I am a present giving fanatic. I love nothing more than finding the perfect little something for a loved one and seeing their face light up when they open it.
That being said, I hate shopping for men. I know, I know, women can be impossible to shop for as well, but guys you can’t go wrong with a trip to Unforgettable Jewelery for your lady and that just won’t cut it for my husband.
I truly love my husband. Eric is a great man who deserves nothing but an outpouring of my love and admiration on Valentines Day. I gave myself a challenge to find Eric a gift this year that he actually likes (no more ties) and will use (no more super fancy coffee grinders) while shopping locally. We live in a fantastic city that is just bursting with talented artisans and services. Below you will find a guide to some of Columbia’s Best Valentines Day Gifts for Men.
Mantastic Gift Basket:
If your fella is a bearded one like mine, or simply enjoys a little pampering, he will love PURE’s Mantastic gift basket. Created by local momprenaurs Amy Roper and Stacy Johnson, the fantastic set includes your choice of four all natural, handmade products: Man Butter (in Lumberjack, Big Sur, Eucalyptus Spearmint or Patchouli), Beard Oil, Shaving Soap in a Jar, Shaving Brush, Aromatic Spray, Two Soaps, a Soap and a Soap Deck or a Soap and Stache Wax. $35.
The Mantasic gift basket and other options can be purchased at Soda City Market or via PURE’s online store.
Two Brother’s Jerky:
We all know that the key to guys heart is through his stomach and what better to fill it with than locally made beef jerky? Created in 2010 by recently reunited brothers, Paul Brock and Eddie Wales (owner of Motor Supply Company Bistro in the Vista), Two Brother’s Jerky is available in three distinct flavors,
- Bull City Original captures the vibrancy and smoky flavor of Durham, NC
- Famously Hot gives the kick of a spicy summer right in Columbia, SC
- Sweet Ninja Teriyaki delivers the exotic taste of fresh ginger
Made in house at Motor Supply Bistro, Two Brother’s Jerky makes a great gift at only $9.99 per bag.
Columbi-Yeah Tee Shirt:
Whether your man is a born and bred Cola native or a transplant bubbling with new found Soda City pride, he will look Famously Hot (see what I did there?) in a Columbi-Yeah shirt. Created in 2010 by local talent Shige Kobayashi, the Columbi-Yeah shirts make a striking statement.
Columbi-Yeah shirts can be purchased at Sid and Nancy’s, the Whig, Blue Tile, Hipwazee, or online.
Growlers:
Columbia, like the rest of the country, has been going through a bit of a love affair with craft beer. The Capital City is home to no less than three breweries where one can taste, tour, and take home a variety of crafty goodness. Treat your IPA loving dude to a growler or two of his favorite while you take a behind the scenes tour of the brewery.
Conquest Brewing Co.
947 S Stadium Rd., Bay 1, Columbia, SC 29201
Columbia’s first production brewery. No scheduled tours — just request one when you visit the tasting room. Tasting room hours: Wed-Thu 4-9 p.m.; Fri 4-10 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 1-9 p.m.
River Rat Brewery
1231 Shop Rd., Columbia, SC 29201
Tasting room hours: Tues -Thur 4 – 9 p.m.; Fri 4-10p.m., Sat 12 p.m.-10p.m., Sun 1 p.m.-8 p.m.
Swamp Cabbage Brewing Co.
801 Brookwood Dr., Columbia, SC 29201
Tasting room hours: Wednesday- Friday ~ Open at 5:00 p.m., Sat 12 p.m.-11 p.m. Sunday Open at 1:00 p.m.
A Well Groomed Man:
Located downtown on Taylor street, Metropolis is a full service salon and blow out bar, but wait … we are talking about a gift guide for dude’s right? Men love to be pampered just as much as we do, ladies. Metropolis has the dapper man covered with a wide range of services catered to the stylish fella. From their signature “Financial District” blowout: a shampoo with massage followed by expert styling of their “quiff” or “pompadour” with a blow out in their favorite look ($25) to their “nape clean up” service where they buzz the scruff off the back of the neck, clean up around the ears, and debulk the sides if needed. Perfect for those in between cuts ($10-15). After your hubby is all spiffed up, take him for a drink at Bourbon on Main followed by a movie at the new Nickelodeon Theatre.
Gifts-In Kind:
One of the kindest ways to honor your man is to bless another. For over 125 years, the Oliver Gospel Mission has been an integral part of social services in Columbia. It currently serves men 18 years and older through a variety of services including chapel, meals, shelter, clothing, an addiction recovery program, and a program that helps men secure employment and housing. Consider making a charitable donation in your spouses name or go together to drop off some of the missions most needed items.
What would you add to the list? What are you getting your sweetie for Valentine’s Day?
