It’s that time of year! A time to focus on family, friends, special traditions, and giving. As you start the hunt for that “perfect gift”, we thought we would lend a little helping hand. We’ve collected locally-sourced gift ideas in our 2018 Jacksonville Holiday Gift Guide. There’s something perfect for everyone on your list and the best part is almost all of these businesses are locally owned and operated! Not only can you find the perfect gift, but you can support our amazing community.
Gifts for Her
Rosie’s Handmade Jax
Say good-bye to aches and pains the natural way with Lavender Aromatherapy Hot Packs and Migraine Relief Eye Masks from Rosie’s Handmade Jax. They make the perfect gift for any mom, aunt, sister, or anyone who has ever had muscle spasms or migraines. They are locally handmade and sewn by a mommy who needed something natural to take away the hurt.
Swara Jewelry
Each piece of Swara Jewelry is handmade with natural gemstones that can complement any outfit or any occasion. Swara is best known for their “stacks” that can easily add flare to your already awesome ensemble.
Glass Cactus Co
Glass Cactus Company handmakes decorative planters that have been fashioned from up-cycled wine bottles and other glass materials thus saving the planet one bottle at a time. They also love giving back to the community by donating ten percent of their sales to local animal rescue missions.
Bobby K Boutique
This boutique offers everything a girl in Jacksonville needs. Jags swag, eclectic jewelry, and hipster fashion to make everyone stop and ask “where did you get that?” A gift card to this shop would make any lady squeal with joy because she knows she’s about to be decked out in some pretty awesome threads.
CAMP Craft Cocktail
A team favorite for our 2018 Jacksonville Holiday Gift Guide. Simply add your favorite spirit and create a custom cocktail with a little help from CAMP. These kits make an amazing hostess gift when paired with a bottle of booze. Since the kit stays fresh for 2 years, you can stock up before the holidays so you’re ready for that last minute gift.
Gifts for Him
Mac Maddies
Mac Maddies has hit the scene as a whole new type of candle maker with their signature beer can line. They offer wholesale, custom orders, and can even take favorite items (like your old man’s favorite craft brew can) and turn them into candles. They also offer candle classes for birthday parties, events, date nights, and more.
Hotter Than El
Does the man in your life need a hot sauce or grilling sauce that doesn’t lack in flavor? Check out Hotter than El. Their handcrafted sauces have been perfected over 15 years for bold hot flavor with a tasty kick. They did say the way to a man’s heart is though his stomach right?
Green Iguana
When Green Iguana started, her main focus was to soothe her husband’s dry scaly skin. After creating a line of soaps to suit his needs, she now offers more men’s products like beard oils and shave soaps. Grab your man an authentic shave soap made with Argon Oil and Vitamin E to make his face touchable smooth.
Main Made Studios
What man cave is complete without a piece of rad metal artwork from the local artisans Main Made? Take any design or idea and turn it into a metal sign that is customized for his style and accents any garage, toy hauler, and more. Main Made also makes amazing DUUUUVAL inspired signs that are perfect for all #DTWD fans.
FreshJax Spices
FreshJax has been handcrafting spices since 2011. Recently they launched an amazing website where you can purchase all their products online. Shipping is free on orders over $20, use the promo code BEACHMOM to get 15% off your order. Be sure to check out the Grilling Spices Gift Set, it’s one of our favorites.
2018 Jacksonville Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Kids
Bambino Scoops
After the smash and dash of Christmas morning opening presents, give them something else they can enjoy later on. A gift card to Bambino Scoops will give them the chance to have a “Treat Yo Self” day after the Christmas crazy that any frozen treat lover would delight in.Simple flavors like chocolate and vanilla are always available, but encourage them to be daring and try flavors like passion fruit, biscotti, and coconut.
Mini Bar 12 Pack
If your kiddo isn’t into frozen sweets, then a Mini Bar custom 8, 16, or 24 pack (or giftcard) would make the perfect holiday treat to enjoy. Easily order online at minibardonuts.com and browse their amazing selection of signature donuts like Sea Salt Caramel Popcorn, Peanut Butter Cup, Cookies n’ Cream, and more.
Modern Baby and More
Expecting a new member into the family shortly after the holidays? Make sure they are decked out in adorable baby gear from Modern Baby and More. Stylish teething necklaces, bandana baby bibs, and burp cloths will have you and your little one looking gorgeous. They also carry amazing baby leggings, onesies, peasant dresses, and more.
Shiva Robotics
Robotics and STEM are the future and Shiva Robotics is there to help guide our youth on a fun but much needed path. They offer excellent after school robotics classes and provide all building equipment/programming devices needed to make awesome fun fueled science projects. From preschoolers to high school, Shiva offers classes for every child sparking a love of learning that will last them a lifetime. Check out class pricing on Shivarobotics.com and take advantage of their extremely flexible class options.
FL Grom
Swaddles and hats that scream Florida! These adorable, ultra soft versatile swaddles can be used in a variety of ways; swaddle blanket, changing mat, burp cloth, carseat cover, playmat or nursing cover. The material is made of 70% bamboo and 30% cotton making it super soft against your babies skin. It’s light weight making it easy to take every where and perfect for the hot Florida days.
Gifts for Friends
Cotton Wood Concepts
Cotton Wood Concepts specializes in handmade gifts, custom powder coated tumblers, wood signs, shirts, and are also known for their Florida inspired HOME design. If you have an idea for a perfect gift, then this husband and wife team can make it happen. Look for their products in Rusted: A Vintage Market off San Marco Blvd or direct message them to start discussing your custom piece.
AO Fragrances
Need an excellent candle that actually smells amazing? Ao Frangrances is an artisan candle maker here in Jacksonville that uses essential oils and all-natural soy wax poured in small batches to ensure quality. Choose from delightful scents like Blood Orange, White Birch, Fresh Bamboo and Cherry Blossom.
Still Life With Cat Studio
Jacksonville has so much beauty, why not gift it to someone through a print from Still Life With Cat Studio? These still photography images of Jacksonville scenery can accent any living room, bedroom, or home office but also make great keepsakes for an out of town family member who is visiting. Beautify a friend’s home with not only a local gift but an iconic piece of Jacksonville from a local photographer.
Soggy Lemon Shop
Need a gift that gives them a little chuckle or gets straight to the point? Then look for further than Soggy Lemon Shop. Her eclectic embroidery features witty phrases, catchy slogans, and off-beat humor perfect for the fun loving friend. Commissions are available and she is not afraid to “go-there.”
SIC Cups
SIC, which stands for Seriously Ice Cold, means business when it comes to keeping your drinks at the right temperature. They may be a national brand, but SIC was started right here in Jacksonville and their warehouse and corporate headquarters are still located in Duval. SIC Cups are available at many local retailers, or you can order them online.
Alexandria Preston is the mother of 2 girls, Leah and Rose, and is a local maker specializing in lavender aromatherapy yoga/pain relief packs. She is also the founder of Jaxmarketplace, a free advertising Instagram blog that focuses and features all of North Florida’s artisan makers including many of your favorites from the Riverside Arts Market. When she’s not busy being mom, girlfriend, and local maker, she is also blogging for IKnowJax.com.