Finding the perfect gift is easy on the Paradise Coast. With so many marvelous shops, you can strike gift gold for everyone on your list, from the discerning fashionista to the serious foodie. Here’s the lowdown on where to shop.
For the fashionista.
A visit to the Waterside Shops is a must for some of the world’s finest luxury brand retailers. This upscale shopping center recently welcomed boutiques from Salvatore Ferragamo, Van Cleef & Arpels, St. John, Kate Spade, Juicy Couture, De Beers and Basler, joining an already impressive collection of shops, including Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Burberry and Gucci. Department stores Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom offer even more high fashion, with the recently expanded Saks offering in-store boutiques for Chanel, Giorgio Armani, La Prairie and Chantechaille, to name just a few. Some of the shops here are the only ones in Florida or even in the nation, so finding something to impress your trend-setting friends shouldn’t be a problem. (Not to mention finding something fabulous for yourself!)
Another area not to be missed is historic downtown Naples, offering a variety of unique designer boutiques. One such boutique, Marissa Collections, has been recognized nationally by Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar as a fashion leader. The 10,000-square-foot boutique features hundreds of top designers including Michael Kors, Valentino and Brunello Cucinelli. Several trunk shows throughout December give you a sneak peek at spring fashions and some even feature special appearances by the designers.
December Trunk Shows:
Cynthia Rose Spring, Dec. 3-4
Arunashi Fine Jewelry, Dec. 3-5
Phillip Lim Spring, Dec. 10-11
Hassan Bounkit, Dec. 10-13
J Mendel Spring, Dec. 15-16
Valentino Spring, Dec. 18-19
For details and contact information, visit www.MarissaCollections.com.
Even if your budget is limited, you can find fashion at amazing prices at the area’s superb collection of consignments shops. Visit downtown Naples’ Trail of Treasures (within walking distance of Fifth Avenue South) for second-hand stores offering fashions that are both wallet-friendly and runway-worthy. Or stop by Prime Outlets for up to 65 percent off fashions such as Liz Claiborne, Coach and Izod.
For the island hopper.
Not surprisingly, there are plenty of shops on the Paradise Coast offering clothing and gear for seaside fashion and fun. In downtown Naples, along Fifth Avenue South, Third Street South, in Tin City and in Crayton Cove at Naples City Dock, you’ll find several shops specializing in swimwear, island fashions, nautical-themed gifts and other beach and boating necessities. The Aggro Surf Shop at the Coastland Mall offers great beach apparel for men. Venture to Marco Island and visit The Esplanade for Guy Harvey’s signature island wear or visit Island Trends, an island-inspired boutique featuring clothing, watches and shoes from names like Tommy Bahama and QuikSilver.
For the little one.
Several children’s boutiques offer great finds for your little fashionistas. Here’s just a few to check out: All About April at Village on Venetian Bay, Gigi’s Children’s Boutique at Mercato and Beth Mone’ in the Third Street South shopping district. You’re sure to find adorable outfits and unique toys that will make the perfect gift.
For the foodie.
Visit the Third Street South shopping district in downtown Naples for several great gourmet markets. Le Lafayette Boutique, the sister shop to the Le Lafayette Restaurant, features exquisite French gourmet food items, wine, gift baskets, pottery, china and accessories. Tony's Off Third, a nationally recognized boutique wine store, features special wines from a variety of vineyards for the wine connoisseurs on your gift list. (Shop there in the morning and you can enjoy their excellent coffee and pastries.) Visit The Sea Salt Market, located inside Sea Salt restaurant, for gourmet foods and wines that are the basis for Chef Aielli's Northern Italian-inspired cuisine. Shop on a Saturday morning and you’ll also enjoy Third Street South’s weekly Farmer’s Market, offering lots of fresh delights but also some great gift options, from coffees and chocolates to jams and relishes.
For the chotchke lover.
Visit Tin City or the consignment and thrift shops along 10th Street, both in downtown Naples, for some truly eclectic knickknacks. The Big Cypress Market Place, a 90,000-square-foot air-conditioned flea market, is also a great place to browse for unique gifts. Shop from 150 different merchants and enjoy on-site live entertainment, a gaming parlor, a winery and much more.
For the art enthusiast.
More than 100 art galleries have helped to put the Paradise Coast on the map as a vibrant arts community, and they all offer one-of-a-kind gifts. You’ll find most of them along Fifth Avenue South, Third Street South and Broad Avenue, known as Gallery Row, in downtown Naples. Or venture into the heart of the Everglades to visit the Big Cypress Gallery, home to the works of renown black and white photographer Clyde Butcher. You’ll find prints, calendars, books, note cards and more that make exceptional gifts. Gift shops at Art League – Marco Island’s Center for the Arts and the Naples Museum of Art are also great places to find gifts for your family and friends who appreciate original art.