way to her heart in gold and precious stones.
PHOTO: (Clockwise from left to right) Cross Her Heart: Hearts on Fire 18K rose-gold “Intertwining Diamond Right-Hand Ring” (1.55 TCW), $6,990. Sandler’s Diamonds & Time: 920 Houston Northcutt Blvd.,Mount Pleasant; (843) 936-3516; http://sandlerjewelry.com/ - Golden Swirls: Gold Creations 14K yellow-gold, citrine, and diamond ring, $1,275. Gold Creations: 74 S. Market St., (843) 577-4862, https://goldcreationschas.com/ - Shine On: 18K two-toned band with 2.8 TCW yellow diamonds and 1.07 TCW brilliant rounds, $6,160. Diamonds Direct: 1911 N. Hwy. 17, Mount Pleasant; (843) 606-2558, https://diamondsdirect.com/ - All that Glitters: David Yurman sterling silver “Albion” ring with 18K yellow-gold dome and pave diamonds, $1,550. REEDS Jewelers: Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, (843) 416-3174 & Northwoods Mall, (843) 572-4510, https://www.reeds.com/ - The Royal Treatment: Elizabeth Locke 19K yellow-gold ring with bezel-set 1.24-carat red spinel and diamond accents, $5,075. Croghan’s Jewel Box: 308 King St., (843) 723-3594, https://www.croghansjewelbox.com/ (Photographs by Taylor Drake, Taylor Jordan, & Cocoa Rae)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Six Geese a-Laying
Local chocolatiers crafted these fun and festive—not to mention delicious—creations in dark and milk chocolate
PHOTO: (From left to right) Christophe Artisan Chocolatiers: Hand-painted geese (top row: white and yellow), $17 each, and hand-painted eggs (bottom row: yellow, orange, taupe, and blue), $1 each or $4 for filled. 90 Society St. & 1901 Ashley River Rd., (843) 297-8674, https://christophechocolatier.com/ - Cocoa Academic: Gourmet four-inch goose eggs in various flavor combinations, such as “Spicy Aztec” (left, red), which balances heat and sweet in a rich dark chocolate, and “Folly Beach” (right, blue) with sea salt and crushed cookie in a sweet dark chocolate, $12 each. (843) 494-8464, https://www.cocoaacademic.com/ - Charleston Chocolatiers: Milk and dark chocolate geese (top row, unpainted) and milk and dark chocolate eggs (middle row), $9 for one goose and egg. (843) 991-7372, charlestonchocolatiers@gmail.com (Photographs by Taylor Drake, Taylor Jordan, & Cocoa Rae)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seven Swans a-Swimming
Get your paddles up and out on the water with great gear and accessories. Some of the Lowcountry’s finest SUP instructors and enthusiasts model the goods
PHOTO: (From left to right) Jenny Alderman: Costa “Rodeo“ mesh trucker hat, $23, Smartwool “Merino 150” shirt, $80, Patagonia “Nano” vest in “smolder blue,“ $149, and Alo Yoga “High-Waist Airbrush” legging in “anthracite,“ $82, all at Half-Moon Outfitters: http://www.halfmoonoutfitters.com/
Misty Lister/Ocean Fitness: Patagonia “Eat Local Upstream LoPro Trucker Hat“ in “navy,” $30, at Half-Moon Outfitters; Nectar “Isla“ sunglasses, $45 at Sealand Adventure Sports: https://sealandsports.com/; Freefly Apparel bamboo shirt in “aqua,“ $50, and Toad & Co. “Timehop Tight,“ $75, both at Half-Moon Outfitters; and Olukai “Pehuea“ waterproof sneaker in “vivid blue,“ $80, at M. Dumas & Sons: http://mdumasandsons.com/, Palmetto Moon: https://www.palmettomoononline.com/, and Phillips Shoes: http://phillipsshoes.com/
Kate Dittloff/Surfrider Foundation: LivinLifeMan “Wave“ hat, $29, at Sealand Adventure Sports; Kaenon “Ledbetter“ sunglasses, $229 at Jackson Davenport: http://jacksondavenportvision.com/ and Shades of Charleston: http://www.shadesofcharleston.com/; Smartwool “NTS Mid 250“ crewneck, $105, Smartwool hooded vest, $160, and Alo Yoga “7/8 Airbrush” legging, $78, all at Half-Moon Outfitters; and Olukai “Eleu Trainer“ in “dark green/charcoal,“ $110 at M. Dumas & Sons, Palmetto Moon, and Phillips Shoes
Megan Bryan: LivinLifeMan “Wave“ trucker hat, $29, and Nectar “Beryl“ sunglasses, $40, both at Sealand Adventure Sports; Freefly Apparel bamboo shirt in “heather gray,“ $50, Smartwool “Double Propulsion 60” hooded vest, $160, and Toad & Co. “Timehop Tight“ in “dark graphite,“ $75, all at Half-Moon Outfitters
PHOTO: TOP LEFT: Michael Dolsey Bam Bam’s 10 foot, 8-inch epoxy paddleboard with bamboo laminate, $599 at Ocean Fitness; Bote “Axe Edge” paddle, $280 at Sealand Adventure Sports; and Sharkbandz shark-repellant leash, $130, at Half-Moon Outfitters, Las Olas Kiawah: https://www.lasolascharleston.com/, and Sealand Adventure Sports - BOTTOM LEFT: F-One “Noosa“ paddleboard, $1,650 at Sealand Adventure Sports and Olukai “Kia’I Wahine“ flops in “teal/black,” $70 at M. Dumas & Sons, Palmetto Moon, and Phillips Shoes Ocean fitness (tours, rentals, lessons, & fitness): 50 41st Ave., Isle of Palms; (843) 559-6073, http://beoceanfit.com/, Sealand Adventure Sports (rentals & lessons): 2120 Middle St., Sullivan's Island; (843) 330-8156, https://sealandsports.com/ - TOP MIDDLE: Kicker Bullfrog portable Bluetooth speaker, $200 at Best Buy, and Olukai “Kulapa Kai“ sandal in “silver/black,“ $65 at M. Dumas & Sons, Palmetto Moon, and Phillips Shoes - BETH LOVETT: Sullivan’s Island “Foam SnapBack” hat, $20, and Nectar “Mellie“ sunglasses, $40, both at Sealand Adventure Sports; Freefly Apparel bamboo shirt in “heather indigo,“ $50; and Alo Yoga “High-Waist Airbrush” legging in “anthracite,“ $82, both at Half-Moon Outfitters; and Dakine inflatable PFD, $110, at West Marine: https://www.westmarine.com/ - TOP RIGHT: Michael Dolsey Bam Bam’s 10 foot, 8-inch epoxy paddleboard with bamboo laminate, $599, and Bic fiberglass and carbon paddle, $219, both at Ocean Fitness; and Dakine inflatable PFD, $110, at West Marine - BOTTOM RIGHT: JP Surf paddleboard, $1,312, Bote “Axe Edge” paddle, $280, both at Sealand Adventure Sports; and Olukai “Ho’opio“ sandals in “mermaid/dark shadow,” $65 at M. Dumas & Sons, Palmetto Moon, and Phillips Shoes
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eight Maids a-Milking
In the old days, milk maids were painted as subjects of desire. But here, we offer maids—and lads—the goods they desire, from rich and creamy moisturizers to indulgent body scrubs and soaks
PHOTO: (From left to right) VOYA “Me Time“ moisturizer, $102. The Woodhouse Day Spa & Boutique: 725 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mount Pleasant; (843) 203-1772; https://charleston.woodhousespas.com/ - ELIZABETH W cucumber shower and bath pouch, $12. The Woodhouse Day Spa & Boutique: 725 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mount Pleasant; (843) 203-1772; https://charleston.woodhousespas.com/- GLAMGLOW “Super Mud“ clearing treatment, $69. The Spa at Belmond Charleston Place: 205 Meeting St., (843) 937-8522, https://www.belmond.com/- LA PRAIRIE “White Caviar” illuminating eye cream, $385. Cos Bar: 201 King St., (843) 793-1776, https://www.cosbar.com/ - SAPELO SKIN CARE restoring eye serum, $95. Ooh! Beautiful, 113 Pitt St., Mount Pleasant; (843) 856-3585; https://shopoutofhand.com/ & Pink Dot Beauty Bar, 227 Meeting St., (843) 637-4111, https://pinkdotbeautybar.com/- LITTLE BARN APOTHECARY “jasmine and geranium” body scrub, $30. Ooh! Beautiful, 113 Pitt St., Mount Pleasant; (843) 856-3585; https://shopoutofhand.com/- FORMULARY 55 sea mineral foot soak with eucalyptus and peppermint, $8. Ooh! Beautiful, 113 Pitt St., Mount Pleasant; (843) 856-3585; https://shopoutofhand.com/- LOLLIA BY MARGOT ELENA “At Last“ bubble bath in “white petals and rice flower” scent, $38. The Woodhouse Day Spa & Boutique, 725 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mount Pleasant; (843) 203-1772; https://charleston.woodhousespas.com/ (Product photographs by Taylor Drake)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nine Ladies Dancing
Step into holiday party season wearing winter’s prettiest heels in jewel-tone velvets, suede, rich brocade, and plenty of shimmer
PHOTO: (From left to right) JOIE “Akane Floral” brocade heel in “plum,“ $288. Shoes on King, 335 King St., (843) 718-2190, http://shoesonking.com/ - STUART WEITZMAN “NudistPearls” suede sandal, $455. Gwynn’s of Mount Pleasant, 916 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Mount Pleasant; (843) 884-9518; http://gwynns.com/ - LANVIN “Laces Pump” in blue suede, $950. RTW, 186 King St., (843) 577-9748, http://rtwcharleston.com/ - PELLE MODA “Bonnie 3” embellished leather sandal in “pewter,” $170. Shoes on King, 335 King St., (843) 718-2190, http://shoesonking.com/ - STEVE MADDEN “Stecy” sandal, $79. Belk: Citadel Mall, (843) 571-5420 & Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, (843) 884-2841, http://www.belk.com/- AQUAZARRA - “Forever Marilyn 85” velvet pump in “Ocean Blue,“ $750. Gwynn’s of Mount Pleasant, 916 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Mount Pleasant; (843) 884-9518; http://gwynns.com/ - JOIE “Adriana Glitter,” $278. Shoes on King, 335 King St., (843) 718-2190, http://shoesonking.com/ - MANOLO BLAHNIK “BB” pump in “berry” suede, $595. RTW, 186 King St., (843) 577-9748, http://rtwcharleston.com/ - JIMMY CHOO - “Annie 85“ velvet peep-toe sandal in “bottle green,“ $695. Gwynn’s of Mount Pleasant, 916 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Mount Pleasant; (843) 884-9518; http://gwynns.com/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ten Lords a-Leaping
Make a splash—and a difference—by adopting an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. The South Carolina Aquarium’s “Adopt an Animal” program helps provide all kinds of wildlife, aquatic and otherwise, with expert care. Pick a creature, select a donation level (starting at $35), and the nature lover on your list will receive an official adoption certificate, among other fun benefits, plus the knowledge that they’re supporting marine life protection and education right here in the Lowcountry. South Carolina Aquarium,100 Aquarium Wharf, http://scaquarium.org/
Photograph by Tory Kallman
VIDEO - Witness the spectacle of wild dolphins strand feeding
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eleven Pipers Piping
Give him an elevated guys’ night out with Southern Smoke’s luxurious mobile cigar lounge. Of course, he’ll need to dress the part, like these fine F&B gents donning duds from local retailers
PHOTO: (Clockwise from top left) - Graft Wine Shop & Bar co-owner Miles White in Alan Paine “Surrey” tweed sport coat, $595, POLO Ralph Lauren denim shirt, $125, leather “O“ ring belt, $85, Peter Millar jeans, $198, and suede driving moccasins, $165. Grady Ervin & Co., 313 King St., (843) 722-1776, http://gradyervin.com/
Le Farfalle chef Michael Toscano in Ike Behar reversible “Biella” wool and cashmere jacket, $1,295, “Ricky“ herringbone sport shirt, $225, South American caiman belt, $275, and pin-cord cotton pant in “Chelsea grey,” $195. Ike Behar: 169 King St., (843) 737-5373, https://ikebehar.com/
Graft Wine Shop & Bar co-owner Femi Oyediran in Brunello Cucinelli “Tonal Check” linen and silk sport coat in “burgundy,“ $2,895, Luciano Barbera shirt, $350, Incotex cotton pants, $370, W. Kleinberg glazed alligator belt in “cognac,“ $495, and Peter Millar “In the Headlights“ pocket square, $60. Gwynn’s of Mount Pleasant, 916 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Mount Pleasant; (843) 884-9518; http://gwynns.com/
1950s-inspired horn lighter, $78, and ashtray, $110. Out of Hand, 113 Pitt St., Mount Pleasant; (843) 856-3585; https://shopoutofhand.com/
PHOTO: Cannon Green manager Justin Edgar (far right) in Hackett wool “Windowpane“ blazer, $765, Kinross cashmere pullover, $395, Robert Talbott tailored sport shirt, $228, Robert Talbott silk pocket square, $85, Trask suede belt, $95, Hackett “Colemans“ five-pocket corduroy chino, $165, and Alden “Chukka“ suede boot, $547. M. Dumas & Sons: 294 King St., (843) 723-8603, http://mdumasandsons.com/
Shot on location at Southern Smoke’s rentable mobile cigar lounge. The climate-controlled and well-ventilated 34-foot vintage airstream seats 16 to 18 guests and is equipped with a fully stocked humidor. The knowledgable tobacconists can assist guests with cigar recommendations as well as cutting and lighting cigars. (844) 478-7665, http://southernsmokecigars.com/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Twelve Red Drum Drumming
Get your fisherman out on the flats chasing spottail bass while sporting cool gear, clothes, and accessories from local outfitters
PHOTO: (Clockwise from top left) Nautilus saltwater fly reel, $435, and G. Loomis IMX-Pro fly-fishing rod, $495, both at Charleston Angler; Costa “Reefton“ sunglasses in “Retro Tortoise,“ $169, Columbia Sportswear “Silver Ridge“ shirt, $65, and “Royce Peak” pant in “peat moss,“ $60, all at Half-Moon Outfitters; Penn “Spinfisher V Combo“ reel, $160 at West Marine; Shimano “Brutus” carbon steel pliers with black nickel finish, $13 at Haddrell’s Point Tackle & Supply; Hook + Gaff “Sportfisher II Classic“ watch with silver dial and blue camo strap, $675, and Rio “DirectCore Flats Pro“ saltwater flats line, $120, both at Charleston Angler; Benchmade “Griptillian“ stainless steel knife, $140, and Speaqua “The Barnacle“ waterproof speaker, $40, both at Half-Moon Outfitters; Engel “Live Bait Cooler,“ $90 at West Marine. Charleston Angler: http://www.thecharlestonangler.com/- Haddrell’s Point Tackle & Supply: http://www.haddrellspoint.com/- Half-Moon Outfitters: http://www.halfmoonoutfitters.com/ - & West Marine: https://www.westmarine.com/ (Photograph by Jason Stemple; Product photographs by Taylor Drake & Taylor Jordan)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
