When you think of Florida, sandy beaches and summertime might come to mind. But, as a lifelong Florida girl, I know that there’s no comparison to the tropical green Christmases I’ve spent in the Sunshine State. Just like a string of multi-colored lights, Christmas in Florida is bright and vibrant!
I’m not alone in thinking they’re something special. Every year, thousands visit our state during the winter to escape colder climates, and—whether they know it or not—they have the opportunity to bring home unique souvenirs to their loved ones as thoughtful gifts. Thanks to the Internet, you can, too!
When you’re searching for the perfect gift this year, make it Florida-fantastic! From tangy citrus fruits artsy creations inspired by our beaches, sun, and palm trees, these unique gift ideas are sure to bring joy and a touch of tropical warmth to your holiday season! Read on and put some Florida under the tree!
For Those Who Appreciate Luxury & Self Care
Lori’s Soaps and Sponge
This shop is a Tarpon Springs staple! Every Florida mermaid or merman needs a fresh-from-the-sea sponge to lather up. Find them and a wide variety of body care products on their website.
Orange Blossom Perfume from Florida’s Natural Grove Store
This perfume makes a great gift under $10! Our state flower is the orange blossom, and there is no mistaking its light and sweet scent that will have the wearer dreaming of walks in Florida orange groves.
Bloom Garden Shop
If you’re in Tampa, you MUST have Julie, Jill and Evie’s creations in your home from Bloom Garden Shop! You can send your loved one a botanical surprise or take or gift a workshop to learn how to arrange bouquets. Find out more on their website!
A Gift Certificate to a Florida Spa
Everyone could use a little pampering once in a while, and you will get exactly that at a Florida spa! I can recommend two—Spa Jardin in Tampa and Floating Lotus in Gainesville. These are the kinds of gift certificates that will never disappoint!
Florida-born Home & Lifestyle Brands
Seagrass Pottery
Seagrass Pottery makes beautiful vases, mugs, and home decor. If you’re local, you might consider sponsoring someone taking a class or workshop, or—if they’re no stranger to slinging clay—creating in Seagrass Pottery’s community studio!
Corkcicle
Founded in Orlando, Corkcicle makes insulated tumblers, mugs, and more to keep your drinks cool even during Florida’s hottest times of year—and keep your drinks warm no matter how cold your winter gets!
Rifle Paper Co.
Another company that started in Orlando, Rifle Paper Co. is famous for its florals! You’ll find them painted, printed, and embroidered across a wide variety of products from wallpaper to scrunchies, and they’re having a holiday sale going on!
Seventh Avenue Apothecary
Seventh Avenue Apothecary makes 100% all natural soy wax, hand-poured candles, and they’ve been a family-owned business for five generations! I can personally recommend the tobacco and vanilla bourbon candle as well as the spiced rum and coconut candle. Both smell delicious!
Tervis
This is another drinkware company with Florida origins, but what sets Tervis apart is that you can get your tumblers with licensed art from Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, Harry Potter, and more!
For Lovers of Wild Florida
ArtiSea by Carol Bell
Florida’s natural beauty can be as inspiring as it is breathtaking. One New Port Richey resident, Carol Bell on Etsy, turns the shells she finds along Florida beaches into beautiful works of art! Your jaw will drop when you see what she can do!
Florida Art
A native Floridian you know would absolutely find beauty in this Florida Wildlife Corridor Print by Litore Studio. Not only will they be reminded of the flora and fauna of home, but you both can feel good about twenty percent of the print’s proceeds benefitting the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation.
“Our Florida Legacy: Land, Legend & Leadership”
I couldn't complete this list without a book! Explore Florida's rich history through Christopher Still's evocative paintings in this elegant coffee table book by the Florida Legislative Research Center & Museum.
Florida Scratch-Off Bucket List Poster
No matter how long someone’s lived in Florida or how many times they’ve visited, there’s always something new to discover in the Sunshine State. The adventurer you know will love this poster, which they can use to mark the Florida attractions they’ve seen!
Florida State Parks Annual Pass
Florida boasts 175 state parks—some of which I’ve written about before—and each one is a unique jewel. Whether the Floridian (or frequent Florida visitor) you know loves beaches, springs, hiking, camping, or everything, an annual pass to see them all makes a great gift!
Mosquito Repellent Wristband
Exploring the great outdoors is fun and all, but in Florida, you have two major concerns every time you step outside: the sun and the bugs! This highly-reviewed mosquito repellent wristband from a brand with shops all over the peninsula will keep you from getting eaten alive. Bonus: it comes with refills and it’s waterproof!
Conservation Florida
Your purchase of a sticker, hat, hoodie, mug, glass, or tote from Conservation Florida helps support wild, wild Florida land protection!
For the Gentleman in Your Life
Florida Straw Hat from Hook & Tackle
Featuring the Florida state flag and an adjustable chin strap, this straw hat is sure to become the favorite headwear of your favorite fisherman!
J.C. Newman Cigar Co.
J.C. Newman Cigar Co. is the oldest family-owned cigar maker in the country. They have great stories and top-notch quality to back it up, creating cigars that offer a rich history and unmatched excellence in craftsmanship.
Florida State Seal Cufflinks
These cufflinks featuring Florida's state seal make for a stylish and symbolic accessory that allows individuals to showcase their pride in the Sunshine State. They're absolutely perfect for any Florida event or just wearing to the office !
For Your Favorite Foodie
Key Lime Anything
Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe is the sweetest, lime-greenest thing! If you know someone who can’t get enough key lime, they will have enough by the time they get a load of the cookies, candies, seasonings, sauces, and accessories Kermit has to offer. You can even get key lime pies shipped overnight!
Fresh from Florida Fruit
Aunt Meg’s Freeze Dried Strawberries
Did you know Florida is the the winter strawberry capital of the world? It’s true! Now your loved ones can experience the deliciousness of Florida strawberries no matter where they are with Aunt Meg's freeze-dried Florida strawberries!
Send a Little Sunshine Gift Box
Know someone who loves to experiment with taste? They’ll adore this collection from The Spice & Tea Exchange! Included are Florida-inspired teas, sugars, spices, and salts in a charming gift box.
Davidson of Dundee’s Florida Candy
Who could say no to a chocolate alligator? No one I know! Davidson of Dundee makes citrus candies “the old-fashioned way” with no high fructose corn syrup, and you can get an assortment of them plus other goodies in their Fancy Gator Basket.
Alligator Jerky
Speaking of alligators, yes, Florida has gator jerky! Gator tail is a popular food at local festivals—it really does taste like chicken!—and now anyone who wants a REAL taste of Florida can have a nibble from one of our most well-known state residents!
For Your Florida Lover with Stars in Their Eyes
Kennedy Space Center Gifts
It’s only human to have a fascination with space, and any STEM-loving person on your holiday shopping list will be delighted to receive something from the official NASA store of Kennedy Space Center! This is an especially great place to shop if you’re wanting to impress the kids on your list. Every child should try astronaut ice cream at least once!
A Florida Lottery Ticket
Lottery tickets—especially scratch-offs—make for exciting stocking stuffers! If you happen to find a Florida state quarter to pair them with, even better! The anticipation of scratching off the panels adds an extra layer of thrill to opening presents, and they demonstrate your belief that the recipient has a luck-filled year ahead!
Or Simply Get Them a Beautiful Card or Ornament
Pretty Peacock Paperie
Natalie’s designs are so bright and beautiful, I can guarantee you’ll fall in love with Pretty Peacock Paperie’s journals, stickers, greeting cards, and more!
State of Florida Ornament
Just because our Christmases are green doesn't mean we don't know how to celebrate the spirit of the season! If you know someone who loves or longs for a Florida Christmas, gift them an ornament with some of our most recognizable hallmarks!