Local Gift Giving Guide [2017]

‘Tis the season for making (sand) snowmen, illuminating your home with festive decor, and exchanging freshly-wrapped gifts. While options abound with where to go shopping for the holidays, don’t overlook what you can get right in our backyard.

Consider shopping local this season to support your neighbors and contribute to our community in a myriad of ways. When you spend money at independent businesses more of it stays right here in St. Pete. A 2012 study by Civic Economics found that when you shop at an independent retailer, a whopping 48% stays in the local community; compared to just 13% when you shop at chains. Consumers say they will spend an average $967.13 this Holiday season. That’s a lot of money that could go towards education, parks, infrastructure and more!

Plus, with so many choices right around the corner you’re sure find that special something for just about everyone on your list. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

JUMP TO: HousewarmingRelaxationFood & DrinkFurry FriendsFashionPlaytimeExperienceProject Starter

 

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Absolutely Beautiful Flowers

Find the perfect floral arrangement for every occasion at their 574 1st Avenue North store. Check out absolutelybeautiful.us more information.

Tampa Bay Furnishings

Know someone that enjoys beautiful interior design? Tampa Bay Furnishings has something special for every room. Check out Tampa Bay Furnishings at 3034 9th Street N or on the web at tampabayfurnishings.com for some unique gifts they’ll truly appreciate.

Pumeli

Think inside the (curated gift) box. Pumeli offers special curated gift boxes for every occasion. The Fall Feels box offers all the earthy, autumn vibes with candles, forest marble coasters and rosemary truffle sea salt caramels. To learn about this box and more, be sure to go to pumeli.com.

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Kimberly Hughes LMT, NMT

Give the gift of R and R with special offerings from LMT Kimberly Hughes by utilizing her $15 off any service coupon (not only for first time clients). Kimberly will also have a sales booth on 12/3 at Grace Lutheran (4301 16th Street North) from 9am-3pm where clients can purchase gift cards, and complimentary chair massages will be available. For more information go to kimberlymassage.com.

St Pete Salt Works

Give the gift that’ll keep on giving this season with flotation therapy. Opening soon on MLK, St. Pete Salt Works’ floating tubs are filled with 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt in 200 gallons of water. This type of therapy provides stress relief, pain management, and better sleep. To read more about how flotation therapy works or if you’re interested in booking a tub for someone on your list visit stpetesaltworks.com/book-now/.

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Animal House Naturals

For the four-legged members on the shopping list this holiday season, Animal House Naturals is a one-stop shop. The store has all your pets’ needs covered whether it’s for your dog, cat, bird, reptile, fish or small pet. Check out pg. 8 for a $2 off coupon and then visit their store located in the Northeast Park Shopping Center at 274 37th Ave N.

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St Pete Dance

Need to find a gift for someone with fancy feet? St. Pete Dance is the way to go for your dance lover’s holiday gift. The studio is offering a special of two dance lessons for $39. For more information, be sure to check out the studio at 3138 3rd Ave. N. or their website at stpetedance.com.

Spitfire Theater

Know someone who might like to try Improv? The theatre is offering half off their Sunday morning ST-1 Improv foundations class. Those interested must sign up before Christmas using the promo code ‘Greenbench.’ For any questions, visit spitfiretheater.com or stop by 14 18th Street South.

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Strands of Sunshine

Brighten up someone’s day with locally-made jewelry from Strands of Sunshine. Unique pieces made with love like the “Everyday Earrings” can be a staple piece in someone’s accessory collection. Be sure to stop by the store to browse the complete jewelry selection and/or to peruse all the other locally-made goodies at 633 Central Avenue.

Gray Space

Need a gift for someone who’s always on the go? Gray Space (189 Dr M.L.K. Jr St N), brought to you by an active husband/wife team offers clothing options that seamlessly complement the casual-cool lifestyle of St. Pete. Gray Space shoppers can enjoy a $5 gift card to spend on any future purchase for every $25 spent on 11/22 through 11/26 – with Green Bench Monthly readers able to redeem an additional $5 gift card.

Boston Bill Sunglasses

Being dubbed The Sunshine City, anyone on your shopping list that lives here could always use a fresh pair of sunglasses. To see all of latest in sunglass ware, go to bostonbill.com.

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Black Crow Coffee Co.

Get the coffee (and tea) lover in your life the perfect gift this holiday at Black Crow located at 722 2nd Street North. Their site blackcrowcoffeeco.com has more details.

Mangia Con Gusto

Treat your guests to a chefprepared meal at home with Chef Roberta Massetti. Offering holiday gift certificate special $50 Off $100; $75 Off $200; $150 Off $300. For all inquiries email [email protected].

Grassroots Kava House

Grassroots Kava House now has homemade jam! Their Blueberry Chai is sure to add flavor to any gift basket. Pick one up at 957 Central Ave along with a growler of kava.

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Great Explorations

What’s better than a fun way to learn? Great Explorations is the way to go if you’ve got younger tykes to shop for. They’re offering holiday admission passes as well as top selling toys like Bubber and Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty, which come highly recommended by staff. Drop by 1925 4th Street North to explore all of this children’s museum’s offerings.

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Buster’s Antiques

For the hands on person in your life, Busters Antiques on Central has you covered. Their Mini Project Pack is everything you need to customize an old bedside table or chair. Check out the store at 2536 Central Ave or bustersantiques.com to learn more about this pack and other specialty items.

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Victoria Lasavath
Victoria is a proud St. Petian. Her father instilled in her a love for reading at an early age via National Geographic, and she was blessed to have teachers who encouraged her to pursue her passion for the written word. She studied journalism and received an expensive piece of paper from UF in 2011. After living in Boston for a while, she’s now back in the Sunshine City. You’ll likely find her at the Body Electric, Deep Blue Fitness, the beaches, or the park with her beloved pup, Lucky.