Shopping season is upon us again, which means it’s time to start wrapping up your gift ideas (figuratively and literally). The cool thing about being stuck in CoMo until the holidays is that you won’t run short on unique gift options. Shopping small can easily knock off some things on your wishlist this year, and these local shops can help you do it.
**Calhoun’s**
If you’re looking to “give a little pizazz,” Calhoun’s gift shop may be right down your alley. It has everything from handcrafted Christmas ornaments to Dog Bingo, crochet keychains and more. According to their Facebook page, the store specializes in “unique gifts that everyone loves and no one forgets.” They also have some holiday deals you can take advantage of, including 20 percent off most Christmas ornaments. Jewelry, toys, home furnishings, stationery and books are just some of the many things you can find in Calhoun’s. This store also offers free gift-wrapping in-shop to make your gift that much more presentable.
**Yellow Dog Bookshop**
Located in the heart of The District, this family-run bookshop is the place to go for your family bookworm, and it’s the only bookstore in downtown Columbia. The store is named after the owners’ family dog, Scout, and opened in 2008. Yellow Dog offers used books from several genres and specializes in literary fiction, history, religion and cultural studies. The shop often draws customers with its events, including author readings, poetry nights and children’s story time. Some of the store’s best sellers include “The Kite Runner,” “The Perks of Being A Wallflower” and “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
**Hitt Records**
Now for the music lover… according to their website, Hitt Records is “Columbia’s only independent, locally-owned record shop.” They’ve got popular artists, underground rap and just about everything in between on vinyl (both new and used). Some of the shop’s newest arrivals include “The Epic” by jazz saxophonist and composer Kamasi Washington, the ’90s rock album “Torch of the Mystics” by Sun City Girls and the double-platinum pop album “25” by Adele. Some other popular finds at Hitt Records include albums by The Smiths, FKA Twigs, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin and Daft Punk. Oh, and they also have t-shirts!
**Gidget’s Garage**
Tucked away on Alley A, this hodgepodge of stuff contains a little bit of everything. They’ve got notebooks, accessories, house decorations and, hey, they’ve even got snacks. Perhaps one of their more unique collections of items is a specialized men’s grooming kit, complete with beard wax and brushes. Something else that sets the shop apart is its assortment of offbeat instruments for sale. The shop’s music inventory sells for $100 to $475 and includes amps, vinyls and several guitars made of cigar boxes. The thing that really helps give this shop its charm is the family pet chicken Gidget, if you want to put a face to the name.
**Good Nature**
For something more outside-the-box, this spiritual and cultural gift store sells products largely surrounding the supernatural and astrological realm. The shop’s merchandise includes tarot cards, incense, essential oils, alpaca fiber items and astrology charts. You can also find books, music and clothing, along with home accessories such as candles and wall hangings. College students get a 10 percent discount with their student ID year-round, and if you join their frequent buyer club, you’ll get the chance to score some free stuff, such as books, CDs, DVDs and tarot card decks. Good Nature also houses several tarot and astrology readings and Aura Camera photography throughout the week.
