The Florida Keys & Key West have a vast selection of unique gift shops, boutiques and art galleries — which makes shopping for holiday gifts a breeze. And even if you’re not able to visit us before the holidays, don’t worry since most businesses will ship to you.
For gifts with that tangy Key lime flavor, consider a collection of treats from Kermit’s. (Photo courtesy of Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe)
If you have an eclectic group on your gift-giving roster (as I do), the power shopper in you might be a bit overwhelmed. But have no fear, because here’s a list of my top pics for Keys–related gifts sure to please everyone on Santa’s “good list.”
One: Gift a taste of the Keys from Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe. Kermit’s is the one-stop shop for everything Key lime, from candies and pies to bath and body products. One of my favorites is the Key Lime Cooler cookies — and Key lime pie, of course, is off-the-charts delicious. Kermit (yes, there really is a Kermit) ships out pies and pie bars every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday overnight to any address in the continental U.S.
Two: Serve up a tropical libation from the Key West Winery. Surprise your favorite wine lover with a bottle of premium tropical fruit wine (the winery has over 43 different varieties). You’ll also find champagnes, ports and even wine smoothie mixes. When you’re in Key West, I recommend stopping by the shop at 103 Simonton St. for a free wine sample.
Three: Pamper people with a spa product: the Keys Salt Scrub. The salt scrub is made in the Florida Keys in small artisan batches with a combination of coconut oil, salts and essential oils. Choose from five different wonderful tropical fragrances, including a Key lime product — an excellent remedy for dry winter skin.
Gifts of butterfly artwork by Sam Trophia can be found at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory’s store. (Photo courtesy of the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory)
Four: Look for gifts that are HOT at Peppers of Key West. This emporium’s award-winning hot sauces will turn up the heat at your next holiday meal. You can order the products online or stop by the retail store at 602 Greene St. to sample some of the sauces. You’re encouraged to bring your own food and drink — and believe me, you’ll need a beverage to cool down your palate between samples. My favorite go-to gift is the Key West BBQ four-pack gift box.
Five: Find a little something for everyone at Besame Mucho. This store is a real gem and is located in a historic neighborhood called Bahama Village. You’ll find everything from clothing to home goods to gourmet goodies, and it’s so much fun to peruse all the unique items offered. Unfortunately, the store doesn’t ship online, so it’s a must-visit while you’re on the island.
Six: For the nature lovers on your list, head for the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory Store. The store adjoins the very popular conservatory, a 5,000-square-foot glass-domed rainforest-like habitat where visitors can stroll among some 1,000 butterflies from 50 to 60 species. The retail space is brimming with gorgeous displays of butterfly artwork, books, jewelry, apparel and souvenirs (also most items are available on their website).
While this is a list of MY gifting favorites, you can easily discover your own on any visit to our enticing island. So consider giving yourself the best gift of all this holiday season — a well-deserved escape to Key West!
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