It's Personal: A Gift Shop in Columbia That Specializes in Handmade and Artisan Goods

What It's Personal offers and where to find it

It's Personal is a gift shop in Columbia that focuses on handmade, artisan, and locally sourced items rather than mass-produced goods. The shop carries jewelry, home décor, stationery, bath and body products, and gifts made by independent makers—many of them based in South Carolina. You'll find the shop in the Five Points neighborhood, a walkable area known for independent businesses, restaurants, and galleries.

The inventory changes regularly because much of what's stocked comes from small producers and craftspeople who work on limited runs. This means the selection you see on one visit may be different the next time you come in, which is part of what draws repeat customers. The shop also carries some vintage and upcycled items alongside new work.

Key Takeaways

• It's Personal stocks handmade and artisan goods from independent makers, with a focus on South Carolina creators.
• The shop is located in Columbia's Five Points neighborhood, which has parking and nearby restaurants and galleries.
• Inventory rotates regularly because items come from small-batch producers, so what's available changes between visits.
• The shop carries jewelry, home décor, stationery, bath products, and gifts suitable for a wide range of budgets and occasions.

Why shoppers choose It's Personal over chain stores

Buying from It's Personal means your money goes directly to the makers and small businesses whose work is on the shelves, rather than to a corporate supply chain. Many customers come specifically because they want to give gifts that feel personal and unique—something the person receiving it won't find in a big-box store or online marketplace.

The staff can tell you about the makers behind the items, which pieces are made locally, and which products work well for specific occasions or budgets. That kind of knowledge comes from working with the same artisans over time and understanding what customers are looking for. If you're shopping for someone with particular tastes or values, the staff can help you narrow down options in a way that a general gift shop cannot.

Types of items you'll find there

Jewelry at It's Personal includes earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings made by local metalworkers and jewelry designers. Many pieces are one-of-a-kind or made in small batches, so if you find something you love, it's worth buying it rather than waiting.

Home décor runs from wall art and prints to ceramics, candles, and decorative objects. Stationery includes cards, notebooks, and writing supplies, many of them screen-printed or hand-lettered. Bath and body products—soaps, salts, lotions, and similar items—are often made with natural ingredients by local producers.

The shop also carries gifts for specific occasions: hostess gifts, congratulations presents, sympathy gifts, and items for people who are hard to shop for. Because the inventory is curated rather than comprehensive, browsing often leads to discovering something unexpected.

How to shop and what to expect

It's Personal is a walk-in shop, so you can visit without an appointment. The Five Points location has street parking and is close to other shops and restaurants, so you can make it part of a larger outing in the neighborhood. The shop is typically open during standard retail hours, though it's worth checking their hours before you go, especially on holidays or weekends.

Because items are handmade and often limited in quantity, popular pieces can sell out. If you see something you want, buying it then is usually the safer choice than waiting. If you're looking for something specific—a gift for a particular person or occasion—you can visit in person and ask the staff for suggestions, or contact the shop ahead of time to ask whether they carry what you're looking for.

Price range and budget considerations

Prices at It's Personal vary depending on the item and the maker. Handmade goods typically cost more than mass-produced equivalents because they involve labor, materials, and often limited production runs. You can find items at many different price points, from affordable stationery and small accessories to higher-end jewelry and home pieces.

If you're shopping on a budget, the shop carries smaller items like cards, bookmarks, and bath products that make good gifts without a large price tag. If you're willing to spend more, you'll find one-of-a-kind jewelry and art pieces that become keepsakes. The staff can help you find something in your price range for whoever you're shopping for.

Supporting local makers through your purchase

Shopping at It's Personal connects you directly to South Carolina's maker community. Many of the artisans whose work is sold there are based in Columbia or elsewhere in the state, and your purchase supports their work and their ability to keep making. This is different from buying at a chain store, where the profit goes to a distant corporation rather than to the person who actually made the item.

If you become a regular customer, you may recognize certain makers' work and start to follow their style or technique. Some customers develop relationships with specific artisans through the shop and may even commission custom pieces or follow their work on social media.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find gift items for under $20?

Yes. The shop carries stationery, small accessories, candles, and bath products in that price range. Cards and bookmarks are typically under $10, making them good options if you're shopping on a tight budget or need multiple small gifts.

Does It's Personal take custom orders?

The shop works with makers who may take custom orders, but this depends on the individual artisan. Ask the staff whether the maker of an item you like accepts commissions. Lead time and pricing for custom work vary.

Is there parking near the shop?

Yes. It's Personal is in Five Points, which has street parking. There are also nearby parking lots if street parking is full. The neighborhood is walkable, so you can park once and visit multiple shops and restaurants.

What if I can't find what I'm looking for?

The staff can suggest items based on what you're shopping for and can tell you whether they expect to restock certain types of goods. You can also visit at different times to see new inventory, since the shop's selection changes regularly.

Do they ship orders or sell online?

This varies. Contact the shop directly to ask whether they ship or have an online store. Many small gift shops have limited online presence, so visiting in person may give you the full selection.