Fun fact about me: my love language is gift giving. My friends, family, and clients can attest to this. Nothing brings me more joy than finding the perfect little gift for someone I love. Which brings me to today’s blog… the holidays are coming up so I decided to round up some of my go-to local places in the Tampa Bay area for gifts! I never thought I would be the type of person to make a gift guide, but I also kind of can’t believe it has taken me this long.
Astatula Candle Co.
Candles, stones, and good vibes
Astatula Candle Co. is a small batch artisanal candle company created by Angela Ellis. All candles are designed and poured in Old Seminole Heights (my neighborhood). I love these candles, I love the design, all of the different scents, and everything Angela is doing with her company. Each scent and design is carefully and thoughtfully selected using eco friendly wax, luxurious fragrances and essential oils. She just recently came out with her new holiday scent, Winter Forest & Fig. Follow on Instagram for updates
MystikSister
Handmade Sterling Silver Jewelry
Kristy is making some seriously cute silver jewelry. Consciously created here in Tampa Bay, my friends love the pieces they have purchased form her. You can pick out your own Mystik jewlery on her etsy page linked here!
Mandalina
Eco Friendly Textiles for beach, boat, & home
Who doesn’t love a good Turkish towel? Mandalina has Turkish bathrobes, beach towels, bath towels, and even Kimonos! This is such a great gift to anyone who might have just purchased a new home, or wants something a little more luxurious and cozy in their linen closet. You can shop on their site directly.
Follow their Instagram for product updates!
Hajarie Designs
Boutique Textiles for the Home
Tiffany is designing some seriously beautiful textiles. She begins her process with a simple hand sketch, turns it into a gorgeous digital pattern, then it gets printed on fabrics and even wallpaper! She sells her fabric by the yard and currently makes custom order pillows. You can purchase her designs directly on her site and follow along on Instagram for more product updates.
Even her logo is gorgeous…
Purchase her fabric by the yard
Wilder Provisions
Wooden provisions handcrafted into treasured heirlooms in St Petersburg, Florida
You guys know how much I love a good serving board. These handcrafted boards and serving tools definitely need to be displayed in your kitchen (move over stand mixer, into the cabinet you go). This is the perfect gift for anyone who loves to entertain. These pieces will definitely be the show stopper at your next small gathering. You can shop directly on their site here and follow along on their Instagram for product updates.
Variety of wooden scoops
Jug & Bottle Dept.
Local and Unique Provisions
Jug & Bottle Department is Tampa’s premiere bottle shop nestled in the well-fed, well-drank belly of Seminole Heights. Ryan and I are two of those well-fed and well-drank bellies. They specialize in craft beer, unique wine, and specialty foodstuffs you won’t see at run-of-the-mill big box stores or groceries with a focus on products that are locally made. This is truly a go-to spot for me when I need a quick gift, who doesn’t love a good bottle of wine?
Fun fact: they also have an incredible vegan kitchen, 3 Dot Dash. It is a personal favorite of mine, and if you remember, we gave their bathroom a little facelift a couple years ago…
Heights Meat Market
Tampa Bay’s Premium Meat Market
Yes, I am a vegetarian, but Ryan and most of my friends are not and they love Heights Meat Market. The people who run the shop are so friendly and helpful. Ryan could spend all day in there, chatting with them about cuts, rubs, and cooking methods. They also have a great selection of fancy salts, rubs, sauces and spices. There is truly no better gift then spending quality time with someone, so pick up some fancy meats and have your friend over for a nice dinner (just grab some salmon for me). They have locations in Seminole Heights, Land O Lakes, and Brandon.
Florist Fire Design House
Floral Installations, Visual Coordination and Education
Gayle Zerr is a master florist, artistic director, educator, and a great friend. There is nothing I love more than to watch her artistic genius in action. She is best known for her show-stopping large scale floral designs, but you can also bring some of her beautiful creations home! She takes holiday centerpiece orders around the holiday season so your dinner table can be beautiful and unique. You can also take a floral arrangement class with her or bring someone with you as a gift. You can inquire about all of this on her website or her Instagram.
Grab your own holiday centerpiece on her site
Melissa Koby
Digital Illustrator
You might remember the collaboration we did with Melissa a few months back for our 2020 Home Decor Shop. Well, Melissa has been VERY busy since then! Her illustrations emphasize rich, natural color while showing the beauty of diversity and unity. Her work has been inspiring so many people lately and we are so proud that Melissa is being noticed through some of her recent collaborations with Erin Condren and The Knot. Guys, even Angela from The Office has some Melissa Koby originals in her home! Couldn’t be more excited for this incredibly talented and beautiful woman. You can follow her on Instagram, purchase a print or two on her Etsy shop, or head over to our store and grab a custom designed piece.
Erin Condren Life Planner collab - Photo by ThisWellPlannedLife
Collaboration with The Knot
Hazel and Dot
Gifts, home decor, accessories, and locally made goods
Hazel and Dot has a wide variety of gift items from prints, to stationary, fun accessories, and holiday decor items! There are honestly too many fun items to share, you should just pop in their store, I promise you fill find something you love. They are always sharing their new inventory on their Instagram stories. Be sure to check their holiday highlight on their page!
@leahhstanton posing with her new Tampa print
Cute stationary from Hazel and Dot
Cleanse Apothecary
Luxury beauty, body, niche fragrances, and men’s grooming products
Cleanse Apothecary is another Seminole Heights staple. They have an amazing variety of beauty products that are perfect for any and all self care. After the year we have had, a good face mask or bath bomb is exactly what we need. Check out their Instagram for product updates!
Mojo Books and Music
Tampa Bay’s largest independent book and record store
If books or music is on your wish list this year for the holidays, we highly recommend to purchase from your local book store. Mojo Books and Music is one of the largest independent book and record stores in the Tampa Bay area. They have a wide variety of products ranging from new releases, classics, and rare finds! You can visit them in their shop on Flower or shop online! They partner with Bookshop.org for new book releases and Libro.fm if audiobooks are more your speed.
Classic vinyl selection from Mojo Books and Music
I hope you check out some of these great local shops here in the Tampa Bay area and consider buying your holiday gifts from local places this year. Don’t forget you can also purchase gift cards from coffee shops and restaurants to be used at a later time.
What are some of your favorite local shops? Let me know in the comments below!
Cheers!
Annie