Guide to Giving: Local Gift Ideas

Here’s your hand picked, and oftentimes hand made, gift guide for the holiday season ahead!

For the community-minded: Green Bench Monthly Limited Edition T-Shirts

Give a gift that gives back to the community. All proceeds benefit Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA): Stand up to silence. Designed by St. Pete Artist and Illustrator Erik Jasek. T-shirts are $25 each. Visit, greenbenchmonthly.com/store FREE shipping with code GBMFREE

For the hostess with the mostest: Smith Wicks Soy Candles

Smith Wicks has been supplying soy candles in St. Pete for over 7 years. With a wide variety of products as well as custom labeling options, they’re a great go-to for stocking stuffers or hostess gifts. Their etched glass cups make for the perfect keepsake, 6oz candle tins are an easy travel gift, and the soy wax melts can be used in most plug ins to create cozy scents while avoiding open flames. Contact them directly by email at [email protected] or find them online at smith-wicks.com.

For the beach lover: Mandalina

The Mandalina eco towels, blankets and wraps are perfect for snuggling up on cool winter nights or taking to the beach! A fan favorite is their bath and beach towel, AKA “The Original.” Prices range from $15-75. Shop them around town at Locale Market and Market at Left Bank, or shop online at mandalina.ecwid.com.

For the aspiring artist: The Messy Painter

Crystina is the watercolor artist and illustrator better known around town as The Messy Painter. Her watercolor workshops at Whim So Doodle are appropriate for all ages and all experience levels are welcome! Visit Whim So Doodle to find select prints of her work or buy a gift card for an upcoming workshop. Find tickets online at whimsodoodle.com. Crystina is popular for her custom wedding stationery design and calligraphy, as well as commissioned house portraits. Shop her work online at themessypainter.com/shop and expect a sale the entire month of December on 8 x 10 – 13 x 19 prints! Contact her directly about an original commission at [email protected], or find her at St. Pete Indie Flea December 2.

For those who like to stop and smell the roses, literally: Absolutely Beautiful Flowers

The family owned and operated business has been a St. Pete staple for 7 years. Offering both traditional and specialty bouquets, their focuses are customer service and satisfaction. Remind those you can’t share the holiday with that you’re thinking of them with a personalized bouquet, or surprise a holiday hostess with a beautiful arrangement for their centerpiece. Absolutely Beautiful Flowers is located at 574 1st Ave N and they can be reached at 727-470-5825 or online at absolutelybeautiful.us. Be sure to order at least 1 day prior to major holidays including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day to ensure on-time delivery; the shop is closed on those days.

For the pet lover: Animal House Naturals

They claim to “have what every pet wants and every pet parent needs this holiday season.” The local business has been around for over 40 years with one of the largest selections of natural healthy pet foods and supplies for: dogs, cats, small animals, birds, fish, reptiles, chickens and even exotic pets! Find seasonal treats and pet toys here. Best sellers include the catnip cigar in holiday prints and locally made Al Cabones bones. Don’t forget your furry friends when coordinating family photo attire; Animal House Naturals also carries holiday outfits and accessories including scarves and bowties. Stop in and visit them at the NE Publix shopping plaza, 274 37th Ave N; they’re open Monday through Saturday from 9:00am – 8pm or Sunday 11:00am – 6:00pm. Visit them online at animalhousepets.com.

For the music lover: Hello Darlin’ Records

This mobile record store is one of the most recognizable around town, being housed in a 1972 VW camper! Hello Darlin’ buys and sells vinyl with prices ranging from $10-30. Contact them via email about hiring the VW for a gig at [email protected], or find her at St. Pete Indie Flea December 2!

For those who plan to toast the town: Tidal Boar Ginger Beer

Serve up something local this season with their Signature USDA Organic Ginger Beer, botanical syrups, copper mugs and Mail-A-Mule gift sets. They’ve been known to frequent the Saturday Morning Market where they also offer growlers and refills. Their 3 new gift sets start at $29. Find a list of St. Pete locations that carry Tidal Boar Ginger Beer online at tidalboargingerbeer.com, and sip on something cheers-worthy over the holidays.

For the environmentally conscious: Sunshine Straw Co

This new company is making big strides in supporting the movement to ban plastic straws in St. Pete. Support the cause to become a more eco-friendly city by purchasing their metal straw packs and thermos! Prices range from $10-20, but expect holiday deals including: buy 2 Sunshine Straw packs and get the 3rd 50% off! Shop them online at SunshineStrawCo.com or find them at the Sustainable Buzz at the Straz Center Riverwalk in Tampa November 15.

For the local explorer: Central Arts District’s Walking Mural Tour

St. Pete is known for our bright, colorful murals. The Central Arts District downtown offers Walking Mural Tours every Saturday morning from 10:00am – 11:30am! Expect to tour over 30 murals and learn inside stories as well as information on the artists and images found within the artwork! Tickets for adults cost $19, and $11 for children 6-18. A portion of the proceeds go towards the St. Pete Arts Alliance to fund future murals in the community. Reservations are required so call 727-821-7391, buy tickets online at floridacraftart.org or arrange for special tour times and pricing by emailing [email protected].

For the fashion forward gentleman: Gray space

There’s a reason they were voted the Best Clothing Boutique for men again in the 2018 Best of the Bay! There’s something for every active and casual man in your life at this local shop. Find “post 9 to 5 style” athleisure wear, or great stocking stuffers and gifts for under your tree including: totes and duffles, beer caddy, or “dad and lad” combinations! Shop them at 189 Dr MLK Jr St N during regular business hours or visit them online at grayspacefl.com.

For the fashionista: Ashe Couture Boutique

The airstream mobile boutique and brick and mortar shop have become a popular women’s clothing spot since opening in 2013. Jewelry prices ranges from $9-29, and dresses from $45-79. Shoppers can find brands like Billabong, Amuse Society, RVCA and Free People. Follow them on social media to find out about holiday specials all season long! Visit their shop at 1027 Central Ave., shop online at ashecouture.com or find them at Shopapalooza both November 17 and 24 as well as St. Pete Indie Flea December 2.

For those looking for opportunities to donate or volunteer this season, check out these local nonprofits:

Angels Against Abuse provides assistance to families in the foster care system. Visit angelsagainstabuse.org.
Pawlicious Poochie Pet Rescue caters to pups that include seniors, those with special needs, and end of life or critical care. Visit pawliciouspoochie.com.
Keep Pinellas Beautiful wants a litter free society and strives to attain this through education, awareness, and recycling practices. Visit keeppinellasbeautiful.org.
PARC provides opportunities for children and adults with developmental disabilities to exercise their independence. Visit www.parc-fl.org.
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County promotes family stability by providing innovative and affordable housing solutions. Visit HabitatPinellas.org.

Market Mafia is a resource connecting residents and visitors throughout Greater Tampa Bay with local handcraft markets. Find local happenings and #HitTheMarket, visit www.marketmafia.com.