We always look forward to the holiday season in Beaufort, South Carolina, and we consider ourselves especially lucky to have such a charming downtown area that lights up with cheer each year. When shopping for holiday gifts, there is no need to travel much further than Bay Street! Our historic downtown shopping district boasts a variety sure to satisfy each person on your list. Come shop with us! We’ve highlighted some of our favorite merchants below, to get you started.
For Kids, Four-Legged Kids, and Kids at Heart
Monkey’s Uncle
Monkey’s Uncle is a locally owned and operated store offering toys, books and events for children. We love their wide variety! Everything from trending and popular toys to heirloom playthings that will take parents and grandparents back to childhood and still delight today’s children.
Brands to look out for: Melissa and Doug, Fat Brain, Hape, Green Toys, Usborne and Kane Miller
Location: 909 Bay Street Beaufort, SC 29902
Rustic Pup Biscuits and Boutique
Stop by Beaufort’s only pet boutique, and check out their tasty doggy-treats made with healthy ingredients as well as unique decor and gift items sourced from artisans right here in the Lowcountry, America, and all over the world! The Rustic Pup offers items of high quality craftsmanship that cannot be found in big retail stores. They frequently add new items and styles so there’s always something new and fun in the shop for the furry friend or pet-lover on your list.
What we love: Special holiday treats from the Dog Bakery, Friends Forever collars, and Rustic Pup candles
Location: 917 Bay Street, Suite B, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Bathe
Bathe offers a complete line of handcrafted Soap, Bath and Body Products made in Beaufort, SC. Their small batch soap uses only the finest oils, organic herbs, salts and all natural ingredients, many of which are sourced locally. Bathe products are filled with nourishing oils and butters that are great for your skin, especially heading into the winter months. Treat a loved one with a self-care basket!
Scents we love: Christmas Cactus, Home for the Holidays, Santa Baby, Candy Cane and Beaufort. Find them in soaps, candles and even bath bombs!
Location: 210 Scott St, Beaufort, SC 29902
For the Style Icon
Bay Street Jewelers
Bay Street’s motto is “Doing Business with Southern Hospitality” and they truly make everyone feel at home when shopping there. Their staff is knowledgeable, patient, and helpful. Whatever your jewelry needs, Bay Street Jewelers is there to assist you in making a quality choice that you, and your loved one, will be happy with for years to come. They have a fantastic selection of Lowcountry-inspired jewelry, estate pieces, and designer watches, diamonds, bracelets, and earrings.
What we Love: The Goldbug Collection Cuffs, South Carolina Destination Bracelet,
Location: 902 Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902
Tabby Shore Gift Boutique
This is the place to stop and see all of the unique gifts that our beautiful, small town has to offer. Located next to Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, walk into The Tabby Shore and find yourself immersed in a wide variety of hand-sourced, locally-created gifts. You will find Lowcountry sand-infused jewelry from artist Elu Cook, nautical rope and pearl earrings from Little Fish Boateak, a great selection of gourmet food from Lowcountry Produce and Savvy Gormand, and beautiful original artwork and carefully selected homegoods. The best part about Tabby Shore though? An unmatched level of customer service that leaves you feeling welcomed and appreciated.
Great for Gifting: Local handmade ornaments or a one-of-a-kind Alex Ladner Bread Bowl paintings
Location: 101 West Street Extension, Beaufort, SC 29902
For the Socially Conscious
Amidst the Alders
Amidst the Alders creates and curates the whimsical, the curious, the rare and the lovely. They specialize in handmade, recycled, one of a kind, preserved items:
Jewelry, clothing, textiles, sea charts, antiques, furniture, lighting, skin + body care, bath products, fossils, decor, craft chocolates, leather goods, shoes, books, perfumes, hair products, stress-relief items, teas, candies, preserved flowers, artwork, skeleton keys, gemstone beads, jewelry-making supplies, candles, and so much more. Wandering around the enchanting shop is an experience in itself, wherein you are sure to find a delightful something for your most whimsical and socially conscious friend or family member.
What to look for: Signature Scent Spray, handcrafted jewelry, vintage pottery and home goods galore
Location: 223 Scott Street Downtown Beaufort, SC 29902
Good Aura
Good Aura specializes in eco-friendly and sustainable fashion, and they stand by their mission to purchase only ethically-sourced goods. They carry high-quality clothing made from organic cotton, bamboo, eucalyptus, and recycled materials. The environmentally and socially conscious consumer can find home goods and gifts made with the planet and people in mind.
Brands to look for: ABLE jewelry, accessories and clothing FUN CLUB totes
Location: 221 West Street Beaufort, SC 29902
For the Outdoorsperson
Bay Street Outfitters
Surprise the fisherman in your life with a gift card for a private fishing charter or some gear for out on the water. Bay Street Outfitters carries all of the best brands for your outdoorsy friends and family, and the staff will be a great help if you need some guidance.
Great gifts: Barbour Jacket, Simms Dry Creek Z Backpack, or a Clearwater Rod and Reel Outfit
Location: 825 Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902
For the Host or Hostess
Scout Southern Market
Looking for something that truly says Beaufort? Scout embodies the southern lifestyle and aesthetic, offering fabulously eclectic pieces for home – from dill pickles, to chandeliers made from vintage tea spoons. The mix is ever changing and always interesting. Bring your favorite entertainer a combination gift that shows how much you appreciate their hospitality.
We recommend: Dee Dees Pimento Cheese Straws and A New Turn in the South cookbook or the Seagrass Pitcher and The Essential Bar Book
Location: 709 Bay St. Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Atelier off Bay Art Gallery
If you’re looking for something one-of-a-kind for an art lover, look no further than Atelier Off Bay. They are a group of fourteen working professional artist studios and galleries open to the public in Historic Beaufort. Visitors are treated to a unique, engaging and dynamic fine art experience that features changing exhibits, demonstrations, as well as workshops and classes. Located at the corner of Bay and West streets, it is an opportunity to view, purchase or commission original fine art in a wide variety of styles and mediums. Atelier Off Bay is a friendly and welcoming environment where you have the opportunity to talk directly with the artists and watch them create in their respective studios.
For Your Favorite Foodie
COOK on Bay
Whether you know exactly what you are looking for or you have a fear of stepping in the kitchen, the staff at COOK on Bay will help you find the perfect something for the chef or foodie in your life. Their mission is to make shopping for cooking tools fun and educational, and they have a wide selection to choose from among the latest and greatest in tools and gadgets. When you visit the store, you’ll be immersed in a cook’s dream come true. They offer special coastal cooking tools and serveware, locally-sourced Lowcountry foods and seasonings, Big Green Egg grilling tools and accessories, and an extensive collection of unique kitchen tools and gadgets, cookware, bakeware, knives, barware, and more. There’s also a special section just for kids!
What we love: Beautiful Boards cookbook, a Monogram Cheeseboard Giftset, Big Green Egg accessories, Pizzacraft pizza stone and cutter
Location: 720 Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902
Olive The Above
Can you say yum? Elevate any meal and impress your loved ones with a balsamic and olive oil paring from Olive the Above. They are a unique tasting store of one of the world’s finest extra virgin olive oils and vinegars. All of their oils are carefully pressed for quality so their flavor profiles and health benefits are exceptional. The staff will help guide you to the flavors you are looking for depending on recipes and personal preferences. It’s fun to gift these beautiful bottles, but we would argue it’s just as much fun tasting from them while shopping!
The best gifts come in pairs! Try these great combinations: Strawberry Balsamic & Basil Olive Oil Pairing, Fig Balsamic & Wild Mushroom Sage Olive Oil Pairing (At the Cuthbert House Inn, we use Lemon Balsamic with Basil Olive Oil for our vinaigrette.)
Location: 821 Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902
Ready to get a head start on your holiday shopping? Make it a getaway and book your stay in downtown Beaufort, with all of these fantastic shops just steps from your room! The Cuthbert House Inn is the perfect place to stay during your time in Beaufort. This waterfront, historic mansion is just minutes from downtown Beaufort’s Waterfront Park. Innkeepers Ed & Connie would love to point you in the direction of all of their favorite merchants and share more local tips with you. Call the Cuthbert House Inn at (843) 521-1315 to make a reservation.