It’s that time of year when you need presents for everyone on your list. Whether it’s for a teacher, party host, friend, family member or a Secret Santa gift exchange, look no further than what the Sunshine State has to offer. Many large and small businesses call Florida home and it’s important to support them, especially after a hurricane season that ravaged our state. So, before you shop at that national retail big box store or order from their website, consider checking out a farmer’s market or a locally owned boutique. Another way to support Florida businesses is to give the gift of an experience, such as a class, workshop or a visit to a local attraction. Here are some ideas for Florida-friendly holiday shopping.
Joe & Son’s Olive Oil
Established in 1938 in Ybor City, this family run business has three locations around Tampa Bay. Joe & Son’s offers extra virgin olive oils, aged balsamic vinegars and more. There are 50 different varieties of on tap Ultra Premium Certified Extra Virgin Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars. Customers can choose from single varietal Extra Virgin Olive Oils, infused and fused olive oils, seed and nut oils, plus infused Balsamic Vinegars. Tasting samples are available in store and every bottle is poured fresh. Joe & Son’s also offers pastas, sauces, salts, spices, accessories and gift sets.
Keel Farms
Located in Plant City, Keel Farms originally started as a plant nursery, but then in 2003 Keel & Curley Winery was established. Their fruit forward wines and ciders come in flavors such as blueberry, strawberry, peach kiwi, watermelon, sangria and more. Their wines are available for purchase at local grocery and liquor stores, or you can visit the farm in person. Keel Farms serves food, offers tours, entertainment and hosts events. In December, there are several holiday themed events that would be fun to attend with a friend while enjoying food and farm fresh wine in a picturesque setting.
Magic Candle Company
For the ultimate Disney fan in your life, the Celebration-based Magic Candle Company offers scented candles, fragrance oils, room sprays, air fresheners, foaming hand soaps and wax melts that are inspired by the happiest place on Earth. There are dozens of fragrances to choose from that capture the scents of park attractions, resorts and food. Popular fragrances include Pirate Life, Polynesian, Flying Over Orange Groves, Pineapple Whip, Beach Resort and Rome Burning. There are eight seasonal fragrances such as Christmas Down Main Street, Floridian Christmas, Tiki Christmas and Pirate Christmas. Magic Fragrance Box subscriptions are also available.
The Cake Girl
UCF graduate Kristina Lavallee first started selling her baked goods at local farmers markets and festivals, and from there she took her desserts on the road in a mobile dessert truck. As demand continued to grow, Lavalle opened a brick-and-mortar location in Carrollwood in 2019. The Cake Girl bakery offers mini cupcakes in a variety of weekly rotating flavors. Custom cakes and cupcakes are available for any occasion and are made to order from scratch. Need to send a gift out of state? Crave’N Cups are offered in nine flavors and can be shipped nationwide.
Tervis
Longtime Floridians know that Tervis tumblers are a staple in every household. Designed to keep drinks cold and hands dry in the Florida climate, Tervis began manufacturing its iconic drinkware in Osprey in 1967. Though Tervis products are available nationwide, the business is still family owned and operated in Florida. The original double-walled, shatterproof Classic tumblers and water bottles come in a variety of sizes, styles and designs. Tervis also offers triple-insulated, durable, copper-lined stainless steel tumblers and water bottles.
