And let us guess—you haven’t even started your shopping yet, have you? Fear not, shopping procrastinators. The IN’s elves (and by elves we mean our Publisher Rick, Production Manager Joani, Art Director Samantha and Staff Writer/Office Manager Jennie) have December 8, 2011
decided to help you out. We made our list (and yes, some of us really did check it twice) and set out on a shopping mission: to find the coolest, most unique, thoughtful and creative Christmas gifts available at local retailers. We tried to think outside the box for those hard to shop for people, so don’t be
surprised when you see a lot of non-traditional ideas ahead. Socks and fruitcakes didn’t make the cut—sorry. Think more like concert tickets, t-shirts from your favorite bars and art classes. From the sports fan, to the girly girl, to the HGTV addict, we covered every giftgiving base we could think of. And we did
it all locally. You see, at the IN, we think supporting small businesses is one the best ways to get into the holiday spirit. So read up, get some ideas and get ready to tackle your own Christmas list—P’cola style of course.
Happy shopping!
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1. Le Creuset Cookware, Distinctive Kitchens; 2. BabyLegs leg warmers and tutu, Ty and KC; 3. Areaware dog pillow, Urban Objects; 4. “A Very She & Him Christmas,” Revolver Records; 5. The Elf on the Shelf, Sugarbabies
For the foodie
Distinctive Kitchens could satisfy any foodie’s wish list. For people who actually enjoy cooking, a DK gift certificate for kitchen gadgets and accessories would go a long way. Or if you have an aspiring foodie on your list, maybe try signing them up for one of their hands on cooking classes. Just make sure you include a new rule in the card—when they learn a fancy new dish, they must cook it for you. Distinctive Kitchens, 29 & 30 S. Palafox, dk4u.com (JM)
For your little princess
Objects for this person—trust us. This small shop on 9th Ave. is jam packed with big style. They’ve got modern, creatively designed lightning, furniture and more quirky accessories and gift items than you’ll find anywhere else in town. They’ve got something no matter what your price range—from larger ticket times like Blu Dot furniture, to ridiculously cool pillows and figurines from Areaware and imm Living and even some fun Fred Flare stocking stuffers under $10. Urban Objects, 500 N. 9th Ave., urbanobjects.net (JD)
Spark her already overactive imagination, and bring out her inner princess/ballerina/fairy by picking up a one of a kind tutu from Ty and KC. You can be sure to find her favorite color from their extensive collection, and bonus - they also double as some inspiration for you photo-happy moms out there. Add a custom hair bow for extra cuteness. Their red and white striped BabyLegs leg warmers make the perfect Christmasy unisex baby gift. After the holidays, they also pay some great visual homage to the cute red and white striped outfitted baby in the 80s movie classic, “Labyrinth.” Ty & KC, 823 E. Gadsden St. (SC)
For the old school music lover
For your uber cool friend who has everything
For the creative couple
Everybody has at least one of these people on their lists, right? And they’re always hard to shop for. This year make your life easier and just go to Urban
If you’ve got a vinyl collector to shop for, Revolver Records will make crossing them off your list easy. This downtown shop gets regular shipments of new vinyl, so the selection is always fresh and changing. For the holidays, maybe you could try something like “A Very She & Him Christmas” from Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward—it’s festive and fun and actually a good record, especially by normal Christmas music standards. Revolver also has t-shirts, records players and new and used CDs, VHS and DVDs you can pick from. Revolver Records, 9 E. Gregory St. (JD)
Give the gift of an art date at It Takes Two Pottery Workshop at Belmont Arts & Cultural Center. It’s the perfect date night for the artistic lovebirds on your list, or family night for any artsy family that wants to learn
a new skill, get their hands dirty, and make some pottery. Wheel throwing not their thing? Try Dolce Vita where they can paint some pre-made pottery pieces, or check out Belmont’s other workshops like glass blowing, ceramic sculpture, and glass bead making. Belmont Arts & Cultural Center, 401 N. Reus St., belmontartscenter.com; Dolce Vita, 309 S. Reus St. (SC)
For your little elf
Start a holiday tradition for your little one by getting them their own personal Elf on the Shelf. Every night, each elf reports to Santa whether or not the child they are assigned to has been naughty or nice. The mischievous elf also likes to play hide and seek upon his return each morning. Because Santa only has a limited number of elf scouts to send out, you’d better hurry and get yours from Sugarbabies soon before they are gone. Sugarbabies, 848 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. (SC)
For the health nut
Give the health nut on your list a membership to the largest natural food store between New Orleans and Tallahassee. Each membership includes discounts on Ever’man’s cooking classes and educational seminars. Organic Wine Tasting anyone? Ever’man’s Natural Foods, 315 W. Garden St., everman.org (SC)
For the troops supporter
From Soldier to Soldier is based on the sales of a designer version of the survival brace-
lets worn by our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Susan Campbell Jewelry donates $25 from each sale to the non-profit Homes For Our Troops. Susan Campbell Jewelry, 32 S. Palafox, susancampbelljewelry.com (RO)
For the cycling enthusiast
The bike gurus at Truly Spokin’ will help you find the perfect bike. Unlike most chain stores, they have test models you can try out. You can even test their mountain bikes off-road, to ensure you get a perfect cycle. Their CO2 tire inflation kit & rescue tool make for great stocking stuffers for diehard cyclists. They also have Peapod bike trailers and children’s bikes for the tiny tots on your list. Truly Spokin’, 6103 Tippin Ave., trulyspokin.com (SC)
For the local bar lover
Forget cheesy Pensacola memorabilia. Give something for people who actually live and party in this great city. We recommend t-shirts from one (or a few) of Pensacola’s idiosyncratic taverns, such as The Elbow Room, New York Nick’s, Hopjacks Pizza Kitchen & Taproom, Paddy O’Leary’s or Peg Leg Pete’s. (RO)
For any girl (or guy)
Yana Apothicaire has unique stationary, hand-made scarves and deliciously scented soaps. They also have surprising items such as Izola shower curtains and bathroom accessories, which are stylish and fun and extremely boy friendly. Yana Apothicaire, 518 N. 9th Ave. (JM) inweekly.net
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12 6. imm Living Gnome juicer, Urban Objects; 7. From Soldier to Soldier bracelet, Susan Campbell Jewelry; 8. Bicycle, Truly Spokin’; 9. Izola shower curtain, Yana Apothicaire; 10. Santa’s Cookies scented lotion, Belle Ame; 11. Ballet Pensacola season tickets; 12. Cupcake, Oh Snap; 13. The Art of Shaving Starter Kit, Don Alan’s; 14. Wine of the Month membership, Aragon Wine Market
For the girly girl
The only thing better than getting a manicure is getting a manicure that lasts for forever (and by forever, we mean up to two weeks without any chipping). Liz Thomas at Skin is the queen of gel manicures around town (and trust us, we’ve done our research on this topic). So if you’re even thinking about giving someone a gift certificate for a manicure, you should get it from her. Skin also has everything else the girly girl on your list could dream of—make up, spa services like facials and even clothes. Skin, 5043 Bayou Blvd., facebook.com/SkinbyCreagh (JD)
For the adventurer
You can’t just give a boring old book or DVD to the adventurer on your list and hope they’ll be happy. So why not encourage
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them to “tri” sailing? Captain Kirk at Condor Sailing offers daily tours and customized cruises on his amazing futuristic Condor 40 sailboat. We’re sure your adventurer will be more than happy to set sail and you’ll score points for thinking outside the box. condorsailingadventures.com (JD)
For the friend in need of a new ‘do’ Treat your friend to a fabulous haircut at London W1. Don’t stop there—add a manicure and facial to the mix. The downtown salon also has Aveda products, which make great gifts as well. London W1, 120 S. Palafox (JM)
For the fitness nut
Does the fitness fan on your list need freeing from the gym? Break them out of the norm and give them and outdoor fitness experience. Fitness Onboard offers classes that combine stand up paddleboarding with boot camp, pilates and yoga. fitnessonboard.com Another option is boot camp from Fixed on Fitness. They really pioneered the outdoor boot camp-style training in Pensacola. First boot camp of the new year starts Jan. 2. fixedonfitness.com (RO)
For the dance fan
Give the gift of a year of ballet performances by buying season tickets to Ballet Pensacola. Refreshingly unconventional (seriously, did you see this year’s Dracula performance?), this is not your mama’s ballet, but your mama might love some tickets. Ballet Pensacola, 400 S. Jefferson St., balletpensacola.com (SC)
For the baby face
Don Alan’s has the Art of Shaving Starter Kit that has all the items to protect a baby face: pre-shave oil, shaving cream, shaving brush and after-shave balm. Get rid of the stubble and guarantee optimal shaving results. Don Alan’s, 401 S. Palafox, donalans. com (RO)
For the wine enthusiast
Can’t decide which wine to choose? Leave it to the experts. Treat your favorite wine enthusiast to a wine of the month membership from Aragon Wine Market. Each month, the pros at AWM will deliver a custom wine selection that is specifically geared towards the recipient’s flavor palette. Aragon Wine Market, 27 S. Ninth Ave., aragonwinemarket.com (SC)
For the “sweetie”
We know that giving sweet treats for Christmas isn’t really a new or fresh idea, but if you get creative with it, it could be. Instead of boxed chocolates or fruitcake, try cupcakes from Oh Snap. They’ve got a lot of unique flavors you can pick from and they look way cuter than your average cupcake, so
you’ll score bonus points for that too we’re sure. We’re fans of the “Hot Mama” which is a spicy chocolately treat, but for the holidays you can’t go wrong with classic red velvet or one of their signature holiday flavors like egg nog. 707-A E. Cervantes St., ohsnapcupcakes. com (JD) Nuts Over Toffee is another cool local option you have for satisfying the sweet tooth’s on your list. Gift boxes of their handmade delicious, buttery toffee come in quarter and half-pound sizes. Order online at nutsovertoffee.com (RO)
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15. Artwork, Painting With A Twist; 16. Bust vases, Dee McDavid Interiors; 17. West Paw sweaters, The Spotted Dog; 18. Intelligentsia coffee, The Leisure Club; 19. Hangout Music Fest tickets; 20. Vibram 5 Fingers, Intracoastal Outfitters
For the art lover
Since they already have an extensive collection of artwork by others, give them the gift of a painting class at Painting With A Twist so they can create their own masterpiece to deck their walls. To be extra nice, provide the twist by pairing this gift with a bottle of wine from Aragon Wine Market. Painting With A Twist, 4771 Bayou Blvd., paintingwithatwist.com/pensacola; Aragon Wine Market, 27 S. Ninth Ave., aragonwinemarket.com (SC)
For the HGTV addict
If you’ve got a home decor fan on your list, you should check out Dee McDavid Interiors in East Hill. They’ve got an amazing selection of furniture—including pieces from the Gus Modern line, which you won’t find anywhere else locally. They’ve also got plenty of decorative accessories and gift items like coffee table books, wall art, trays, candles and even these crazy cool bust vases we spotted on an episode of “Secrets from a Stylist” on HGTV months ago. 3000 N. 12th Ave., deemcdavid.com (JD)
For the coffee lover
The Leisure Club has you covered if you want to give the gift of good coffee this Christmas. They offer gift cards in any denomination you want, coffee by the pound, signature TLC mugs and they’ll even make you a custom gift basket if you shop early and ask nicely enough. The Leisure Club, 126 S. Palafox, tlcdowntown.com (JD)
For the live music junkie
It really doesn’t get much better than giving the gift of live music. Unless of course you give the gift of A LOT of live music, which is exactly what you’d be doing if you bought the concert junkie on your list a ticket to this May’s Hangout Fest. Early bird ticket sales are still going on, so you’ll also save some cash if you shop early. hangoutmusicfest.com (JD) Another option: Vinyl Music Hall also has gift certificates now available through the Vinyl Box Office or The 5 1/2 Bar. They come in $10 increments and are good towards any event ticket purchase. Why not give a gift that literally rocks? Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox, vinylmusichall.com (JD)
For the exotic foodie
Give the gift of learning to cook like a pro, Thai-style. Jasmine Fusion’s cooking classes will not only give your favorite foodie a cooking demonstration of a class menu of their choosing taught by owner & chef Pri Chan, but they will also leave with a take home meal of their own preparation. Afterwards, ensure that this is a gift that keeps on giving by asking them to demonstrate their new skills by cooking you some Thai yumminess. Jasmine Fusion, 119 E. Nine Mile Rd., jasminefusion.com (SC)
For the “player”
Need a creative gift for a fun loving friend who likes things like skee ball, booze and popcorn? Try this: get a roll
of quarters and make a coupon good for one night of playing at Play—Pensacola’s first “barcade.” Bonus points if you let the giftee win a game or two. Play, 16 S. Palafox, iplaypensacola.com (JD)
admission. There’s a variety of membership levels to suit any budget. Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 S. Jefferson St., pensacolamuseumofart.org (JM)
For your pup
Tickets to see Jerry Seinfeld at the Saenger Theatre are at the top of many Christmas lists. Hearing the comedian live is a way better gift than “Seinfeld” DVDs. Tickets go on sale Friday, Dec. 9 at 10 a.m. Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox, pensacolasaenger.com (JM)
Treat your dog to organic treats from the Spotted Dog. They also carry reclaimed cotton sweaters from West Paw, so your pooch can be both cozy and stylish. If you really want to go all out, register for Painting With A Twist’s “Paint Your Pet” session on December 15th. Who says portrait paintings are just for presidents & royalty? The Spotted Dog Boutique and Bakery, 194 N. Palafox, spotteddogboutique.com; Painting With A Twist, 4771 Bayou Blvd. Suite C-11, paintingwithatwist. com/pensacola (SC)
For the fitness fanatic
Encourage your fast friends with a comfy pair of running shoes. Running Wild covers all things running—from apparel, to fitting shoes properly and even individual and group training like their popular My First 5K Class. Running Wild, 3012 Cervantes St., werunwild.com (JM)
For the cultured kids
For any art-lovers out there a Pensacola Museum of Art membership would be greatly appreciated all year long. Not only will you be doing good by supporting the arts, but your friends will reap benefits such as discounts on classes and free
For the funny guy or gal
For the outside lover
Since the days of beach weather are behind us, give the gift of warmth. Intracoastal Outfitters carries North Face and Patagonia jackets that are functional and fashionable. There’s also backpacks, sunglasses and Vibram 5 Fingers, yes the “toe shoes.” Is your outdoors lover a do-gooder? Opt for a pair of TOMS shoes, with every pair purchased the company sends a pair to a child without shoes. Intracoastal Outfitters, 701 E. Gregory St., intracoastaloutfitters.com (JM)
For the lotion hoarder
For anyone that’s tired of picking up the same Cucumber Melon gift set, check out Belle Ame for great-smelling goodies. There are plenty of holiday-themed items such as Vanilla Noel Mousse Sugar Scrub, Santa’s Cookies scented lotion, or the Snowball Bath Fizz. Belle Ame is a great place to find a gift for under $20. Belle Ame, 112 S. Palafox (JM) inweekly.net
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21. Wheat necklace, Keep Away From Cats; 22. Initial necklace, Kim Jennings; 23. Joe’s Jeans, Indigeaux; 24. Lowepro Passport Sling, Pensacola Photo Supply; 25. Blue Wahoos cap and Ice Flyers mini player hockey stick; 26. Cosmos hair clip, Ribbons and Records at Indigeau
For the collector
Giving an antique to your favorite collector can be a challenge, but the gift will remind the receiver of you throughout the year. The best spots to treasure hunt for unique antiques are two west Pensacola spots: Blue Moon Antique Mall and Garth’s Auction Gallery. Garth’s has an auction set for Dec. 9 that includes a New York Yankees jersey signed by Joe Dimaggio. Blue Moon Antique Mall, 3721 W. Navy Blvd.; Garth’s Auction Gallery, 3930 W. Navy Blvd. (RO)
For the shutterbug
Pensacola Photo Supply has the photographer on your list covered. Not only do they offer basic photography classes for the budding photographer, but they have a wide selection of lenses and camera bodies for the seasoned pro. No matter what level of photographer, you can’t go wrong with gifting them with an uber functional on-the-go camera bag, like the Lowepro Passport Sling. Pensacola Photo Supply, 410 E. Wright St., pensacolaphotosupply.com (SC)
For the sports fan
The Maritime Park will open April 5, but Pensacola’s Double A baseball team the Blue Wahoos already have swag on sale. Buy a cap online and show your team spirit early. And if you’re looking to really spoil somebody on your list, season tickets are also an option. bluewahoos.com (RO) Don’t forget about Pensacola’s hockey team. The Ice Flyers season is underway but you can still buy single game tickets and 7 game December 8, 2011
flex packages. They’ve also got plenty jersey’s, t-shirts and collectibles for the hockey lover on your list. pensacolaiceflyers.com (JD)
For the sea lover
Jewelers Trade Shop has the Conch Pearls Collection, unique handcrafted jewelry that will light up her face when she opens your gift. These pearls are very rare, only one conch in 10,000 produces one. Jewelers Trade Shop, 26 S. Palafox, jewelerstradeshop.com (RO)
For the stressed out friend
For that person in your life who deserves some pampering look no further than Still Waters Day & Medical Spa. If their extensive spa menu intimidates you, go for the gift card. Still Waters Day & Medical Spa, 20 N. Tarragona St., stillwatersmedspa.com (JM)
For your jewelry loving friend
Shop locally and online? Yes, it ’s possible thanks to sites like Etsy. One of our favorite P ’Cola based Etsy sellers is Keep Away From Cats. This shop has some seriously cool jewelry—a lot of which uses gorgeous flowing feathers and claws. The prices are reasonable, too—ranging from around $15-$30. etsy.com/shop/keepawayfromcats We’re also fans of Kim Jennings shop on Etsy. Her vintage inspired jewelry fea-
tures a lot of glass beads and rosary style chains. Our personal favorite is the custom initial necklace with features a hand stamped charm and sparrow for added flair. etsy.com/people/kbjhandmade (JD)
For the bestie
You cannot go wrong at Indigeaux. The Ribbons and Records accessories designed by local crafter/jewelry maker Lacey Berry are perfect for any vintage lover, especially the cloth placemat turned clutch. You can also pick up a unique dress for very fashionable friends or a comfy pair of Joe’s Jeans. Anything B.B. Dakota will keep you on the nice list all year long. Indigeaux Denim Bar & Boutique 122 S. Palafox, indigeaux.com (JM)
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