Holiday Gift Guide

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My Favorite Things By Nanette Wiser

I love to find unique gifts, preferable handmade or shop local discoveries. Here in Paradise, it’s not all about the malls. Wandering John’s Pass, Corey Ave., downtown Central Ave., Beach Drive, Florida Craft Art, the Dali and MFA yields 1,001 magical presents fit for a king or queen. Here are some of  our Favorite Things for this holiday.

55009799 - christmas packages on a tropical beach.

MEN’S GIFTS

  • reno-beachIs your honey a beach nut? Check out Reno Beach Surf Shop for old school surfwear such as hats, flip flops, hip sunglasses, tees and board shorts. (And pick a little tank or dress up for yourself!). Get his and hers skateboards, skim boards, surf boards or paddle boards. 1031 4th Street North (near downtown St. Pete); 727 – 896 – SURF www.facebook.com/Reno-Beach-Surf-Shop-307603862617445/?fref=ts
  • Vinyl is hot, vintage is king at Daddy Kool Records or Bananas Music & Movies, the world’s largest record store with more than 3 million records.
  • For the wannabe Mr. Fixit, what about a mechanic’s tool kit from Ace Hardware?
  • Book a fishing charter or get him a new rod and tackle for his next snook hook session? Check out Gulf to Bay Bait Tackle, 727-367-4756.


WOMEN’S GIFTS

  • harmony-eco-spaGive a gift certificate to Harmony Eco Hair Spa, downtown St. Pete’s 5-star holistic salon and spa offers Special Event makeup and styling for all your holiday parties, certified biodynamic/organic hair color products, natural nail services, natural nail services, facial/skin rejuvenation, therapeutic massage, dry brushing & aromatherapy, bamboo, Fusion and Reiki health sessions and more. 400 4th Street N., St. Petersburg 727-822-8701 @ The Hollander Hotel – Harmonyecohairspa.com
  • Get your gift certificate now for your stressed out friends…or yourself. Relax and renew with a massage from Mobile Therapeutic Massage’s Libby Higgdon, who comes to see you in your home or hotel. 727-204-8602; massage.libby@gmail.com
  • Ocean themed gifts, from wine glasses to coastal décor can be found at Paradise Gifts & Home Décor, Paradise Lights & More and Décor Studio 1 on Corey Ave.
  • Get your Gucci Pucci panache with designer frames and sunglasses from Eye Designs Vision. 727-344-2020.

HOSTESS GIFTS

  • Yankee Candles in holiday flavors from Christmas Cookie to Candy Cane. You can find them at Beall’s and Beall’s Outlet. You’ll also find adorable candles at Corey Avenue’s boutiques and Sunday open market.
  • Exquisite ornaments from Sign of the Dolphin on Park Blvd. in the Winn-Dixie shopping center or Simply Perfect on Corey Ave.
  • Coffee coupons from Starbucks, Kahwa and Dunkin Donuts, in a travel mug with your hostess initial.
  • From poinsettias and orchids to glorious floral arrangements, Lou’s Seaside Florists can help you decorate for the holidays or deliver the perfect gift.
  • Why not make a Selfie Ornament of your girls’ night out, a t-shirt or mug at Walgreen’s, personalcreations.com or shutterfly.com

PET GIFTS

  • Homemade, healthy dog and cat treats plus oodles of toys can be found at BarkLife.
  • A Park Avenue puppy doormat featuring a bulldog or golden retriever is perfect for your pet’s water and food bowls, or your front door from Pier 1.
  • Need a family photo of you, the kids, Fifi and Fido? Bob@TropicalFocus.com is the perfect choice for any occasion, from professional headshots to pictures of your pets, 717-871-9402.
  • Does your pup and your shoes have a love affair? Bring in the dog whisperer/trainer Dogmandu for positive, fun and effective family dog training; www.dogmumdu.net
  • One Lucky Dog sells stylish bedding and unique travel carriers and strollers in addition to some kooky dog apparel and toys.

FOOD & SPIRIT GIFTS

  • Simpatico Wines boutique wine shop with club and wine tastings can help you create the perfect basket, from brews to vino. 722 Pasadena Ave., 727-803-6601 www.simpatico-wines.com
  • Vine & Grind Gourmet Market features free tastings daily and more than 70+ flavors of extra virgin and infused olive oils from around the world plus sea salt, spices, gourmet coffees, olives, pasta, organic chocolates and more. Order you gift basket now. 111 107th Ave., Treasure Island; 727-360-5051.
  • Burger Monger gift cards are the perfect gift for the hungry teenage or college student who likes crafted burgers, hot dogs, French fries and Haagen Dazs milk shakes oodles better than fast food joints. Best of all, during the holidays you get a $5 bonus card with any $25 gift card purchase. 1325 4th St., downtown St. Pete, 727-914-4819.
  • Got a sweet tooth? Bring them Beach Drive’s Kilwins chocolate concoctions, from homemade fudge to truffles and nutty delights.
  • Love homemade pasta? Why not bring at Chianti and Italian food basket you create with the help of the Da Sesto Italiano elves? Gift certificates are also available, 727-209-2695.

EXPERIENCE & LEARN GIFTS:

  • Get in shape for the New Year with Adam Hoffman Fitness. Learn to eat right, exercise and train to meet your fitness and lifestyle goals with his custom-tailored programs, 646-387-6297, adamhoffmanfitness@gmail.com
  • Help a loved one, take control of their financial future with Eric Moffitt, Northwestern Mutual, 813-875-2005.
  • Catch a sunset or a dolphin family in an island cruising adventure from Dolphin Landings or Hubbard’s Marina. You can also rent a Segway, Paddleboard or kayak from their John’s Pass location.
  • Spend a night with friends touring the holiday lights or New Year’s Eve in elegant style with  Tampa Limo, 727-361-5466.
  • Get serenity with yoga classes or a private session from Kripalu Yoga with Jeanne Salvo at the Pass-a-Grille Community Church, 727-224-7631.
  • Why not get a Winter Golf Membership at St. Petersburg County Club (available thru April 30 with a three month minimum) and play unlimited golf, tennis and enjoy the pool and fitness center, 727-867-2111, stpetecountryclub.com
  • For the person who hasn’t experienced downtown St. Pete, why not give them an overnight stay at the Hollander Boutique Hotel, located near scenic Beach Drive Beaches. The new deck and swimming pool, morning yoga and H20 Pool Bar & Cabana Club features fully stocked liquor bar, fresh new poolside menu, cool variety of craft beers on tap and a tropical assortment of frozen drinks. With over a 130 feet of beautiful outside Terrace, The Hollander Boutique Hotel St Petersburg will wow you with its elegant lobby, eclectic style decor, bar & restaurant and it’s amenities. 727-873-7900, 421 4th Ave N; St. Pete
  • Make music together with tickets to concerts at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Capitol Theater, the Mahaffey, Palladium, Jannus Landing, The Florida Orchestra and other local concert venues. If you love a curtain call, give them theater tickets to American Stage, Straz Center or freeFall Theater.

GIVING BACK GIFTS: Our absolute favorite thing is giving back to the community. Ask you kids to pick toys to donate and bring canned foods and home donations to RCS, Metropolitan Ministries and other charity organizations.

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