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An Authentic Florida Local Gift Guide for the Holidays (2023)

Last Updated on April 17, 2024

The holidays are upon us, and if you haven’t started your holiday shopping yet, now is the time to get started!

Shop local for the holidays

We’ve gathered some of our favorite Florida shops and created a local gift guide to assist you with your holiday shopping.

Photo of orange jam jar as a gift

There are some great local finds all over the Sunshine State, and tons of reasons to shop local in Florida.

Since these shops happen to be sprinkled in wonderful destinations, we recommend getting away to explore the areas around the shops.

Florida Gift Guide

sign reads thank you for shopping local
Source: Unsplash

Northwest Florida Shopping Guide 

J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company

J. W. Renfroe Pecan Co in Pensacola sign

J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company started selling pecans wholesale in Pensacola, Florida, in 1956.

store exterior at J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company
Source: J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company

The family-owned business has expanded to several distribution centers and an online shop.

Pecan Gift Tin from J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company

The company sells a variety of nuts in natural, roasted, and flavored options and sells baked goods like pecan logs, pies, and pralines.

These are great, local holiday gift options for anyone in your life with a sweet tooth!

Address: 2400 W Fairfield Dr, Pensacola, FL 32505

Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 3 pm. Closed Sundays.

Learn more about J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company and shop online on their website.

Featured in: Support 18 Florida-Grown Businesses with Online Shopping!

Additional Places to Shop Local in Northwest Florida

  • Rusted Arrow Mercantile – 130 Palafox Pl, Pensacola, FL 32502 – 850-285-0371
  • The Mole Hole – 425 E Zaragoza St, Pensacola, FL, United States, Florida – 850-434-7329
  • Geronimo’s Outpost – 69 Via de Luna, Pensacola Beach, FL – 850-916-3102
  • Perdido Artist Gallery – 5660 Segura Dr, Pensacola, FL 32507 – 850-332-6221
  • Hectic Electic – 1127 Beck Ave, Panama City, FL, United States, Florida – 850-867-6554
  • Turtle Girl’s Market – 7930 Front Beach Rd., Panama City Beach, FL 32407 – 850-775-4101
  • Shell Port – 9949 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32408 – 850-234-7083
  • Art & Soul 30A – 5399 E County Hwy 30A Ste 4 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 – 850-231-3213
  • The Treasure Box – 1711 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach, Florida, 32408 – 850-249-1388

North Central Florida Shopping Guide

Retrofit Records

Retrofit Records store interior
Source: Retrofit Records

Retrofit Records has served the Tallahassee area for over ten years. If you have any old-school vinyl lovers on your holiday shopping list, make sure to check this shop out for gifts.

RetroFit Records

They sell old and new records and awesome merch like t-shirts, tote bags, and posters.

If you aren’t local, don’t worry about missing out because they have a great online shop!

Address: 439 West Gaines St, Tallahassee, FL 32301

Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 11 am to 7 pm; Saturday, 12 pm to 8 pm; & Sunday, 12 pm to 7 pm.

Learn more about Retrofit Records & visit their online shop.

While you’re in the area, make sure to check out: Ten Authentic Things to do in Tallahassee, the “Other Florida”

Additional Places to Shop Local in North Central Florida

  • Quarter Moon Imports – 1641 N Monroe St Tallahassee, FL 32303 – 850-222-2254
  • Obsessions Gifts – 636-6 Railroad Square, Tallahassee, FL 32310 – 850-792-2737
  • My Favorite Things – 1410 Market Street Suite C3, Tallahassee, FL – 850-681-2824
  • Avant-garb Vintage – 1699 N. Monroe St, Tallahassee, FL – 850-514-4272
  • The Other Side Vintage – 607 McDonnell Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32310 – 850-224-6666
  • Lofty Pursuits1355 Market Street A11, Tallahassee, FL 32312850-521-0091

Northeast Florida Shopping Guide

Cool Stuff Vintage

vintage furniture picture collage
Source: Cool Stuff Vintage

Cool Stuff Vintage is an antique store in Jacksonville and a perfect option for people looking for unique and local Florida gifts!

Cool Stuff Vintage Card Catalogue
Source: Cool Stuff Vintage

As their name suggests, the shop has many vintage items, including furniture, kitchenware, and home décor. 

Address: 646 King St, Jacksonville, FL 32204

Hours of operation: Thursday through Saturday, 12 pm to 6 pm; Sunday, 12 pm to 4 pm. Closed Monday through Wednesday.

Check out the Look Book on Cool Stuff Vintage’s website.

Featured in: Top 5 Things to Do in Downtown Jacksonville

Additional Places to Shop Local in Northeast Florida

  • Sea Shells & Coral – 230 Boardwalk, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, – 904-241-9031
  • Swoozies – 4866 Big Island Drive, Suite 8, Jacksonville, FL 32246 – 904-778-5308
  • Shop Jane Doe – 1027 Park Street Jacksonville FL 32204 ( 5 Points), or 3576 St Johns Avenue, (Avondale).
    904-356-0027
  • Atlantic Beach Arts Market – 1805 Mayport Road, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 – 904-372-7442
  • Mineral City – 2000 Sawgrass Village Dr, Ste 2107, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 – 904-285-4784
  • Sweet Pete’s Candy – 400 N Hogan St Jacksonville, FL 32202 – 904-643-4172
  • Bee Friends Farm – 1118 S Edgewood Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205 – 904-446-5883

Central West Florida Shopping Guide

Florida Makers Mercantile

store logo
Source: Florida Makers Mercantile Facebook page

Florida Makers Mercantile is a one-stop shop in Downtown Brooksville where you can shop for a variety of gifts from different local makers.

Florida Makers Mercantile Goat Milk Soap

The makers sell homemade items ranging from soaps, home décor, candles, jewelry, and more.

It’s the perfect place to cross a few people off your holiday shopping list. Plus, you’ll also support local Florida makers. 

Address: 138 E Fort Dade Ave, Brooksville, FL 34601

Hours of operation: Wednesday through Saturday, 12 pm to 6 pm. Closed Sunday through Tuesday.

Learn more about Florida Makers Mercantile & shop online.

Featured in: Top Places to Eat, Stay, & Shop Near Florida’s Unique Attractions

Cultosaurus

interior of shop
Source: Cultosaurus

Cultosaurus is a fun local shop in St. Petersburg, Florida, that is the perfect place for creatives and young-at-heart people on your gift list.

Cultosauras Display Cabinet

The store sells unique toys and collectibles like retro-style action figures. They also sell books, art, and other items that are in line with the cool pop culture theme of this place. 

Address: 269 16th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33705

Hours of operation: Thursday through Sunday, 12 pm to 4 pm. Closed Monday through Wednesday.

Learn more about Cultosaurus.

Featured in: Support 18 Florida-Grown Businesses with Online Shopping!

Additional Places to Shop Local in Central West Florida

  • La France – 1612 E 7th Ave Tampa, FL 33605 – 813-248-1381
  • Lasting Impressions – 322 Main St., Dunedin, FL – 727-734-7572
  • Aloha on the Beach – 642 South Gulfview Boulevard, #2508, Clearwater, FL 33767 – 727-444-0976
  • The Florida Shell Shop – 9901 Gulf Boulevard, Treasure Island, FL 33706-3215 – 727-367-9599
  • Hazel and Dot – 3714 Henderson Blvd Tampa, FL 33609 – 813-876-0110
  • The Write Stuff – 3225 S MacDill Ave Ste 107 Tampa, FL 33629 – 813-837-0400
  • Silly Dilly’s – 4203A El Prado Boulevard Tampa FL 33629  813-839-8687
  • Tarpon Sponge Company – 735 Dodecanese Blvd Suite 57 Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 – 727-938-4404
  • Zenn Glass – 600 27th Street South St. Petersburg, FL 33712 – 727-323-3141

Central Florida Shopping Guide

Miscellaneous Market Orlando

Miscellaneous Market Orlando Shop Display
Source: Miscellaneous Market Orlando

Miscellaneous Market Orlando is the ideal place to check out in Orlando for the people on your shopping list who you aren’t quite sure what to get.

The local shop sells a lot of different items that would make great gifts for a bunch of different people. From jewelry to books to candles to food, there is something for anyone here.

Miscellaneous Market Orlando Shop Display
Miscellaneous Shop

Need more help? They have some gift ideas on their blog that are perfect for the holidays!

Address: 1903 N. Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804

Hours of operation: Wednesday through Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 3 pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Learn more about Miscellaneous Market Orlando.

Featured in: Take a Tour Through Black-Owned Businesses and Historic Sites of Orlando

Discover Downtown Orlando

Discover Downtown Orlando
Source: Discover Downtown Orlando Facebook page

Discover Downtown is a tourist information center in Downtown Orlando. It is also a place where you can shop from local makers in the Central Florida area.

Discover Downtown Orlando
Source: Discover Downtown Orlando Facebook page

They have an online shop where you can find lots of unique regional gifts, like Orlando pins, t-shirts, and tumblers, as well as coffee, honey, soap bars, and greeting cards – all excellent holiday gifts for your Florida friends!

Address: 201 S Orange Ave Suite 102, Orlando, FL 32801

Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 10 am to 5 pm. Closed Saturday and Sunday. 

Learn more about Discover Downtown.

While you’re in the area, make sure to check out: 10 Best Things to Do in SoDo Orlando

Rifle Paper Co.

Rifle Paper Co Paper Display
Source: Rifle Paper Co.

Rifle Paper Co. is an internationally recognized stationery company, but what many don’t realize is that their flagship store is right here in Florida – Winter Park, specifically!

Rifle Paper Co Paper Display

Stop by for some great gift inspiration, like beautifully designed notebooks, planners, and stationery. 

Rifle Paper Co sells pillows, rugs, and sneakers in this shop!

Address: 558 New England Ave No. 150, Winter Park, FL 32789

Hours of operation: Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm. Closed on Sunday.

Learn more about Rifle Paper Co. & shop online.

While you’re in the area, make sure to check out: Seven Reasons to Fall in Love with Winter Park

Additional Places to Shop Local in Central Florida

  • Swalty Sisters – 24 E Joiner St Winter Garden, FL 34787 – 407-347-3741
  • Peddlers Wagon – 25 East Magnolia Avenue, Eustis, Florida 32726 – 352-483-2797
  • Magpies Modern General Store – 215 E 1st St Sanford, FL 32771 – 407-495-8549
  • Sweet Sassy and Southern – 4750 The Grove Dr. Ste 164, Windermere, FL 34786 – 407-217-7288
  • Driftwood Market – 46 W Plant St Winter Garden, FL 34787 – 407-554-3105
  • Papilio – 439 North Donnelly Street, Mount Dora, FL 32757 – 352-729-6157

Central East Florida Shopping Guide

Yaupon Brothers Tea

loose leaf tea and mug
Source: Yaupon Brothers Tea

Yaupon Brothers Tea is a tea distributor in Edgewater, FL. The location offers tours and sells Yaupon tea, which is derived from naturally caffeinated leaves.

Check out their different tea varieties in person or their online shop.

Photo of display of Yaupon Brothers Tea
Photo Credit: Yaupon Brothers on Facebook

They have many teas to choose from, like spiced peach, raspberry rose, and lavender coconut.

Are you having a hard time picking one flavor? Fortunately, they sell variety packs!

Address: 504 Pullman Rd, Edgewater, FL 32132

Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 6:30 am to 6 pm; Saturday, 8 am to 5 pm. Closed Sunday.

Learn more about Yaupon Brothers Tea & shop online.

Featured in: Yaupon Brothers American Tea Company: An Authentic Florida Favorite

Additional Places to Shop Local in Central East Florida

  • Salty Dog Surf Shop – 100 S Atlantic Ave Daytona Beach, FL 32118 – 386-253-2755
  • Sassy Bear Boutique – Daytona Flea And Farmers Market Aisle P North Booth 17 Daytona Beach, FL 32124 – 386-481-4193
  • Dunn’s Attic – 136 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, FL – 386-673-0044
  • Oceanic Gifts and Beachwear – 25 N Atlantic Ave Daytona Beach, FL 32118 – 386-252-4051
  • Angell & Phelps – 154 S Beach St Daytona Beach, FL 32114 – 386-252-6531
  • Gifts with Humanity – 318 Flagler Ave New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169 – 386-428-4050
  • Authentic Traders – 611 S Yonge St Ormond Beach, FL 32174 – 386-238-9464
  • Flagler Surf Art and Stuff – 211 S. Third St. #6, Flagler Beach, FL 32136 – 386-338-1655

Southwest Florida Shopping Guide

Naples Soap Company

stock image of soaps
Source: Naples Soap Company

Naples Soap Company sells high-quality, natural, and organic skin and hair care products.

For people that strive to use natural, eco-friendly ingredients, this is a good, local shop to visit in Florida.

Naples Soap Company
Source: Naples Soap Company

They sell a wide variety of soaps for your face, body, and hair – and even have a fragrance-free sensitive skincare line!

Address: 614 Fifth Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102

Hours of operation: Monday through Thursday, 10 am to 6 pm; Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 9 pm; Sunday, 12 pm to 5 pm. 

Learn more about Naples Soap Company & shop online.

While you’re in the area, make sure to check out: Naples, FL Ultimate Trip Guide

Additional Places to Shop Local in Southwest Florida

  • Captain Curt’s – 1200 Old Stickney Point Rd., Sarasota, FL 34242 – 941-349-3885
  • Beach Bazaar – 5211 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key, FL, 34242 – 941.346.2995
  • Artisans’ World Marketplace – 128 S Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, FL 34277 – 941-365-5994
  • The Blue Flamingo – 4229 26th St W Bradenton, FL 34205 – 941-227-1936
  • Boho Cottage Market – 2176 Gulf Gate Dr., Sarasota, FL 34231 – 941-388-7819
  • The Rusty Crickett – 2300 Whitfield Park Dr., Unit K-1, Sarasota, FL 34243 – 941-745-3131

Southeast Florida Shopping Guide

Kawaii Universe

Kawaii Universe
Source: Kawaii Universe

Kawaii Universe is all about selling wonderfully cute items. In fact, “kawaii” is the culture of cuteness in Japan.

Kawaii Universe

This colorful shop in Miami sells clothes, stickers, socks, bags, pillows, and other great local gifts. You are sure to find the perfect for your favorite cutie this holiday season. 

Address: 2294 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127

Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 2 pm to 8 pm; Saturday, 1 pm to 9 pm; Sunday, 3 pm to 7 pm.

Learn more about Kawaii Universe & shop online.

While you’re in the area, make sure to check out: 8 Adventures in Awesome, Authentic Miami

Additional Places to Shop Local in Southeast Florida

  • The Golden Triangle – 2308 Galiano St Coral Gables, FL 33134 – 305-447-1900
  • Coco Bella Miami – 305 Alcazar Ave Miami, FL 33134 – 305-444-1334
  • Rose Tree Cottage Inc – 388 Miracle Mile, Miami, FL 33134 – 305-448-9688
  • Colorful Cute – 5701 Sunset Dr., Ste 178, Miami, FL 33143 – 305-204-6880
  • Miami Fairtrade Marketplace – 3010 De Soto Blvd., Coral Gables, FL 33134 – 305-448-7421
  • Violetas – 257 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134 – 305-381-0711

Building an Authentic Florida-Inspired Gift Basket

Florida Gift Basket

Shopping for local gifts is one of the best adventures when it comes to gift-giving.

Whether you are on vacation or live here and enjoy shopping at local stores, you are sure to find something unique.

Shop local at Parkesdale in Plant City

Gifting items you’ve purchased locally can be especially fun if you build your own gift basket.

Here are a few tips for building a gift basket:

Pick out a basket that matches the theme

One of the first things you will want to do is to pick out a basket that will match the theme. With the huge variety of gift options in Florida, not all gifts will have the same theme.

You might want something more beachy for a gift from any of the coastal parts of Florida. For a gift basket from one of the amazing food shops, you might want to pick a simple metal basket.

Add in personal touches

When giving a gift basket, it can help to pick up a few special touches that will make the person smile.

This might include doing a special color of tissue paper or picking up the supplies to make a recipe using the items purchased.

The goal is to add a few special touches that will tell the person you thought of them.

Wrap some of the items to add a special touch

Are you looking for a way to make your gift basket more special? Try wrapping some of the items with wrapping paper or tissue paper before placing them in the basket.

Items like books can be wrapped and placed at the bottom of the basket to add some height to smaller items as well.

Local newspapers, magazines, and travel guides may be used for wrapping paper.

Two women holding I Love Buying Local sign

If you enjoyed this local gift guide and are looking for a few other recommendations, check out these suggestions:

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