Still haven’t bought a Christmas gift? Here’s where to buy local in Columbia
The Christmas holiday is quickly approaching, as evidenced by the last-minute shopping rush on Harbison Boulevard the last few weeks.
If you’re someone who likes to wait until the last minute to buy a gift for a friend or family member, you’re not alone. And if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the mall or the big box stores, there are plenty of local businesses that offer plenty of great options for every person on your nice list this year.
We’ve linked each store’s website or social media so be sure to check their site for hours and any holiday-specific details.
For the music lover in your life
Anecdotally, physical media is having a resurgence. As more and more people are turning back to vinyl records, CDs and even cassette tapes, there’s a solid chance someone in your life would appreciate an album from their favorite band.
Papa Jazz Record Shoppe (2014 Greene St.) is a quintessential record shop in Columbia’s Five Points neighborhood. Whether you’re looking for the latest pop record or an LP from a local band, Papa Jazz has you covered with a wide range of new and used vinyl records, CDs and cassette tapes.
Head across the river to West Columbia for Scratch N’ Spin (513 12th St.), a densely-packed record shop that offers more than just vinyls. It’s got movies, Funko Pops, CDs, records and more. The shop will be open until 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
For someone in your life who’s gotten into playing music, Star Music Company (1322 Assembly St.) has accessories for the rockstars and the marching band members, alike. The downtown music company has been in business since 1962 and also offers musical lessons.
For general gifts and White Elephant
If you’re in need of inspiration, or just a generic gift for your office holiday party, Columbia has plenty of places to stroll and browse where you’re bound to find something.
Soda City, the weekly Saturday market on Columbia’s Main Street, is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and vendors offer everything from candles to jewelry to cutting boards. It’s the perfect place to go if you need inspiration or a quick and easy gift.
In the same vein, Five Points has plenty of great gift shops filled with candles, hand towels, luxury soaps and more. To name a few: A Little Happy (707 Saluda Ave.), Turner & Moss (715 Saluda Ave.) and Uptown Gifts (745 Saluda Ave.).
For coffee, tea, an assortment of wine and beer and locally-made candles, look no further than Curiosity Coffee Bar (2327 Main St.). The North Main coffee shop has bags of coffee beans, unique greeting cards and a handful of other assorted gifts from which to pick.
For the chef or foodie in your life
Wanting to surprise someone you love with an envious Le Creuset dutch oven? Or maybe the budding barista in your life really wants a moka pot. The Gourmet Shop (724 Saluda Ave.) offers a wide range of specialty cookware, an impressive wine selection and an array of gourmet cheese, chocolate and other treats.
For cookbooks, specialty ingredients and wines, try out City Grit (707 Gervais St.). The tapas restaurant that markets itself as casual fine dining has an impressive retail space that offers gift options for the foodie or cook in your life.
And head just up the street to Farmer’s Market XChange (912 Lady St.) for locally-made products like jams, olive oils, pickled vegetables and cheeses. There’s also a bakery inside that offers fresh bread, and a cafe, so be sure to pick up a cup of joe for yourself.
For the book lover in your life
For a city of its size, Columbia has a solid number of local bookstores. To avoid the chaos of the mall or ordering from a large online retailer, try any of the city’s booksellers.
For new books, Five Points offers All Good Books (734 Harden St.) which has a wide selection and a friendly, cozy vibe. The bookstore offers an annual membership, which you can purchase for someone else, for $30 that gives 10% off books, coffee and tea and access to special events.
Located in the Arcade Mall on Main Street, Queer Haven Books (1332 Main St.) offers new reads that are geared towards members of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.
For used books, there’s Ed’s Editions (406 Meeting St.) in West Columbia and The Book Dispensary (710-C Gracern Rd.) just off Interstate 126. Ed’s is moving next door next year and is offering its books at 30% off in preparation.
Need ideas for what book to buy? Check out the New York Times’ 100 notable books of 2025 here.
For the fashionista in your life
Columbia has plenty of shops for vintage clothing and streetwear. With vendors set up at Soda City market and various pop-up markets around town throughout the year, there’s no shortage of options.
Pannerpete Vintage (738 Harden St.) and Sid & Nancy (733 Saluda Ave.) are good options in Five Points. Ageless Vintage Market (with locations at 1727 Harden St. and the newly-opened BullStreet market at 1014 Freed St.) is also a good pick for the streetwear fanatic in your life.
If your friend or loved one prefers something more formal, try out Brittons of Columbia (2818 Devine St.) for men’s wear or right up the street at Just the Thing (2732 Devine St.) for women’s clothing.
