We’re traveling for the Christmas season so I’ve had to work extra hard getting everything ordered and wrapped and ready for the holiday. 

If you’re still shopping for loved ones and are looking for ideas, I’m sharing some of my favorite things! This is my personal list of seven gift ideas that I think others will love, especially if they enjoy the Lowcountry or reading my novels. 

MY TOP 7 FAVORITE GIFT IDEAS

[1]  Send something sweet! Caroline’s Cakes makes beautiful cakes. Every flavor I’ve tried is delicious, but my personal favorite is the coconut cake. The cakes freeze well too. If you don’t want to mail a whole cake, send their adorable cake bites instead. Yummy!

[2]  For coffee (and beach) lovers, you can send a Beach House Blend gift box from Charleston Coffee Roasters. I had the honor of personally selecting the blend, rich and strong, and new this season, they are packaged with gorgeous blue Le Creuset mugs, as well as the traditional turtle bean mug. Other blends include Aquarium, Charleston, Kiawah, and more!

[3]  A special Southern treat is a gift basket from Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, which is a fantastic Charleston-based company and restaurant. The biscuits and spreads are the perfect gift to enjoy during Hanukkah or on Christmas day.

[4]  Give the gift of supporting sea turtles through the South Carolina Aquarium’s ‘Adopt a Sea Turtle’ program or the Sea Turtle Guardian program. It’s a unique gift for the turtle lover in your family!

[5]  Who doesn’t like jewelry? These goldbug drop earrings by Croghan’s Jewel Box are eye-catching and fun! I get so many compliments when I wear mine. These 14K gold-plated earrings will dress up any outfit.

[6]  Give the gift of a literary experience for your book lover! Get tickets to the annual Wild Dunes Author Event with Mary Alice Monroe in Charleston, SC, January 15th. Located at the world-class Wild Dunes Resort, in my seaside town of Isle of Palms, this event will be a memorable experience for all featuring #1 New York Times bestselling thriller authors David Baldacci and Kathy Reichs, along with the award-winning Deborah Goodrich Royce.

[7]  For the beach lover! This colorful artwork by TheTownSerif on Etsy is inspired by my Beach House series, and showcases the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. Her work makes me feel happy and I think it will make any Mary Alice Monroe book reader happy too. 

AND THE VERY BEST PRESENT…

And don’t stress over finding the perfect present for your loved ones. Remember that the very best present you can give the ones you love is your time. So take time to be present in their lives this holiday season and the new year ahead. 

From my home to yours, I wish you a Merry Christmas and wonderful holiday season!