Where to Find Florida-Themed Gifts That People Will Actually Want
Original Sand Dollar
Image: Lauren Jackson
Florida-themed boutiques are all over the place, offering seashell art, embroidered pillows and tchotchkes galore. While your faraway friends may love something that just screams Florida, us locals prefer a more muted approach—items that evoke the Sunshine State spirit while also fitting into our existing decor. We scoured the area for some Florida-style gift shops that are just right for everyone in your life.
Original Sand Dollar
5302 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, (941) 251-6464, instagram.com/original_sanddollar1
Located on the northern side of Anna Maria Island, the Original Sand Dollar is pumping out home decor looks that evoke a tropical-themed Anthropologie, but for a fraction of that store's prices. The shop offers coastal prints, kitchen goods, candles and much, much more. Make sure to head to the back of the shop for some of the most adorable clothing around.
Cove
Image: Lauren Jackson
Cove
104 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, (941) 780-5793, ilovecove.com
Owner and Sarasota native Kelly Dazyinski provides this space for local artists to showcase and sell their work, all with a coastal vibe. Paintings of sea turtles, dolphins and sunsets line the walls alongside small hand-crafted gifts. Pick up a beautiful piece of driftwood or even a palm-sized blue-green crystal for a local friend.
Jewelry at The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime
Image: Courtesy Photo
The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime
821 Apricot Ave., Sarasota, (941) 445-1938, bazaaronapricotandlime.com
Teeming with local artisans, The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime is a sight to behold. Pulling into the space, which is located in a quiet neighborhood filled with warehouses, you feel like you've uncovered a secret, and the inside is vibrant and alive with color. Each artisan's booth overflows with unique treasures, and we especially love the jewelry selections.
Tumblers galore at the Tervis store.
Image: Lauren Jackson
Tervis
928 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey, (941) 966-8614; 319 John Ringling Blvd., St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, (941) 388-2040, tervis.com
Everything at Tervis may not be coastal-themed, but you will be hard-pressed to find a local whose cup cabinet isn't filled with these locally manufactured tumblers. Everyone loves receiving a Tervis, and with hundreds of styles to choose from, you can personalize it to suit your gift recipient's wants.
