GIFTED HILTON HEAD OFFERS UNMATCHED SELECTIONS
If there were ever a Hall of Fame for Monthly’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards, you can bet that Gifted Hilton Head would be first on the ballot in the inaugural class. Not only did they win for Favorite Gift Store this year, they’ve won every year since the store opened.
Not that you’ll catch owner Meredith Taylor gloating.
And maybe there we see a hint at what has kept Gifted in the winner’s circle year in and year out. If you’re going to earn your spot as the Readers’ Choice, you must provide the finest choices to the readers. And we mean all of them.
“No matter who you are shopping for, you’re going to find something perfect at Gifted,” said Taylor.
A trip around the store in the Village at Wexford bears this out. (Of course, it may take you a few trips around the store. Part of Gifted’s appeal lies in its nearly endless browsability). Whomever it is your shopping for, that perfect gift awaits.
Shopping for that always-entertaining foodie on your list? Help them up their charcuterie game with one of the many books on arranging that Instagram-worthy platter, then gift them one of the eye-catching Lynn & Liana charcuterie boards.
Or save them some prep work and bring over some of the delectable snacks Gifted has added to their shelves.
“I’m really into food, so I won’t stock anything at Gifted unless it’s something I’d personally serve,” said Taylor. This includes the store’s private label snack mixes in flavors like jalapeno or dill pickle, mouth-watering chocolate pecans from Young’s of South Carolina, or the spicy cheese crisps from Callie’s of Charleston.
These days, everyone is ditching the old gin and tonics for something with a little more flair. If you have a budding mixologist on your list, you’ll find ready-made craft blends of dried fruits and botanicals that infuse your booze with top-shelf flavor.
And those are just the new additions to a lineup of favorites that has helped Gifted take home the Readers’ Choice Award year-in-and-year-out. For the animal lovers, you’ll find hand-painted ornaments by local artist Carla Marshall custom-designed for your pet. For new parents, an entire corner of the store dedicated to darling onesies and blissfully soft plush dolls. For that special someone, there’s jewelry from Uno de 50.
And we haven’t even talked about the newly expanded clothing line of one-size fits all ponchos and wraps; weather-resistant pillows that make a statement indoors or out; and smart accessories like the Joy Susan vegan leather purses and cross-bodies.
We tried to warn you – it may take more than one trip around the store to see everything. Which is especially comforting this gift-giving season, when supply chain disruptions have left countless gifts stranded in port.
“The store is bursting at the seams, because I brought everything in here early, plus I do a lot of local items,” said Taylor. “We have really great gifts, and I’ve made sure we’re not going to run out.”
That experience comes from 42 years of curating the finest collection of gifts at her original Pittsburgh location and on the island. But the Readers’ Choice Award wins, well, that comes from being a one-stop shop for anyone on your gift list. And not only will you find that perfect gift, you’ll find service from the friendliest staff on the island, leaving with a perfect present (expertly wrapped free of charge) that’s ready to give.
