A quick gift guide featuring some of our favorite local shops and sweet treats in Gainesville, Florida
Gainesville has it all. Football, alligators, and local shops full of all the Christmas goodies you’ve been looking for. Check out these local treasures that are sure to keep you on everyone’s “Nice” list!
But First, Coffee.
Sweetwater Organic Coffee Company
Every family has one: the coffee fanatic. And Gainesville is home to connoisseurs and purveyors alike. So if you’re looking to help someone ‘Rock Around The Christmas Tree,’ then check out Sweetwater Organic Coffee Company. This is coffee you can feel good about drinking and giving.
At Sweetwater, their mission is committed to fair, direct trading relationships with small-scale, organic coffee farmers. Be sure to check out their seasonal High Spirits Winter Blend!
Eats and Treats
What? No Cookies? Don’t leave Santa hungry! Check out these local eateries and ‘sweeteries’!
Thornebrook Chocolate
Santa will thank you for leaving him some of these tasty treats! With seasonally decorated chocolates, you’ll be the gift-giving favorite this season.
Flaco’s Cuban Bakery & Restaurant
If your loved ones love food, they’ll love the gift card you give them to Flaco’s. They have everything from Cuban Sandwiches to Puff Pastries. And don’t forget about their every-popular Cuban Gator Sandwich. And if your special someone prefers veggies, don’t fret! Flaco’s offers an array of vegetarian options, too.
Ward’s Supermarket
A family-owned favorite known for fresh, organic, and local foods. Ward’s is the place to get your holiday dinner shopping completed, and why not buy some gift cards, too? You may even just be serenaded with Christmas songs. What better way to shop your list and get in the mood for that Christmas Party, too?
Gift Shops
If you need to work off all those Christmas cookies, take a stroll and check out these fashionable destinations for all the divas on your list.
Agapanthus
Going to a fancy Christmas party? Or maybe you’re hosting? This is a one-stop-shop for everything from sparkly, festive attire to that Waterford Crystal for your holiday mixer! And if you need to set the warm, wintry mood (and pretend it’s cold outside), checkout their campfire candles that will have your party smelling as good as it looks!
And don’t forget to bring your letters to Santa! Agapanthus is hosting its annual “Letters to Santa” Campaign. For every letter, they give $1 to a local charity up to $500. Help them fill the box!
Self-Care
Do you know a healthcare professional or a teacher who has worked tirelessly to take care of our community all year long? We do, too. Treat the heroines and heroes in your life to these relaxing gifts and support local businesses, too!
Life Unplastic
It feels good to feel good and this shop is at the top of Santa’s nice list. Not only can you find local, handcrafted goodies here like lotions, soaps and candles, but you’ll also be supporting an even higher calling: a waste-free purchase. That’s right! Life Unplastic is dedicated to sustainable gifts that are not only free of plastic but that are also cruelty-free, palm-oil free, fair trade and organic. What could feel better than that?
Oh Hunni
Online Shop or available at Life Unplastic
When it’s time to wind down and relax, you’ll want these sensational products on hand. Specializing in hand-crafted organic body butters for sensitive skin, Oh Hunni is a local woman-owned online shop that makes certified organic, cruelty-free skincare products. Shop online or at Life Unplastic to support local businesses who make us proud to live here!
Stinky Lewis Soap
A long-standing, local favorite, Stinky Lewis has soaps for all seasons to fill up those stockings and keep everyone smelling good all year long! Don’t feel like changing out of your Christmas pajamas? Then this is just the place for you! Shop online!
Home Furnishings
At the end of the day, it’s a great time to snuggle up and reflect on the true reason for the season. From dreams to devotionals, this next shop has just the chair for you and your loved-ones.
CordaRoy’s
What better way is there to relax than in a giant bean bag chair? But Santa is hiding one more trick up his sleeve! CordaRoy’s uniquely patented chairs convert easily into a full-sized bed.
Thanks to some extra notoriety from making a successful deal on the television show Shark Tank, adults and kids all over America love CordaRoy’s bean bag chair! But it all started right here in Gainesville.
Kids love having these in their room for study time and sleepovers with friends. And in the family room, your new CordaRoy’s bean bag chair will be the perfect place to snuggle up and wind down after a long day that the whole family can enjoy year-round.
You made a list. You checked it twice. You supported local businesses and local charities, too. Now grab yourself a cup of peppermint hot chocolate, light your campfire candle, and cozy up in that giant bean bag chair. May the holidays be merry and bright for you and all of your loved ones.
And from all of us at GW Homes, Merry Christmas!
