“City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
In the air there’s a feeling of Christmas
Children laughing, people passing
Meeting smile after smile
And on every street corner you hear
Silver bells, (silver bells) silver bells (silver bells)
It’s Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, (ring-a-ling)
Hear them ring, (hear them ring)
Soon it will be Christmas day
Strings of street lights, even stoplights
Blinkin’ bright red and green
As the shoppers rush home with their treasures
Hear the snow crunch, see the kids bunch
This is Santa’s big day
And above all this bustle you hear
Silver bells…”
The holiday season is underway and that means making my shopping list and checking it twice!
This week the Junior League of Columbia held its 31st Holiday Market (still open through today) where I was able to snag many unique gifts for family and friends.
Some favorite finds included a delightful smelling holiday candle by Candlefish out of Charleston, which is owned by the creators of Rewined and offers a library of different scents as well as candle making classes! (And don’t you love their stylish matchboxes?)
I also had the chance to meet some local artists and designers I enjoy following on social media like Miles Purvis, a native South Carolinian whose work is colorful and inspired by her surroundings. The basket weaver ornaments make a perfect girlfriend gift, and Mack Home is now exclusively carrying her work.
{Basket weaver ornaments hand painted by Miles Purvis}
And I discovered The Collective, an eclectic gathering of art and decorative items by Hue Vintage Furnishings, Pixie Belle Jewelry, Linen+Loom clothing and more located in town on Carlisle Street.
While I certainly like the ease of online shopping and snatching up cyber deals I feel that it’s important to support local businesses. Here are a few of my go-to holiday gift locations around town.
For a pretty little paperwhite or charming bud vase visit The Shops at Cricket Newman especially when they offer their weekly “flowers to go” deals.
{Paperwhites at The Shops at Cricket Newman}
If you like giving sweet treats to friends and neighbors, contact Sugar.Columbia to place your Christmas cookie order, or stop by the new Main Street location of Ally and Eloise’s Bakeshop to pick up some beautifully decorated baby cakes and macarons. 
{Nutcracker cookies by Sugar.Columbia}
For the pet lover, a special and memorable present is a custom pet sketch by South Carolina artist (and my brother), Dillon Brady. A talented data analyst, web designer and graphic artist, Dillon has a passion for drawing and can capture your beloved pet – but get in touch soon to ensure holiday delivery. 
Another spot where I always have gift success is Cottage and Vine, owned by the lovely mother-daughter duo, Ann Ligon and Sazy Johnson. The shop’s mix of European inspired decor, delicate accessories and whimsical surcees provides an enjoyable shopping experience- and their gift wrapping is second to none!
And for a more lasting gift consider purchasing an annual membership to local movie theater, The Nickelodeon, or to our nationally recognized Columbia Museum of Art. In fact, you could plan ahead and buy a loved one tickets to the 2017 CMA Gala, “A Night in Wonderland,” which will take place on Saturday, April 1, and celebrate the museum’s major spring exhibition, Salvador Dalí’s Fantastical Fairy Tales.
With so many lovely, local options you’ll be finished with your shopping in no time making even more time to relax by the tree. 
!!! So many great recommendations!
May I add tickets to any of these events may be a fun stocking stuffer http://www.thestate.com/entertainment/local-events/article119400308.html
Wonderful idea!