Needing gift ideas? Here are some of the Augusta area’s best this holiday

Black Friday has come and gone, but for many, this year’s holiday shopping is far from over.

There are hundreds of businesses across the Augusta area selling everything from cookware and candy to clothing and cosmetics. With so many options to choose from, there is going to be a lot of rushing around this year looking for the perfect gift.

But whether it’s for Christmas or birthdays, many would prefer to shop local so they can give something that’s more personal, unique, and helps a small business. Here’s a look at some of the most popular gifts, which local artisans are selling them and what they are offering special this holiday.

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Booze for bringing holiday cheers

Whether you’re shopping for a beer or whiskey drinker, there are multiple businesses where guests can hang out, have a glass or two, and buy a drink to take home and wrap.

Riverwatch Brewery recently released their Cattywampus milkshake IPA, their 3 under par Belgian tripel is available Saturday and their Christmas ale is tentatively scheduled for release Dec. 15. Beers are on tap and in growlers.

Savannah River Brewing Co. also sells drinks in cans and on tap. They have three seasonal small batches: A peppermint porter with a 4.5% ABV called “Cool Yule,” a Belgian tripel with a 9.8% ABV called “Miracle on 5th Street” and a saison with 6.1% ABV called “Oakland Acres.” There are also two ongoing promotions: 25% off cases, and a free beer in return for buying a $50 gift card.

Second City Beverage Co. has a line of festive cocktails selling at its bar, and while they cannot be brought home, their delicious ingredients are available. The Crooked Cow Caramel Bourbon Cream is part of the “Sugar Cookie Martini” and the “Milk n’ Cookies.” Second City Gin is in the “Yule Shrub” and Second City Bourbon is in the “Gettin’ Blitzen.’”

Coffee for Christmas morning

After a night of last-minute wrapping and preparing for Santa Claus, the smell and taste of freshly brewed coffee can be the best way to kick off Christmas morning, especially if it’s from local roasters.

Buona Caffe sells a variety of coffee roasts and blends by the beverage and by the bag. But this time of the year is the only opportunity to buy the Holiday Roast, which offers a smooth drink and a chance to give back as part of the proceeds benefit Lynndale, a local organization supporting disabled individuals and their families. Buona also sells coffee subscriptions.

Goat Kick Coffee Co. has two bagged seasonal blends: “Winter Daze,” a light roast with notes of plum, citrus, and caramel, and “Winter Solstice,” a dark roast with notes of plum, tobacco, and holiday spice. Goat Kick also has a menu of 13 Christmas-like drinks in addition to its standard menu.

Ubora Coffee Roasters also has a range of blends that are sold by the bag, K-cups or subscriptions. While there isn’t one geared towards the holidays, shoppers can get a cup of peppermint mocha, “Mint Toddy” tea,” or one of the other four thematic drinks.

Gift wrap a piece of public art

Between all of the murals and sculptures, the Augusta area is covered in well-loved works of art. These pieces have many fans, and some of the artists responsible are selling fans a piece of their own.

Leonard “Porkchop” Zimmerman is the father of the Happy and Tommy robots that appear on buttons, murals and other art across Augusta. Happy mugs are sold at Tire City Potters, and Happy ornaments and buttons are available at Art on Broad. There is also a huge variety of clothing, accessories and home décor that feature Zimmerman’s robot designs available on his page on society6.com.

Addison Niday is the mind and hand behind the giant Augusta Cup on Wrightsboro Road as well as several new and revamped murals across the area. Niday is selling many of his wall-to-wall designs on addisonniday.com as stickers, prints, t-shirts and cups. There’s a special Christmas bundle of a t-shirt, poster, and seven mural stickers for $40. Orders of more than $100 also get free shipping and a free signed Coca-Cola bottle.

A basket full of presents

Why bother with finding that one perfect gift when you can get carefully selected basket full of goodies?

Augusta Gift Baskets has a wide range of baskets that vary in size and content. Each is full of carefully-selected merchandise from small and local vendors. There are 11 different Christmas variations with items from Bubba’s Fudge and Nuts, Still Creek Kitchen, Goat Kick Coffee and more.

There are also a few gift basket options full of snacks and other treats at Ladybug’s Flowers & Gifts and Martina’s Flowers and Gifts. They also sell attractive and fragrant floral bouquets and center pieces for Christmas.

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Extra-personal gifts

While there are all kinds of wonderful presents available on the shelf, sometimes it’s nice to get something that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

CommuniGraphics offers a lot in this arena like engraved cups and pens, custom embroidered clothing, vehicles decals and more. They also have a large stock of décor, clothing and other gifts for Christmas, tailgating, and other occasions. Daily deals are rotated in and out, with a different 50% off discount every day.

Etched Memory uses laser engraving to create unique, crystal 3D images. For Christmas, they are offering their 6-inch square crystal image for $110 less than usual. There are also custom night lights, ornaments, wine stoppers, and other gifts available for purchase.