Chosen Treasures in Charleston: Handmade Gifts and Local Art

What Chosen Treasures Offers

Chosen Treasures is a gift shop in Charleston's historic district that specializes in handmade and locally sourced items rather than mass-produced goods. The shop carries art, jewelry, home décor, and gifts made by regional artists and craftspeople, with an emphasis on one-of-a-kind pieces you won't find in chain stores.

The inventory rotates regularly as artists bring in new work, so repeat visits often turn up different selections. The shop's focus on local makers means you're buying directly from or supporting the people who created what you're purchasing, which appeals to visitors and residents looking for gifts with a story attached.

Key Takeaways

• Chosen Treasures stocks handmade items and art from South Carolina artists and craftspeople, not factory-produced merchandise.
• The shop's inventory changes frequently as new artists consign work, so what's available varies by visit.
• Gift items range from jewelry and ceramics to home décor and small art pieces, with price points that vary widely depending on the artist and medium.
• The shop is located in Charleston's historic district, making it walkable from other downtown attractions and restaurants.

Types of Items You'll Find

Jewelry makes up a significant portion of the shop's stock, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings in metals, beads, and mixed media. Many pieces are designed by local jewelers who work in their own studios and bring finished work to the shop on consignment.

Home décor items include handthrown pottery, painted wood pieces, textile art, and small sculptures. The shop also carries cards, prints, and framed artwork, along with occasional furniture or larger statement pieces depending on what artists have available.

Seasonal items rotate through the shop—holiday ornaments in December, spring-themed pieces in March and April, and summer goods in June and July. If you're shopping for a specific occasion or season, calling ahead can help you know whether the shop currently has what you're looking for.

Shopping for Gifts at Chosen Treasures

Because items are handmade and often one-of-a-kind, if you see something you like, buying it on the spot is usually the safest approach. The shop does not typically hold items for extended periods, and popular pieces sell quickly.

Staff can often tell you about the artist behind a piece—where they're from, what medium they work in, and sometimes their process. This context can make a gift more meaningful, especially if you're buying for someone who appreciates knowing the maker's story.

Price ranges vary widely depending on the artist and the item. A pair of earrings might cost $20 to $60, while a larger ceramic piece or framed art could run $100 or more. The shop accepts cash and cards.

Location and Hours

Chosen Treasures is located in Charleston's historic downtown, within walking distance of King Street shops, galleries, and restaurants. The exact address and current hours are best confirmed by calling or checking the shop's social media, as hours can shift seasonally and for special events.

Parking in the historic district can be tight, especially during peak tourist season (March through May and October through November). Street parking is available but often requires circling, and several paid lots operate nearby if you prefer may provide parking.

Why Local Artists Matter to Charleston's Gift Market

Charleston has a strong community of working artists, potters, jewelers, and craftspeople who depend partly on retail spaces like Chosen Treasures to reach buyers. By shopping at the store, you're supporting the local creative economy and helping artists sustain their practices.

Many of the artists whose work appears in the shop also maintain studios open to the public during Charleston's First Friday Art Walks or through appointment. If you fall in love with a piece, the shop staff can often connect you with the artist directly if you want to commission custom work or learn more about their practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I special order something if I don't see it in the shop?

The shop does not typically take special orders, but staff can sometimes provide contact information for artists whose work you admire. You could reach out to the artist directly to discuss a custom commission. Availability and willingness to take commissions vary by artist.

Do items come with information about the artist?

Many pieces include a small tag or card with the artist's name and sometimes a brief description of the medium or technique. Staff can provide more detail about any artist in the shop if you ask, and some artists include their contact information or social media handles with their work.

What's the best time to visit if I want the widest selection?

Inventory is freshest after new consignments arrive, which typically happens weekly or biweekly. There's no single "best" day, but visiting mid-week rather than weekends can mean less crowding and more time to browse. Seasonal items are most abundant just before major holidays.

Are there gift wrapping services available?

Many gift shops in Charleston offer wrapping, but policies vary by location. Call Chosen Treasures ahead to ask whether wrapping is available and whether there's an additional charge. If you're buying multiple items or need wrapping for a specific date, mentioning that when you call helps staff prepare.

Can I return or exchange items?

Return and exchange policies vary depending on the artist and the item. Most handmade goods are sold as-is, but asking about the shop's policy at the time of purchase ensures you understand what options exist if an item doesn't work out.