Gainesville Holiday Shopper
By: Laura Labovitz
Whether you’re looking to meander the shops for hours or you hate shopping for pleasure, Gainesville has plenty of unique and easy holiday gift shopping for you. To benefit every personality of shopper, we’ve compiled some local gift giving ideas.
I want to give a nice gift, but I’m strapped on cash.
Have no fear. Luxury doesn’t always mean selling off your first born.
A luxury item that sells well at Paddiwhack is the European Triple Mill Shea Butter Enriched Soap. It’s a simple luxury that can be used everyday, or saved to add something special to a calming bath. Paddiwhack, a furniture and home goods store, is located at 1510 NW 13th St. ($4.95 to $7.95)
I’m buying a gift for a serial collector. Or perhaps I’m the serial collector.
Hand crafted glassblown evergreen trees by Simon Pearce can enhance any collector’s holiday table. ($105)
You can find them at Agapanthus, alongside a plethora of other gifts, ladies accessories, candles, picture frames, and handbags.
“Watch the youtube video, it’ll make you want to have one,” said Agapanthus owner Paula King.
I need a special something for my outdoorsy friend.
Pick up an outdoor glass and wood lantern. Available at Sisset’s, a home and patio store located on West University Ave. A personal pick of Sisset’s owner, Melissa Glikes, the lanterns come in a variety of prices and designs for the open-air lover in your life. ($20 to $185)
I want a gift appropriate for my local drink connoisseur…or beer fanatic.
Ornaments built out of Stump Knocker Pale Ale cans are hitting the shelves at Swamp Head Brewery for this holiday season. The brewery, located at 3650 SW 42nd Ave, will also run a limited-time sale of their Hydroflask growlers, a flask perfect for keeping drinks at their appropriate temperature for up to 24 hours. ($35)
I’m searching for season appropriate attire.
“The most unique things we carry are the scarves,” said Chuck Sapp, owner of Paddiwhack. “In Florida a lot of times you just need something light to keep you warm, and our scarves can do that for you.” ($18 to $24)
I live for the festivity this time of year.
Fill some holiday themed planters from Sisset’s with ornaments and holiday greenery. Visit the store for inspiration- Glikes has decorated Sisset’s with the holiday planters as well. ($30 to $65)
If you’re looking for further holiday sensory pleasures, take a sniff of the frasier fir candle available at Agapanthus. It’s a holiday must have and smells exactly like a christmas tree. ($18 to $50)
There are also various cult classic holiday products to choose from at Bath and Body Works, located at The Oaks Mall. Winter Candy Apple, Warm Vanilla Sugar, Vanilla Bean Noel– the warm and cozy scents can perk up everyone’s holiday experience. Make sure to utilize the annual buy three get two free holiday promotions. Choose from a variation of pocket hand sanitizers, hand soaps, and body lotions and washes. ($6 to $13)
I have no idea what jewelry is on trend this holiday season.
Luckily, there are plenty of options.
Try the Holly Yashi earrings, another popular item at Paddiwhack. “Everywhere I look, women seem to be wearing them,” Sapp added. ($34)
Another exclusive option can be found at Lang Jewelers, the only carrier of Rebecca brand jewelry imported from Italy. Rebecca is Lang’s top-selling brand. Watches and diamond fashion jewelry sell best during the holidays, said owner of Lang Jewelers, Matt Lang. (Prices vary, see store located at 12921 SW 1st Rd. Suite 115, for more details.)