a sentimental
holiday
Create new traditions, celebrate the old, and take the guesswork out of gift giving with MCKRE’s local holiday gift guide (starting on page 5)!
shop small, give big
mckre's
MCKRE's local gift guide is filled with thoughtful finds from small businesses right here in our community. From cozy treats to one-of-a-kind treasures, these picks make it easy to shop small and give big.
do you want even more gift ideas?
Follow @carteret.curated, MCKRE’s community Instagram page, to catch our annual 12 Days of Christmas campaign. Starting in December, a dozen people from our community will be sharing their gift picks from local businesses – you won’t want to miss it!
Beaufort boutique Calypso Cottage is more than just a shop inside a 1947 fisherman’s cottage – it’s a lifestyle curated and inspired by the travels of owner, Stacie Meislohn, around the Bahamas, Palm Beach, Aspen and the Hamptons with unique treasures at every corner.
lily of the valley wall hook
A hand-embossed decorative hook perfect for her dressing room or powder room! $48
sculpturpheasant e
A showstopping piece for a tablescape or bookshelf, elegantly distressed with gold for that classic holiday “je ne sais quoi.” $60
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Victorian whale ornament
cashmere
Wrap them up in holiday luxury with 100% cashmere scarves available in various styles and patterns! Made in Inner Mongolia, $278-$396
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coupechampagne charms
Give a splash of coastal whimsy with these charming glass ornaments to adorn their tree!
$27
Pop the bubbly and bring the sparkle! These customdesigned champagne coupe charms (with or without diamond bubbles) are the perfect way to toast the season! Inquire for price.
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GIFTS FOR YOUR FAVORITE
host
For the friend who loves to entertain, Red and Ashley Harrell of Gaffer's Sip & Shop offer a treasure chest of goodies to add to your list. From sweet bites to quirky finds, it’s the perfect place to scoop up those fun, thoughtful surprises that make holiday gifting extra delightful.
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gluten-free snacks
Whether you are hosting a holiday party or just looking for an everyday snack, Gaffer's glutenfree snacks bring something for everyone. Sweet, salty, and endlessly snackable, they are the perfect way to treat your guests, or yourself — no flavor compromise required.
wine & charcuterie
Sip, snack, and spread a little cheer by gifting your favorite bottle of red or white and pairing it with artisanal jams, jellies, or preserves for the perfect custom charcuterie spread. Gaffer's features a variety of board sizes and styles, perfect for effortless gifting and easy celebrating. Shown are Partners artisan crackers, Girl Meets Dirt spoon preserves, Emily G's datil peach marmalade, with the Host at Home Bamboo Cheeseboard, and Biltmore Estate Limited Release Tempranillo. Prices vary.
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unique drinkware
Sip in style with Gaffer's collection of unique drinkware, designed to make every pour feel special. The Beaded Martini Glasses are a fan favorite- perfect for adding a pop of personality to your next cocktail hour or dinner.
Beaded Martini Glasses $16.
Shown are Meli's Rainbow Chip Cookies, Pop Daddy Tomato Basil Pretzels, and Better Buckwheat Everything Pretzels. Prices vary.
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gift card & coffee
Give the gift of good taste this holiday season. Whether they crave a cozy seasonal latte, a perfectly poured cappuccino, a smooth cold brew, or a soothing tea, your friends and loved ones can sip their way through the holidays in style. Gift cards can also be used for merchandise, dinner and drinks, and specialty snacks — making them the perfect present for anyone on your list.
designed for joy accessories
Gift a bag, change a life. Gaffer's proudly carries bags and accessories by Designed for Joy — a Raleigh based non-profit that provides safe, dignified work, and a living wage for women rebuilding their lives after crisis. Each handcrafted piece empowers a woman to gain skills and confidence for stable employment. The tag on your bag says the name of the woman you are helping to thrive. prices vary.
Imagine your spouse opening the door to a closet that feels like their own personal boutique. Everything is in its place, beautifully styled, and stressfree. That’s what a Closet Therapy makeover with Cecilia Pfaff delivers, and it’s the sweetest kind of holiday surprise. It’s not just a gift of organization, it’s a daily reminder of how much you care about making their life easier (and a little more fabulous).
choose your hardware
Never compromise on the design of your closet. Antique brass, polished chrome, brushed nickel, black and a variety of different drawer pulls and knobs are available to customize your space! fun fact: Mary Cheatham had Cecilia design and install all of her upstairs closets, including this one in her daughter, Sally's room. Talk about small space, BIG impact!
choose your finish
With nine options made up of premium composite board, these scratchresistant surfaces will always leave you with a clean, luxury finish! 2
choose your accessories
From jewelry organizers like this one hidden away in a drawer, to valet rods, belt racks, baskets, and more — the closet of his or her dreams is easier to achieve than you think!
GIFTS FOR YOUR DARLING
bestie
Led by Walker Jenkins, Hiltons on the Atlantic Beach Causeway offers a variety of fine men and women's clothing designed to be a one-stop shop for every generation. Whether you're shopping for the teen on your list or your nana, Hiltons will have something for everyone!
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mou boots
The ultimate winter treat under the tree! These cozy boots come in a variety of styles for your fashion-loving bestie.
$285-$450
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tipsy threads hat
From beach days to game days, a custom sun hat stitched with their favorite colors or college team makes the perfect personalized gift.
$138
men's clothing
For something he will actually wear, give him one of Hiltons's handsome, easy-to-love pieces that fit right into his holiday wardrobe. prices vary.
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vegan leather bag
This sleek leather bag is the perfect catch-all for work and play, no matter her stage of life.
$150
5 royal highnies pajamas
Made of pima cotton, these soft, silky pajamas will keep her cool and cozy while opening up gifts on Christmas morning! $85-$110
under $50
Celebrate the spirit of giving with heartfelt finds from right here on the Crystal Coast. From cozy candles to handmade goodies, these budget-friendly gifts celebrate community, creativity, and the charm of shopping small.
1. Morris Family Shellfish oysters are prized across the Southeast for their briny, plump flavor that captures the essence of the Carolina coast. Find them fresh at Ms. Gina’s Shrimp in Beaufort. 2. These adorable fish resin clips and comb from Dorsea make the cutest coastal accessory. $20ea. 3. Shells, driftwood and mini creatures come together for the perfect coastal gift handmade by local artist Sydnor Greene at Salt Gallery. $22. 4. For the foodie or new homeowner, Kosher salt with an adorable marble pinch pot from Beaufort Linen Company are the perfect pair. $22/$24. 5. Give the gift of a family game night with a Mobi tile game or any selection of games from Teacher's Pet in Morehead City! Prices Vary. 6. Make Christmas feel like a vacation with Waterway Local's selection of Vacation products like this Chardonnay Lip Oil. $17. 7. Our local beach shops have all types of merch for the Crystal Coast lover in your life. We love this T-Shirt from Marsh's Surf Shop. $29.95. 8. Don't leave out your pup, and pick up a stuffed toy from K9 Boutique in Morehead City to stuff their stocking! $13-$21. 9. Beaufort's Beaudega has a unique selection of kids toys like these wind-up boats for your boat-loving niece or newphew! $13. 10. L'avant candles from Dee Gee's Gifts & Books in Morehead City add a touch of luxury to any gift. $38
ten favorite things about the holiday season on the crystal coast
With the sun lower in the sky, sunsets are a little bit brighter.
A boat ride with a blanket.
Tasting local flavors at downtown Morehead City's annual Chowder & Cheer.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6TH
Local oysters taste better next to an outdoor fire.
Visiting the local shops and collecting treasures for your holiday gifts. VISIT CARTERETCURATED.COM/2024-AWARDS FOR YOUR TOP 10 FAVORITE LOCAL OYSTER FARMS
Delivering a homemade treat to your neighbors.
(TRY ANNIE'S NOEL GEMS RECIPE ON PAGE 3!)
MOREHEAD CITY FIREWORKS: DECEMBER 31ST • 9PM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 IN HONOR OF MCKRE'S TENTH YEAR IN BUSINESS, HERE ARE OUR
It's not a holiday parade until you hear the local high school drum line. A bundled up beach walk to reset from the hustle of the season.
MOREHEAD CITY PARADE: DECEMBER 13TH • 11AM BEAUFORT PARADE: DECEMBER 6TH • 12PM
Sipping hot cider under the twinkly lights that adorn the Olde Beaufort Holiday Market.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13TH
Watching the fireworks display to ring in the new year.