We're huge proponents of buying anything local: our produce, our coffee, our clothes...you name it! To us, a few extra dollars are worth knowing that we're contributing toward the livelihood and dreams of one of our neighbors. Plus, that money stays within our community and becomes part of the fabric of our local economy. As you look for the perfect gifts this holiday season, we hope that you will join us in shopping Miami's small businesses. We've compiled a holiday gift guide from some of our favorites, organized by the type of people we have on our Christmas list this year, to guide you in getting something for everyone on your list.
Adventurous Friend: The HUNT Miami
Our new guide to Miami's independently-owned businesses, The HUNT Miami, is a stocking stuffer no-brainer for a friend, local or not, who loves to explore and wants to get to know Miami better. You can buy it locally at The Palms Hotel gift shop or order it online from Amazon for only $12. If you opt to go online, use smile.amazon.com which allows you to shop like you normally do while designating a local charity (like Life Is Art) to receive a small percentage of the profits.
Artsy Friend: Stunning Photos of Miami
If a picture is worth a thousand words, a photo of Miami's stunning vistas is worth a billion and who better to capture it than the talented photogs that have grown up in the 305. This Sunday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. F1rst Surf Shop (40 South Pointe Drive, Miami Beach) will be hosting their Fr1ends F1rst Annual Sale and Photo Gallery Pop-Up where you can peruse and purchase images from South Beach's very own Lou Lozada, Oscar Socarras, Jesse Wicker, and Steve Clark to give your favorite art-loving friend(s).
Athletic Friend: ResetSport Kinesiology Taping Socks
The past few months we have been training vigorously for a half-marathon and have learned to appreciate anything and everything that can help us prevent injuries and recover quickly, like ResetSports kinesiology taping socks. We usually shy away from giving functional gifts, but you have no idea how grateful we would be to get these. Also, each type of support is a different bright color which is super fun. The socks are technically made in Spain but your favorite #ThankYouMiami food contributor, Jamison, is their business manager and, because they're sold on Amazon, your purchases can benefit local charities with Amazon Smile.
Beach Bum Friend: Merch from F1rst Surf Shop
While you're at F1rst this Sunday shopping for your artsy friend, take advantage of their 25% off soft goods promo and get your beach-loving bestie (girl or guy) everything from a new swimsuit to a new Hershel backpack to a new tank with cheeky South Beach sayings. In past years, we've bought our family and friends their "If it's knee high chop, we're your shop" t-shirts to great success. We can't wait to scour the racks this weekend for new tees and other fun finds.
Coffee-Addicted Friend: Locally Roasted Coffee
It's no secret we're addicted to coffee which is what makes us the right people to tell you how important great tasting, quality coffee is to people like us. We absolutely adore our Miami specialty coffee shops and are excited to see a new socially-conscious, environmentally-friendly roasted coffee make its grand entrance in their midst. Not only is Great Circle Coffee roasted in our very own Little Haiti, but they also offer their organic coffee in three lines (handcrafted blends, single-origin coffees, and cold brew style coffees). Great Circle Coffee is available online or locally at 1 Hotel's Nativ Café in South Beach and at Perricone's Market in Brickell. Monthly coffee membership, anyone?
Fashion-Forward Guy Friend: Unique Accessories from Local Markets
Last weekend we ventured into Wynwood for the Thrifter Market at Wynwood Art Walk and came across a lot of incredible vendors, including TV Head Company out of Hialeah. They make super unique wooden products (sunglasses, watches, bow ties). We are particularly enamored with this flamingo bow tie design which is perfect for the fashion-forward man who's look is inspired by the beauty of the tropics. You can shop it and other TV Head Company products online and in person at this Saturday's Leah Arts District Christmas Block Party where Thrifter Miami has curated another incredible selection of local vendors.
Fashion-Obsessed Girl Friend: Unique Accessories from Local Markets
In a world of fast fashion, where everyone is sporting the same look, one-of-a-kind accessories are critical in setting yourself apart. Last weekend's Thrifter Market was chockfull of options for your favorite female fashionista. Our favorite purveyor is mobile boutique Sugar Luxe Society which had several racks of fun clothes and beautiful jewelry like the lock bracelet shown above. They too will be on site at the Leah Arts District Christmas Block Party so you can spoil your fashion-obsessed girl friends. Can't make it? Items from their inventory are also available for purchase online.
Health Nut Friend: Holiday Box Set from Radiate Apothecary
In the new expansion at The Wynwood Yard, the Della Test Kitchen courtyard acquired a new tenant that has everything your health nut friends need: Radiate Apothecary. Here you can purchase everything from kombucha on tap to natural toothpaste to fermented veggies. We recommend customizing your own gift set a la carte or allowing founder Susan Duprey to guide you in selecting the best plant-based, organic and locally sourced contents for its lucky recipient.
P.S. Santa, if you're reading this, please see above for our Christmas list.
Images via Margarita Wells, Oscar Socarras Photography, ResetSports, F1rst Surf Shop, Great Circle Coffee and Margarita Wells, respectively.
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