Believe it or not, the holiday season is right around the corner. And you know what that means…it's time to start making your holiday shopping game plan.
But before you hit the shops (or internet) and start stockpiling goodies, let’s take a look at some of the fascinating trends that shape how we shop. 🛍️
The earlier you start sourcing and planning the perfect gifts for your family and friends, the better | Photo provided by Surcee
1. Experiences > stuff.
What do you get for someone who already has everything? 75% of people say they’d rather spend their money on experiences over physical objects, and that goes for gifts, too. So instead of a new tie for Dad, think local cooking classes, bourbon tasting… you get the idea.
2. Love local.
Numbers don’t lie: Small biz sales grew by 18% in 2019, and that number continues to grow. Various surveys show that people prefer to support their local community by purchasing gifts, experiences + art from local vendors. Local really is better, in our opinion.
3. Shop online.
You can pretty much get anything online these days, which is extra-convenient when it comes to the holidays. Did you know that last year, Americans spent $209 billion on buying gifts online? That’s a whopping 23.9% increase from 2019.
What if you want to shop online for local products, gifts + experiences for the holidays? Enter: Surcee. Surcee offers an “online Main St.” of local shops in our city, all in 1 easy-to-use platform. The locally-grown e-commerce platform brings together the best GVL products, experiences + gifts from local bizzes that you can shop online, all in one place — and the best place to double down on supporting Greenville, anytime (but especially during the holiday gifting season).
Click the button below to explore Surcee, and tell us what your favorite kind of gift to give is in our poll. 👇 Happy shopping. Ⓟ
This content was created in partnership with Surcee Ⓟ
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Fun fact: Studies show that giving gifts makes us happier than receiving them.
- Product
- Food/bev
- Experience
- Gift card
Today
- Fox Run Upstate Warrior Solution Pro-Am | Mon., Oct. 25 | 12 p.m. | Fox Run Country Club, 215 Club Drive, Simpsonville | $75 amateurs, $50 professionals | Golf for good with the Carolina Section of the PGA at this Pro-Am tournament to support Upstate veterans, with lunch included prior to tee time.
Tuesday
- Pumpkin Decorating | Tues., Oct. 26 | 6 p.m. | Pangaea Brewing Company | $40 | Decorate one large pumpkin and two mini pumpkins, plus enjoy a free drink ticket.
- Gary Clark Jr. | Tues., Oct. 26 | 7:30 p.m. | Peace Concert Hall | $55+ | See modern blues artist and four-time Grammy winner Gary Clark Jr. live at the Peace Center.
- SOUTHTEC | Tues., Oct. 26-Thurs., Oct. 28 | Times vary | Greenville Convention Center | $50 | SOUTHTEC is the premiere southeast manufacturing trade show, and part of the Manufacturing Technology Series connecting people and advanced technology.
Wednesday
- An Evening With Michael Bublé | Wed., Oct. 27 | 8 p.m. | Bon Secours Wellness Arena | $65+ | See Michael Bublé perform live on his rescheduled, “An Evening With Michael Bublé” tour.
- Business on Tap | Wed., Oct. 27 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Gather GVL | Free | Your first drink is free at this night of networking presented by Upstate Business Journal.
- Howl-O-Ween | Wed., Oct. 27 | 6-8 p.m. | Camperdown Plaza | Free entry | Bring your pup in their best spooky attire for this dog-friendly celebration, featuring live music, food, and a costume contest.
Friday
Sunday
- HALLO-FALL reTreat | Sun., Oct. 31 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Relentless Church, 635 Haywood Rd. | Free | This trunk-or-treat event will offer games, activities, fellowship, food, a petting zoo, face painting, a photo booth, balloon animals, pumpkin painting, and plenty of treats. Ⓟ
Plan Ahead
We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Enrollment is now open at Christ Church Episcopal School for the 2022-23 school year | Photo provided
Enrollment is now open for the 2022-23 school year at Christ Church Episcopal School. With a 100% graduation rate, CCES ranks as one of the most prestigious schools in the Upstate due to its small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a wide range of opportunities for students inside + outside the classroom.
Whether joining one of the 46 athletic teams, participating in service learning, or choosing from an extensive list of clubs, there’s something for every Cavalier. Ⓟ
Weather
- 77º | Scattered showers | 30% chance of rain
Announced
Greenvillian
- Ever wondered what it’s like to be a paramedic with Greenville County EMS? The Greenville Journal recently interviewed full-time paramedic Rita Fadgyasne Nemeth about what “a day in the life” is like for her. See her interview here. 🚑 (Greenville Journal)
- Joe Waters, CEO and co-founder of Greenville-based think tank Capita was named a 2021 Aspen Institute Ascend Fellow. The Aspen Institute is an international educational + policy studies nonprofit organization, and as an Ascend Fellow, Joe will have a hand in driving policy and political agendas around the success of children and families. (The Post and Courier Greenville)
Biz
- Pintail Capital Partners, a Greenville-based real estate firm, announced that it will be expanding its services to include property management. The new Pintail Property Services will offer services like day + night emergency support, property inspections and maintenance, and financial reporting, just to name a few. (Upstate Business Journal)
Holiday
- October is almost over, and before you know it, it’ll be time to start putting up those Christmas lights. The City of Greenville has gotten a holiday head start, already getting their Poinsettia Christmas Parade float ready for the parade. Want to be a part of the parade this year? You can apply here — applications are due by Fri., Nov. 5. 🎄
Travel
- From walking through fall foliage at Congaree National Park (SC’s only national park) to sipping an (Oktober)festive beer, here are 4 reasons to consider making a road trip to Columbia, SC this fall. 🍁 Ⓟ
Number
- 100+. The number of leases signed at Judson Mill Lofts — reaching 50% pre-leased. Schedule a tour to see why people are loving the idea of living there. 🏠 Ⓟ
- 55,000. The number of people in Greenville County living in poverty. That means 1 out of 10 of our neighbors can’t afford essentials like food, housing, transportation + healthcare. When you support the United Way, your gift creates economic opportunity for those who need it most. Learn more. Ⓟ
Job
- The YMCA of Greenville is hiring for several positions, including a Camp Greenville development and alumni relations director, lifeguards, swim instructors, and member service associates. The YMCA’s diverse staff is dedicated to building healthy, confident, connected + secure children, adults, families, and communities. Ⓟ
- Upstate SC Alliance is hiring a full-time Communications and Events Coordinator. Learn more about the position and how to apply here. Ⓟ
Featured Home
Correction
- On Friday we mentioned the Upcountry History Museum’s upcoming exhibit, War Dogs: Never Above You, Never Below You, Always Beside You, on Sat., Oct. 30, one that showcases the history of working dogs. We wanted to note that it’s specifically about the history of military working dogs.
Things are coming along at Unity Park. Don’t believe us? Check out this before and after.
The City of Greenville has officially installed 200,000 sqft of Bermuda sod on Michelin Green in Unity Park. The grass is drought + wear-tolerant, meaning it should stay in good shape for years to come.
Underneath the sod, the soil is a blend of native soil, sand, and compost. This mixture will encourage quick drainage whenever the park sees heavy rain.
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