{Local Gift Giving Guide} State of Florida

are you ready for this upcoming season of giving? i can't believe that we are in the thick of the holiday season!

something i love to do for holiday gifting is give my favorite locally made goods to my loved ones. often times family members get excited about specific brands and makers and ask tons of questions. it makes it fun for me and i think it is a great way to support the businesses in our own communities!

today i'm sharing about Florida made gift ideas! our family who lives there is based on the gulf side, so i'm always trying to find new local prizes when i go and visit or need to mail a gift of sorts. Florida is a big state, so these ideas are by no means inclusive of all the local made goodness.

+ local foods
every place has their favorite foods! what about a gift card to an independent restaurant? a bottle of wine from a local Florida winery? maybe Rosa Fiorelli Winery + Vineyard? a growler or tshirt from a local brewery? like Cigar City Brewing?

what about a tasty canned good or holiday style treat? are you a canner? could you pull from your personal jarred up stash? or pick something up from Detwiler Market in Sarasota or Venice? you can head to my favorite Nokomis Groves and find everything to make a gift basket!

+ handmade items
someone on your list need a new necklace? handmade plant stand? locally created stationary? an art print for their office? try a shop that focuses on supporting makers from your area - maybe Just/Because on St. Armand's Circle. i'm dying to get over to the newly opened Spider Lily Finery - go check it out and let me know how great it is!!

and don't forget you can always do a quick search on etsy to support makers from all over during their best selling time of the year!

+ long time local favorites
how about a gift card to a long time local restaurant like Cafe Alcazar - local, fresh cuisine in a lovely location seems like a great Sunday lunch date idea! or to Goff's Drive In... make an ice cream party basket and stick in a little gift card to head over for a mango shake!

okay, so this is where i need your help! do you have a favorite Florida made present you like to give? do you have a favorite way to support local while shopping for your holiday gifts? write in the comments and let me know!

happy gifting!

.:this post originally appeared on slow, simple, self in december 2016:.