Edible Upcountry's Guide to Thoughtful Gift Giving

By The Makers Collective

This year, the ladies at The Makers Collective have put together a perfect list of locally-handmade goodies to give and get.

GIFTS for the HOME

Hand-Poured Candle, $40 We Took To The Woods, Greenville

Choose from a variety of packaging options and delightful scents – like The Last Waltz and Blue Jeans, White Shirt – for just the right gift. Each candle is made with pure soy wax and a 100% cotton wick. 106 E. Stone Ave., Greenville

Raindrop Bird House, $60 Mike Merritt Art, Travelers Rest

A great gift for the bird lover. These unique birdhouses are crafted from cedar and reclaimed barn metal. Available in both bright and neutral colors. www.mikemerrittart.etsy.com

Acoustic iPhone Speaker, $34 SpeakerBlock, Greenville

A beautiful handcrafted wooden speaker that works with your existing phone cable to both charge your device and amplify its sound. Works with most versions of iPhone and is available in various wood and painted finishes. www.speakerblock.etsy.com

Herbal Soap, $6 The Herb Garden: Greer

Small batch soap made with quality ingredients and no dyes or artificial colorants. Choose from over 25 all-natural scents that are good for you and your skin. Soaps can be purchased online or at local events, which are listed on the website. www.herbgardensoaps.com

Ceramic Mug or Canister, prices vary Darin R. Gehrke, Greenville

Treat the coffee or tea-drinker in your life to a hand-crafted mug. These ceramic pieces can be purchased online or directly from Darin’s studio in The Village of West Greenville. Gallery hours can be found on his website. www.drgceramics.com

Christmas Items

Llama Christmas Ornament, $12 Once Again Sam, Greenville

Created from laser cut walnut or maple and needle felted wool, this ornament adds a little variety to your holiday decorations. Other animals are available, including buffalo and sheep. www.onceagainsam.etsy.com

Classic Metal Tree Topper, prices vary West Tinworks, Easley

Looking for a simple and classic star to top off your Christmas tree? Created with antique tinsmithing tools, these decorative stars are hand cut and punched out of tin or copper. Available online in two sizes. www.tinworks.etsy.com

Folded Paper Ornaments, $5.50 Paperform, Spartanburg

Intricately folded paper ornaments will brighten up any tree. Choose from several shapes, patterns and colors to create a unique set for yourself or give as a gift. West Main Artists Co-op, SC 578 W. Main St., Spartanburg

GIFTS to WEAR

Handmade Scarf, $45 Culleymade Knits, Greenville

Stay warm this winter in a cozy knitted scarf made with a soft lambswool yarn blend. Each cowl is made to order, which means you get to choose from 20 yarn colors to get that perfect hue. www.culleymade.etsy.com

Silver Serendipity Studs, from $38 Leandra Hill Metal Works, Greenville

You can’t go wrong with the classics. Local artisan Leandra Hill specializes in precious metal jewelry using traditional goldsmithing methods. These hand hammered sterling silver stud earrings are timeless. Augusta Twenty, 20 Augusta Street, Greenville www.leandrahillmetalworks.com

Bow Tie, $32 The Cordial Churchman, Rock Hill

Handmade bow ties in every color and fabric type—from florals to flannel. Available in seven different styles, making it a good choice for the bow tie enthusiast. www.thecordialchurchman.com

Table Rock Tee, $24.95 The Landmark Project, Greenville

Indoor and outdoor enthusiasts alike will appreciate the familiar sight of Table Rock, one of the Upstate’s most recognizable landmarks. Purchases also help share the gift of the great outdoors with local kids. Dapper Ink, 207 Wade Hampton Blvd., Greenville

New Penny Ring, $45 Old Money Corp, Taylors

This unique ring, made with an out of circulation coin, is sure to be a conversation piece. Each ring features a single coin. Choose from various metals, currency types and even coin dates to find that perfect gift. www.oldmoneycorp.com

EXPERIENCES

Barista 101 Class, $25 Methodical Coffee, Greenville

For that person whose life goal is to master the perfect cup of coffee. Learn everything you need to know from the meticulous baristas at Methodical Coffee. Purchase tickets at www.makerscollective.org/events 101 N. Main St., Ste. D, Greenville

 Fine Art Classes, $50 and up Greenville Center for Creative Arts, Greenville

Give the gift of learning and sign up for art classes with a friend. Subjects range from drawing and calligraphy to jewelry making, fiber art and clay. Each class is taught by a local artist. Find the complete list of class offerings online at www.artcentergreenville.org. 25 Draper St., Ste. A, Greenville

Tour of Greenville, $12-$15 Greenville History Tours, Greenville

Learn more about the history behind Greenville. During your choice of driving or walking tours, local historian John Nolan shares an inside look at Downtown Greenville and a glimpse into its past. www.greenvillehistorytours.com

For the ART ENTHUSIAST

Illustration Print, $10-20 Cory Godbey, Greenville

If you’re looking for gorgeous fanciful illustrations, look no further. Often featuring animals in fantastical settings, these pieces work well for adults and kids alike. www.corygodbey.com

Hodgepodge Sketchbook, Volume 1.5, $15 Benjamin Schipper Illustration, Greenville

A book of sketches to intrigue and inspire. This volume also includes a resource page, making it a great gift for both the aspiring and practicing artist. Each volume is signed and can be purchased alone or as part of a two volume set. www.benjaminschipper.com

For the HOST or HOSTESS

Wooden Serving Board, $20 Knack Studios, Greenville

Created from reclaimed flooring and barn wood, these serving trays are simple and gorgeous, the perfect complement to any kitchen. Purchase online or in store. 11 Lois Ave., Greenville www.knackstudios.com

Goat Milk Soap, $5.50 Red Clay Soap, Travelers Rest

Who doesn’t love a good smelling bar of soap, especially one that’s made from naturally moisturizing goat milk? Choose from dozens of scents online or at various retailers in the upstate, including G & G Retail— otherwise known as the Greenville State Farmers Market. 1354 Rutherford Road, Greenville www.redclaysoap.com

Custom Address Stamp, $35 Tin Oiseau, Greenville

For the host who has nearly everything, a custom address stamp will meet their post-holiday correspondence needs. Available in several styles, these also make great gifts for newlyweds or new homeowners. www.tinoiseau.com.

GIFTS for the FOODIE

Locally Roasted Coffee, Prices vary Due South Coffee Roasters, Taylors

For that person who can’t start the day without a dose of caffeine. Gift a bag of locally-roasted beans, a bottle of cold brew, or a gift card for an on-site visit whenever they need a pick-me-up. Due South Coffee, Taylors Mill, 250 Mill St., Taylors

The Cookbook Club, $125 M. Judson, Booksellers and Storytellers, Greenville

Know somebody who reads cookbooks like they’re novels? Try a gift certificate for The Cookbook Book Club at M. Judson: five carefully selected books, professional M.Judson facilitation and a beverage of your choice each of the 5 sessions, January through May. Tuesdays of the second full week of the month, in the Community Room. 130 S. Main St., Greenville www.mjudsonbooks.com

Short Stack Editions Cookbooks, $11.99 Available at Swamp Rabbit Café & Grocery

For the serious foodie, try a different take on the usual cookbook. Without glossy images and styled photos, each of these mini books is a collection of recipes surrounding a single ingredient. Titles include Chickpeas, Sweet Potatoes, Eggs, Peaches, Tomatoes, Grits, and Summer Squash. Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery, 205 Cedar Lane Rd., Greenville