Olive and Then Some: A Charleston Gift Shop for Locally Made Goods

What Olive and Then Some offers

Olive and Then Some is a gift shop in Charleston that stocks work by South Carolina makers—jewelry, home goods, art, and accessories sourced from local artisans and small producers. The shop sits in the heart of Charleston's downtown, making it a natural stop if you're already exploring the historic district or looking for something made by someone whose name and studio you can actually learn.

The inventory rotates with the seasons and with what makers bring in, so what you find on a Tuesday in March will be different from what's there in October. This means repeat visits often turn up new pieces rather than the same stock you saw last time.

Key Takeaways

• The shop features jewelry, home décor, art, and accessories made by South Carolina artisans and small businesses.
• Located in downtown Charleston, it's within walking distance of other galleries, restaurants, and historic sites.
• Inventory changes regularly, so the selection varies by season and by what makers currently have available.
• Shopping here means your money goes directly to local makers rather than to a national chain.

The kinds of items you'll find

The shop carries handmade jewelry—rings, necklaces, earrings—from local metalworkers and jewelers. Home goods include things like pottery, textiles, and decorative objects. You'll also find art prints, cards, and smaller gift items that work for people who want something specific to Charleston or South Carolina rather than something generic.

Because the shop works directly with makers, the pieces tend to have a story attached. A ceramic bowl might come from a potter in Beaufort; a scarf might be woven by someone in the Midlands. Staff can usually tell you where something was made and by whom, which is part of what sets a curated local shop apart from a gift store that buys from a distributor.

Where it sits in downtown Charleston

Olive and Then Some is located on King Street, the main shopping and dining corridor in downtown Charleston. This puts it within a few blocks of the City Market, historic homes, galleries, and restaurants. If you're already downtown for lunch or to walk through the historic district, the shop is easy to reach on foot.

Parking downtown can be tight, especially on weekends and during peak tourist season. Street parking fills quickly, but there are several paid lots and garages within a short walk. The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) also runs bus routes through downtown if you prefer not to drive.

Why shopping here matters to Charleston's maker community

When you buy from Olive and Then Some, the money goes to the artisans and small makers whose work is on the shelves, not to a corporate headquarters somewhere else. This matters to Charleston's creative economy—makers can keep their studios open, hire apprentices, and stay in the community. Over time, that sustains the character of Charleston as a place where people actually make things.

The shop also functions as a kind of gallery for work that might not otherwise get displayed in a formal art space. A jeweler or potter can reach customers through the shop without having to maintain their own retail location, which lowers the barrier to making a living from craft.

What to expect when you visit

The shop is small enough that you can browse the whole space in 15 to 20 minutes, though you might linger longer if you're drawn to particular makers or categories. Staff are usually available to answer questions about who made something, what materials were used, or whether a piece can be customized or ordered in a different size or color.

If you're looking for a specific gift—say, a piece of jewelry in a certain style or a home object in a particular color—it's worth asking whether the shop can order something or connect you with the maker directly. Not everything in the shop is one-of-a-kind, and some makers take custom orders.

Hours and practical details

Hours vary by season and day of the week, so it's worth checking ahead before you go, especially if you're planning a trip on a Sunday or holiday. The shop's website and social media pages have current hours and sometimes feature new arrivals or upcoming maker events.

The shop accepts both cash and card. Prices range widely depending on what you're buying—a card might be a few dollars, while a piece of jewelry or a larger home good could be significantly more. Many items fall in the $15 to $75 range, though you'll find things both cheaper and more expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I commission a custom piece from one of the makers?

Many of the makers whose work is sold at Olive and Then Some do take custom orders. Staff can tell you which makers accept commissions and help you connect with them directly. Timelines and pricing for custom work vary by maker.

Do they ship orders if I can't visit in person?

Some items can be shipped, though policies vary. It's best to call or email the shop directly to ask about a specific piece. They may also be able to help you order directly from the maker if you're looking for something particular.

Is there parking nearby?

Street parking on King Street fills quickly, especially on weekends. Several paid parking garages and lots are within one to two blocks. CARTA buses also run through downtown if you prefer public transit.

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

Weekday mornings and early afternoons tend to be less crowded than weekend afternoons. Inventory is freshest after makers deliver new work, which often happens in early fall and spring, though the shop receives pieces year-round.