The holiday season is right around the corner. Before rushing to snatch up a good deal from some big-box store, consider giving a gift with a story behind it. In a world filled with mass-produced items (and, sadly, a whole lotta AI slop), the most meaningful gifts are ones created by a small business or artist, made with their own two hands and filled with love.

When you support local artists and small businesses, you’re not just buying an object. You’re helping someone keep creating, experimenting, learning, and thriving in their craft. Now your gift can be something you feel extra good about!

So in this year’s gift guide, we’re highlighting some of our favorite Charleston-area artists and makers. Not only is their work incredible, they’re genuinely wonderful humans, too.

paintings & prints

Demetrius Bing: Demetrius creates stunning abstract paintings with bold colors and emotion. Vibrant and expressive, his work is available as larger pieces and minis.

Julia Deckman: Julia’s a contemporary visual artist whose works are rich with color, playful, and give you a strong hit of dopamine.

Plum Bird: Colorful and abstract, Jenny Richmond creates organic works that both stimulate with the color palette, yet soothe with organic shapes and lines.

Chris Harmon: Mixed-media artist Chris Harmon focuses on the human form, texture, and movement. From figure and boudoir and still-life paintings, to local scenes and pop culture prints, Chris has something for everyone.

Whistle Pig: We’re all for another husband and wife duo! Meg offers whimsical paintings (typically on textiles), creating unique backgrounds and textures. While Chris forges old world style leather wallets and knives.

Lauren Ridenour: Lauren’s a visual artist whose work centers on mental health and the human experience. Soft forms and rich colors illustrate emotion, from deep and muted to bright and hopeful.

jewelry

Bella Mack: Stunning, coastal-inspired jewelry made by hand. Local jewelry designer, Molly Hatfield, selects some of the highest quality materials and creates delicate pieces that are sure to make a statement. If you’re local, be sure to stop by her cute shop in Mount Pleasant!

Ceramics

Lindsey Nicole Design Studio: Although we've listed her under ceramics for her whimsical functional pieces (and her workshops), Lindsey is a multidisciplinary artist. Whether you’re shopping for the perfect mug, a pet portrait, an original watercolor or pastel artwork, or a “make your own mug” workshop, Lindsey has you covered.

Maria White: Often minimalist with neutral tones, Maria’s work always wows. Unique textures, surface designs, and carvings show that neutrals can definitely make a statement.

Sabia Ceramics: Cristina offers deco-punk inspired pieces. Whether you’re looking for a functional piece, such as a vase or mug, or non-functional sculptures or home goods, her work will surely stand out. Expect earth tones mixed with vibrant blues and oranges, paired with unique shapes and surface design.

harlow: As if we’d write this blog without a shameless plug. :) We’re a husband and wife duo that focuses on ceramic art, such as sculpture and vases. Ashley’s work often features organic abstract shapes, with collections that are minimalist and neutral and others that offer punchy color and funky texture. Jim’s work is clean, methodical, and detailed. Focused on sgraffito, carving, and raku, his works often feature clean lines and intricate surface design.

Make your loved one’s faces light up when they open a gift that feels just like them. There’s real magic in finding the piece that speaks (and supporting the hands that made it).

Happy holidays, y’all!