Operating as a "green company" since the 1990's Nourish has been providing environmentally-friendly, non-toxic, and biodegradable products since Deb Graybeal began making soap in her kitchen. Today, three retails stores and an online business offer a wide range of chemical-free soaps, body scrubs, body moisturizers, bath salts, essential oils, candles and even baby gifts. Items can be purchased individually or as part of a pre-packaged set. This has quickly become one of Savannah's most popular shops, not only because of the inviting scent of their myriad products and friendly staff, but because of the vast variety of possible gift items offered. Among the most popular are the bath "fizzies," sure to promote relaxation in a variety of "flavors."
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Nourish is one-of-a-kind and offers non-toxic environmentally-friendly bath delights.
Michelle's expert tip: Be sure to try the bath fizzies, guaranteed to soothe those aching muscles.
Since 1946, this family-owned baby and children's store has been a Savannah mainstay for nursery décor dressing newborns and little ones in name-brand fashions. In addition to carrying a wide selection of high end baby furniture and strollers, the store offers a colorful array of clothing and accessories for babies and toddlers, including adorable clothing, trendy diaper bags, soft blankets, bedding and more. Punch & Judy also boasts a fantastic selection of gifts and they offer free gift wrapping, complete with their signature bow and sticker. Toys, puzzles, Madame Alexander dolls, books and cuddly plush animals lead the list of gift favorites.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: It's a Savannah classic and offers the perfect place in which to pick up décor and gifts for the "wee" people on your shopping list.
Amy's expert tip: Be sure to check out Punch & Judy's new selection of Vera Bradley baby items.
What could be sweeter for everyone on your list than a honey-related gift from the Savannah Bee Company? Founded in 2000 by Georgia native and beekeeper Ted Denard whose passion for honey set him on this path, the Savannah Bee Company has become one of the most popular manufacturers of honey-related products in the nation. The flagship Broughton Street store offers an ample assortment of honeys, including tupelo, wildflower, orange blossom and other pure specialties. A tasting bar allows you to sample different varieties of honeys. Also featured are honey-infused products such as lip balms, hand creams, soaps and hair products, along with a roster of honey-sweetened beverages, gift items and more. An onsite theater runs educational videos of bees and bee keeping, while a children's area - shaped like a honeycomb - provides kids a chance to run off some energy while parents shop.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Savannah-made products are always a good choice and the selection of honey and honey-made beauty products and gift baskets sold here make excellent gifts.
Amy's expert tip: In addition to the flagship store on Broughton St. there are two more stores. One is on River Street, on the ground level of the Hyatt Regency Hotel and on Johnny Mercer Street. attached to their bottling plant.
It's Christmas year round at The Christmas Shop, a beautifully staged store tucked into one of the Historic District's most ornate buildings. Unusual seasonable ornaments, collectibles, jewelry and other appealing holiday décor are a draw. You'll find "old world" ornaments, Steinbach Nutcrackers, the Georgia Peach ornament - sold exclusively here - glistening pewter, wooden folklore figures and a host of other unusual items to help you deck your house out for Christmas. The Christmas Shop also offers collegiate collectibles and items to help celebrate other holidays throughout the year, including Easter and St. Patrick's Day. Personal and friendly service and choices for every budget make this Bull Street specialty shop a popular shopping stop when visiting Savannah.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Tucked into a charming historic building, The Christmas Shop offers a fascinating selection of unusual ornaments, collectibles and more throughout the year.
Amy's expert tip: After visiting the Christmas Shop, head next door to Saints and Shamrock where you'll find all things Irish for that special person on your list.
What could be sweeter than a gift of delicious chocolate made by Savannah's only artisan chocolatier? What started in his grandmother's kitchen as an eight-year-old boy, kicked off Adam Turoni's award-winning success. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), Turoni's confections have won national acclaim. Two stores are designed to highlight the whimsical, luxurious approach the company takes on chocolate. The Broughton Street location offers a French dining room feel, showcasing a chocolate banquet where guests make their selections using silver trays and tongs. The Bull Street shop is designed as a chocolate library where selections are placed in custom designed wood trays, resembling an old index card drawer. Everything is made in house and each truffle is created and designed by Turoni. Specially created for the season are: eggnog truffles, white chocolate peppermint bark, vanilla melted snowman, dark chocolate trees, peppermint hot chocolate truffles and more.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Savannah's only artisan chocolatier has won national acclaim throughout the US and the chocolates are one-of-a-kind.
Michelle's expert tip: For a special treat, try the peanut butter cups, made with homemade peanut butter, topped off with sea salt.
Tucked into a former comic book store, a small boutique in the Historic District is home to Satchel, provider of fine leather goods specially crafted on the premises by three designers. Founder Elizabeth Seeger opened Satchel in 2006, armed with a BFA in Fashion Design from Savannah College of Art and Design, a strong work ethic - and a few vintage sewing machines. The updated whitewashed design studio boasts chic seasonal collections, classic everyday handbags, beach bags, clutches, weekenders, wallets and iPad and other uniquely crafted soft leather items. If you don't see what you want, ask and they'll not only make it to order, but they may even name it after you.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Previously in a different location on Broughton Street, Satchel has been well known for its soft leather creations since 2006.
Michelle's expert tip: If you have something in mind, but don't see it, speak to one of the designers. She may not only create it for you, she may even name the design after you.
ZIA Boutique has been wowing shoppers with its reasonably priced handmade jewelry and accessories since Zia Sachedina open his boutique in 2005. The Kenyan-born former model of Japanese-American and East Indian descent crafts much of the exotic jewelry himself, using gemstones he picks up from his travels around the world. Zia also showcases unique pieces from other creative designers from around the globe. The popular boutique features gold and sterling silver jewelry studded with a range of colorful gemstones, as well as an assortment of distinctive accessories and home interior accents. Many of the items featured - such as the fine selection of African-inspired jewelry - are drawn from Zia's heritage as well as his extensive travel around the world.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Zia's creations are unique and affordable and sure to please anyone on your Christmas list.
Amy's expert tip: After buying a few baubles at ZIA, head next door and try some locally made chocolate confections at Chocolat by Adam Turoni.
When Ben T. Byrd, Sr. began baking small batches of cookies from his bakery in Savannah, Georgia, in 1924, little did he know that he'd be kicking off a cookie dynasty. He packed his cookies in wooden crates and personally delivered them to neighborhood markets in his Model T Ford. His sweet confections were soon christened "Byrd's Famous Cookies" and steadily gained popularity throughout the city. Today the Byrd cookie empire offers a variety of sweet treats, including the original Scotch oatmeal cookie and chocolate macaroons to the new poppy seed cookies. In addition to the factory flagship store, Byrd's Famous Cookies @ City Market and Byrd's Famous Cookies in Drayton Tower offer an incredible selection of cookies, which come in containers of varying sizes, including decorative tins adorned with illustrations of Savannah landmarks. The stores also carry an array of gourmet items such as jams, sauces and crackers. Samples of all cookie varieties, along with other gourmet treats will assist in your decision-making.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: It's not only a Savannah staple, but the delicious treats come in keepsake tins - a perfect gift for friends, family and colleagues.
Amy's expert tip: If you're a fan of Byrd Cookies, you should try the company's restaurant, B. Tillman, located in Midtown Savannah.
The Savannah College of Art and Design retail store showcases the talents of local artists and designers and is a "must see" when shopping in Downtown Savannah. You'll find unique jewelry, home décor, paintings, pottery, photography, apparel and an assortment of other gift items. Especially popular this year, are the arm cuffs designed by Mia Hebib. Her Golden Years collection feature gold-plated brass "crumples" which your wear on your arm make an unusual fashion statement. Several of the items available at shopSCAD have been featured in prestigious magazines, including Vogue, Lucky and Woman's Day. Brand new articles are brought out every day, so you may want to make several stops there during your stay in Savannah.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: It specializes in unique items crafted by Savannah College of Art and Design students, alumni and faculty. Choices include jewelry, artwork, accessories and more
Amy's expert tip: Check out ShopSCAD's Facebook page for photos of the latest merchandise.
Set in a charming 18th century cottage - listed on the National Register of Historic Places - this enchanting gift shop was founded in 1946 as a ladies' handkerchief shop. Now considered Savannah's premier gift boutique, it offers something for everyone on your Christmas list. Choices range from baby and wedding gifts, home décor items, fine china, crystal, local art and soft linens are just some of the options. Current owner Beverly Reynolds is on hand to lend assistance - in true Southern hospitality manner - to direct visitors through the shop's six, tastefully decorated rooms. The Cottage Shop also features a bridal and graduate registry and offers complimentary gift wrapping.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Tucked into one of the city's most historic landmarks, it offers history, charm - and great gifts.
Michelle's expert tip: Be sure to take time to enjoy the atmosphere of this historic cottage, while exploring the many gift options.