If Columbia made a gift basket…

10+ gifts that would make for the ultimate Columbia gift basket.

The holidays will be here before you know it, so we’re already thinking of what local items to give our fellow Columbia-loving friends (or people new to town – or those who just moved away and want the perfect local keepsake to remember the City of Dreams by).

With inspiration from Experience Columbia SC’s top local product picks + a few ideas of our own, here’s what we think would go into the ultimate Columbia gift basket.

(But we know you guys have a ton of ideas, too – so comment below and tell us what you’d add.)

Tickets to a Columbia Fireflies game. Can you really experience Columbia without spending a #FireworksFriday at Spirit Communications Park?

A piece of wall art by a local artist, like a Chicken Man painting or a print from Easel Cathedral. So your person can decorate their digs with something found only in Cola – and think of you every time they see it.

Some official ColumbiaSC swag from the new Columbia SC Visitors Center. Because who doesn’t want to rep Cola on their hat or drink coffee out a Columbia mug.

Brewery merch – like growlers, six-packs, t-shirts or pint glasses from CottonTown Brew Lab, River Rat Brewery, Conquest Brewing Co. or Columbia Craft. Drink like you’re a local, as they say. And you get brownie points if that growler is filled.

A bag of coffee grounds or beans from Indah Coffee Co. or Loveland Coffee. Because the best way to get a *taste* of the city is with a cup of morning joe.

A bag full of treats from Cromer’s, Mast General Store, Two Brothers Jerky and a local bakery like Silver Spoon or Blue Flour. Yes, we said “and.” Happiness is a full belly, amirite? 😏

Gamecock gear from Barefoot, The USC Bookstore, Britton’s or Just The Thing. A t-shirt with “Go Cocks” across the front should get some interesting looks worn anywhere else but in S.C.

Some finds from Soda City – like a bag from Nana by Sally or handcrafted soap from Carolina Soap Works. Columbia’s rain-or-shine, every-Saturday market is a Cola staple.

A fruit bowl, flower vase or ornament from One Eared Cow Glass. Hand-blown in Columbia, S.C. Talk about unique.

DIY grits from Adluh Flour. Because nothing says “a taste of the south” like this.

Columbia is full of all sorts of unique + local swag, so making the perfect personalized gift basket will be a cinch.

What would go into your ideal Columbia gift basket?

Let us know your favorite Columbia souvenirs in the comments below.

–Sam + Shayla, COLAtoday Fall intern