Find the Perfect Holiday Gift at the Cotton Mill Exchange

By Tut Underwood, South Carolina State Museum
December 20, 2013

Is there a hard-to-buy-for person on your gift list this year?  Most people have at least one (if not more).  Looking for the perfect gift can be a real mind drain, especially when the clock is ticking away.

Fortunately, the South Carolina State Museum’s renowned store, the Cotton Mill Exchange, is here to help the frazzled shopper.  Whether for family, friends or colleagues, the Cotton Mill Exchange has a range of unique gift ideas that will fit the bill to thrill each happy recipient!

1.    FOR MOM (you HAVE to start with Mama. It’s the Southern way!): Deck your mother out from head to toe in South Carolina wear.  The store has everything from scarves, bags, jackets, hats to comfy blankets, socks and pillows.  

2.    FOR DAD: You may think ties for dad are a worn-out cliché, but you (and he) will change your mind when you see the variety of neckties and increasingly-popular bowties adorned with the state seal, palmetto-and-crescent and holiday patterns. Also, your dad is sure to love our collection of bourbon glassware, including one-of-a-kind glasses made by Mr. B’s Sustainable Glassworks.  

    
 
3.    FOR THE KIDS: Books, many about South Carolina, from P is for Palmetto to Who Eats What to The American Revolution for Kids, will both entertain and enlighten the kids.  Skip the hot-today, forgot-tomorrow video games this year and give them a gift they’ll treasure throughout their lives.   

4.    FOR THE HOME:  The house will echo with holiday spirit with unique South Carolina kitchen towels featuring the South Carolina Twelve Days of Christmas, from a Partridge in a Palmetto to 12 Flounders Floundering.  And make your place more comfortable with a fluffy throw pillow featuring the state bird and flower.

5.    FOR THE READER: Speaking of books for the kids, books are a great idea for anyone who values learning, entertainment and enrichment.  History, art, music and more, from the Civil War to Civil Rights, birds and butterflies to blues and jazz, the Cotton Mill Exchange has tons of books for every taste.  And speaking of taste, check out the new cookbooks, Callie’s Biscuits and Southern Traditions and South Carolina Hometown Cookbook. Yum…Southern cooking.  How can you possibly go wrong?

6.     FORE THE SPORTSMAN:  The Cotton Mill Exchange isn’t a sporting goods store, but that doesn’t mean it can’t delight the golfer with a pair of cool South Carolina-themed golf balls with the distinguished palmetto tree and crescent pattern.  

7.    FOR THE BOSS:  Paperweights, pens, pads, galore!  Or deck the walls with a rich-looking framed state seal and palmetto design, made in South Carolina.  You’re sure to find the perfect office gift for that hard-to-shop-for boss!

 
8.    FOR THE ART ENTHUSIAST: The store carries several originals and prints created by South Carolina artists, including Columbia artist, Michael Bise.  Bise’s works feature Palmetto State recipes combined with his whimsical artwork, such as Grilled Carolina Snapper and Lowcountry Crab Boil.  There is also a huge selection of beautiful, handmade pottery.

9.    FOR THE COOK: Every kitchen needs a little palmetto tree and crescent, right?  It’s time to replace the boring kitchen mitts and apron with some fun South Carolina-themed ones!

10.    FOR THE FOODIE:  For those who love to shop local, you’re in the right place! The store only carries certified South Carolina food products, including pralines, pecans, cheese biscuits, benne wafers, grits, barbecue sauces and much more.  There is something to satisfy every foodie’s taste buds.

Now you’re ready to start checking those gifts off your list. While you’re at it, get a few items for yourself and curl up in front of the fire, enjoy the time you’ve saved and prepare to be thanked for some of the greatest gifts anybody will be getting this year!

During the month of December, the Cotton Mill Exchange will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 – 5 p.m. and is closed on Dec. 24 and 25. Museum admission is not required to shop in the store and parking is free to all shoppers and museum guests.  All proceeds from the Cotton Mill Exchange help support the State Museum’s mission. For more information, visit scmuseum.org or call (803) 898-4967.
           

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