Happy Holidays from us here at Savannah Sip N’ Cycle! Is it too soon to start playing Christmas music yet? While it might be a little early to ask Alexa or Siri to play Last Christmas (but don’t let that stop you, please) the time to start shopping is definitely upon us. No one wants to be caught up on Christmas Eve trying to pick from what’s left at the major chain stores. Here in Savannah, we host an array of national and international businesses from all over but that is not why you’re here reading this post. You’re here because you aren’t one of the normal ones, or at least you’re shopping for someone who would be considered a little offbeat. Well, you have certainly stumbled upon the article to end all when trying to gift to the person who doesn’t fit the standard set of what can be given.
This week, here at Savannah Sip N’ Cycle, we want to give you a list of stores that have more than just potholders and greeting cards. All of these businesses are locally owned and support for them encourages support for the community of Savannah.
Brighter Day
4.7 ★
Calling all Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Intolerant and any other style of specified eating habit types. If you’re unsure of what to buy for your friend who doesn’t eat meat or the witchy neighbor lady, you’re bound to find an option at Brighter Day health food store. Along with a smoothie bar/deli, Brighter Day carries all of the best names in meat substitutes, vitamins, natural body products and much more. Located downtown, next to the Sentient Bean on Park Ave, you’re bound to find something to eat with your perfect hipster present.
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Graveface Records
4.9 ★
Did you know that for the first time since the year 1986, consumers actually purchased more vinyl than cd’s in 2019? Music collectors have been steadily making a turn towards turn tables and records if they are investing in physical copies to support artists. While Savannah is home to a few different second hand record stores, and new vinyl can be purchased at major retailers like Target, Graveface Records is an experience that cannot be matched in the downtown area. Located in the Starland District on 40th Street, no other vinyl shop in Savannah has the vast amount of stock, featuring everyone from Taylor Swift to Barry Manilow and then back to horror movie soundtracks.
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Gypsy World
4.6 ★
Without a doubt, Gypsy World is one of the most chic boutiques in Savannah that is also affordable. Featuring funky pieces from around the world, constantly changing and developing their collection is what keeps locals and tourists coming back. Finding a present that is guaranteed to not be have a copy at any major retailer is the reason for taking a walk down Bull Street for a trip through Gypsy World.
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Planet Fun
4.7 ★
Tucked away amongst the Banana Republic’s and (INSERT EXPENSIVE ASS STORE HERE DO NOT FORGET) of Broughton Street in downtown Savannah is Planet Fun, a chunk of nostalgia that dates back to the times of Xena Warrior Princess and before. For children of all ages, there is a something interesting to be found at Planet Fun. Find video games (Nintendo and SEGA even) comics, action figures and other collectibles on any inch of space. With constant new arrivals and more than enough in stock at all times, you’d be hard pressed to not see a gift for at least one member of your clique.
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Neighborhood Comics
4.8 ★
While Planet Fun is the toy store that has a taste of everything you’d like to find from childhood, regardless of generation, there are only so many comics in the one corner of that store. If comic books are what your loved one has an undying passion for, take a walk into Neighborhood Comics on Bull St and ask an associate to help find whatever you might be looking for. The staff is knowledgeable and just as excited about the art of graphic novels and comic books. Their selection seems virtually limitless and there is plenty of time to enjoy what was voted by Connect Savannah as the Best Comic Book Store in the area.
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Odin and Sons
4.8 ★
After spending a long day shopping for family and friends, you’re bound to work up an appetite while venturing through downtown Savannah. Take a moment to stop and enjoy a pastry or some cake at Odin and Sons while shopping through their selection of collectibles. Just down State Street in the Historic District, there is something to be said for being able to grab a bite while browsing the shop.
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Cosmic Corner
4.6 ★
Clear out some of that old, stale energy from your life and the lives of those you care about most by picking up a bit of positivity with any gift purchased from Cosmic Corner, free of charge. What used to be just a small room at the corner of Abercorn and Bolton is now a full store on east 38th street. Numerous types of sage, Tarot decks, books and more can be discovered here. Along with curbside pickup available, the folks at Cosmic Corner encourage potential visitors to call beforehand with any and all questions.
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Starlandia Art Supply
4.6 ★
Here in Savannah, there’s nothing that we love more than thrift stores and the community that is constantly giving to each other. With Starlandia Art Supply, re-gifting and creativity collide alongside an art store that is actually affordable to the average abstract. Drop off your gently used brushes, paints, whatever might help for store credit and encourage a sense of togetherness while searching for that special present for your artistic friends.
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Aleksandra’s Gift Shop
4.7 ★
Proud to house more than the standard gift shop items, Aleksandra’s Gift Shop has two locations in Downtown Savannah. Whether you are strolling down Broughton or Abercorn, you’re bound to find yourself near Aleksandra’s. Open every day from 10-8, find locally sourced, different gifts that are anything but cheesy. After having been open for going on 80 years, this is a trusted name in Savannah.
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House of Strut
4.9 ★
For the last five years, the House of Strut has not only been a funky, vintage, upscale thrift shop, but has even hosted live music events in the past. A staple to the fashion community, House of Strut continues to keep stock of clothing for all types of human, no matter how specific the needs of each individual. Check out their new location on west State St to see what they have to offer, there’s plenty to look at and the selection changes around constantly.
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Satchel
4.7 ★
If being the type of person who finds the most unique gift possible, Satchel is the spot to do so. Half store, half studio, Satchel offers handmade, personalized leather goods like bags and wallets. Whatever your idea, they can do their best to make it happen. Trust us, their best is pretty great on any day. At the corner of Bull and Liberty, you’re always a welcome guest, whether it be to create something custom or pick from an already awesome selection of locally made leather goods.
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Harper Boutique
4.0 ★
Known to be a store for the modern style of woman, Harper Boutique is a simple, yet classic store that allows the clothes to speak for themselves. Take a stroll down Bull Street and you can’t miss their big open windows with funky patterns shouting from inside. Sure to see a piece that would make anyone’s closet a better place, shop for your best girl friend’s at Harper Boutique. There’s no better way to create an individual style than by wandering through the chic shops that just seem to line the better part of Bull St.
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Red Clover
4.8 ★
Voted to be the best boutique by Savannah and reputable for having some of the most affordable prices for high quality clothing, Red Clover can be found on Bull st and is bound to have something to suit your style needs or those of your best friends and favorite relatives. Locally owned and always a fabulous stop on your shopping trip, you can feel good about your purchases knowing that you’re helping Savannah’s local stores thrive. New arrivals are being added regularly, check out their website to find out what’s in stock.
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E. Shaver, Bookseller
4.8 ★
Frequent haunt of local bookworms and literature lovers of all types, E. Shaver, Bookseller has been in business here since 1975, providing a sense of tranquility with every book or cup of tea sold. Fun fact about this store, it was originally constructed by a woman. Not only is the staff always excited to help find what book you’re searching for, you will have the chance to be greeted by two big shop cats that just hang out with patrons drinking their tea. Oh, did I mention that this spot also doubles as a tea room? If you’re shopping or wanting to relax a bit, E. Shaver, Bookseller is worth a visit to Bull St.
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Savannah Bee Company
4.8 ★
After it’s founding in 2002 right here in Savannah, thirteen other locations are thriving throughout the United States, providing award winning products with plenty of southern hospitality, no extra charge. Shop here to find products made locally, and know that your money will be positively spent, to support a community business but also help to save the bees. Savannah Bee Company not only has a knack for finding a massive variety of ways to present honey, but they put effort into The Bee Cause Project, to help educate people and provide hives. If you shop here, you’re supporting a community business and something much bigger while being sure that your gift won’t want to be returned. Once you try Savannah Bee Company honey, nothing from the grocery store will ever taste quite the same. You can find out the closest location of three to where you’re located on their website.
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Conclusion
When shopping for the prize Christmas gift for the people in your life that matter the absolute most to you, the number one rule is “quality over quantity” and that is what you’ll find on a visit downtown. Here in Savannah, we care about quality and will sacrifice mass production to provide that for our guests. Whatever preferences may arise, there is a niche store nearby that features a local expert in the field. Even if shopping isn’t what you enjoy for the holiday season, most of the stores mentioned on this list are near the side of downtown that ends up covered in lights every year. We even have a giant Christmas tree right in the middle of Broughton Street that is always ready for the ‘gram. Full of holiday spirit, we here at Savannah Sip N’ Cycle just want to make sure that everyone spending their time with us are able to enjoy the experience to the fullest. Don’t forget to keep checking back to the blog every month for more about why we love living here in Savannah and like/follow us on Facebook and Instagram for daily updates about the #PartyBike and any other shenanigans we find ourselves involved with at any given moment. We look forward to meeting you, because every stranger is just a friend you haven’t been introduced to yet. Well, that’s how we see it here in the south at least. Happy Holiday’s, Y’all!
