| Holiday Gift Guide |
| Monday, 30 November 2009 19:00 |
 You know the drill: it’s finally the holidays, but you haven’t had time to pick out a gift as special as the person receiving it. You could find something online, but that can take time (and be expensive to ship). Well, lucky for you, we’ve combed this little city for the kinds of personal, customizable gifts that will make you want to grab one for yourself. And, the best part? All are uniquely Gainesville and less than $50 (save for one splurge we couldn’t resist). Happy giving! Stephanie Granada; Additional Reporting by Ashley McCredie
Winter's chilly temps awaken everyone's cravings for comfort treats. "You can't go wrong with chocolate," says chocolate consultant Katina Maillis. This 25-year-old Gainesville establishment offers a large selection of home-made and -designed treats and takes orders for special concoctions. One of the most popular? Turtles, a chocolate delight with caramel and pecans. ($23/gold-wrapped 1-pound box)
Loop de Loop is brimming with crafty clothes, home decorations, accessories, records and sporting goods, all recycled and completely unique. From feather-trimmed lamps and ’80s sequined jackets to collectible records and vintage instruments, the store has gifts for all price points and tastes. "At Loop de Loop, we have done the picking for you, so you don't have to sift through a thrift store," says Perry Der, a friend of store owner Catherine Lisle. "You can find a gift for the person who has everything, and everything is filthy cheap!" ($6.50/record bowl; $9.50-$24/necklace)
"A book is a gift that keeps on giving," says clerk Joe Cenker. Goerings has a carefully picked selection of quality books and a special Florida section. Joe recommends A Penny for your Thoughts: An Album of Historic Postcards of Alachua County. Filled with local postcard images from the early 20th Century, this book offers a glimpse into Gainesville’s past. "This book is not just pictures of Gainesville, it shows you stuff that actually happened," Joe says. We also recommend Goerings’s magazine stand, with a rare selection of German, French and special magazines. ($40/A Penny for your Thoughts: An Album of Historic Postcards of Alachua County, by Mark V. Barrow, Sr. and Murray D. Laurie)
Choose from hundreds of beads to make hand-made gifts in any color. With a wide-array of price points for Czech-glass, Swarovski crystals and semi-precious stones, you can make customized jewelry ranging from $10 to $50. The staff will even guide you in creating what you have in mind. "You just buy the beads and the supplies, and you can either make the whole thing yourself or we can finish it for you," says co-owner Robin Hastings.
What better gift for a female than yummy-smelling, skin-enhancing beauty products? At Bath Junkie you can mix from hundreds of color and scent combinations to make custom lotions, scrubs and bath products. Can't decide on a scent? Bath Junkie lets you to buy the empty container, which the recipient can then fill themselves. The most popular are the Body Dessert, a spray-on skin moisturizer, and Bath Crystals, an exfoliating/moisturizing/detoxing scrub. With scents ranging from green tea to Colombian coffee, you might find something for your guy friend. $23/Bath Crystals; $11.75-$22/Body Dessert)
Uppercrust is like a bakery from a Beauty and the Beast set: Cases teeming with fresh pastries and breads, walls lined with wines, and aisles with crates filled with cook books, home wear and hors d' oeuvres. This landmark imports most of its items from Italy and France, and is the perfect place for foodies and entertainers. "We are really good about pairing things," says sales manager Maggie Goll. "If you tell us your boss loves blueberries, we can put together a great basket." ($15 each/French kitchen linens; $5/French Lemonade)
Be the catalyst of your friends’ New Year resolutions. This specialty fitness store is equipped to satisfy all levels, with experts on hand to find the perfect gadgets and workout wear. Store managers Rob Barnes and Corinne Baur recommend the Garmin Forerunner for your favorite "running nerd." It’s equipped with GPS, a heart rate monitor, progress tracker and a calorie counter, among a laundry list of other features. "It does just about everything, except tell time," Rob says. "No, actually it does that too." Or, try the Trigger Point Grid Revolutionary Foam Roller. "It helps you get the stretch before you go running and provides relief after." $40/Trigger Point Grid Revolutionary Foam Roller; $350-$400/Garmin Forerunner 310XT)
Want to buy a cool socially conscious gift? Not only does The Exchange offer the biggest selection of TOMS Shoes, but it also has an assortment of individual artwork, printed shirts, accessories and keepsakes. "We really focus on carrying stuff that is in-style, unique and ethically made," says owner Roberto Evans. He recommends TOMS Shoes—not only does it buy an exclusive pair of kicks, but it will also get a pair donated to a child in the country of your choosing. ($44.50/TOMS Shoes, add $35 for original artwork)
It is virtually impossible to buy a gift from Persona that isn’t one of a kind. The store carries hand-made and hand-dyed clothing, vintage pieces and lots of jewelry. Most items are less than $60 and can fit many different sizes. And did we mention every thing is shabby chic? Our favorites were dresses by Rehashed Fashion made from swimsuit tops and bras paired with T-shirts, and rings by Recollection. ($35/Rehashed Fashion dress; $14 /Recollection ring)
Walking into the store, you’re surrounded by light streaming through colorful, hand-made stained glass. “Everybody needs a little art in their life,” says owner Mike McIntyre. Our favorites were hand-made ornaments ($10-$20)—some with miniature watercolors inside. The gallery also has objects from more than 30 local artists, including wooden bowls and jewelry. For a gift that keeps giving, purchase lessons in making stained glass.
Trying to find a bacon wallet, a flowered shower cap or a frog-shaped tape dispenser? Look no further then Lightnin’ Salvage. This store is an ultimate destination for out of the ordinary stocking stuffers and white elephant party gifts, most between $1 and $6. Our favorites were old-school items: an oversized spinning top ($6), a slinky ($8) and a kaleidoscope ($7).
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