There's less than one month of shopping days to go. The malls are horrible this time of year -- you'll wait an hour to find a parking spot two miles away only to push your way through crowds in order to buy some lousy gift like an acrylic sweater or a Justin Bieber electric toothbrush (sadly, we've seen them in our travels).
What if you could do your shopping in a garden setting while supporting local merchants? Sounds better than a soul-sucking trip to Walmart, any day.
Pinecrest Gardens Farmer's Market, open every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., is pretty much a
one-stop holiday shopping destination. Gifts range from exotic salts to
handmade soaps to orchids. There's literally a present for everyone on
your list, and the prices are far below what's in the mall. Think outside of the box this holiday with these suggestions, most under $10.
Milkweed plants are magnets for Monarchs, who migrate to Florida this time of year. They're a great gift for both the gardening enthusiast and families who want to watch caterpillars turn into gorgeous butterflies. At around $5 a plant, they're a great budget-friendly gift (hint: look for plants that already have caterpillars on them).
Captain Greg smokes his own marlin and wahoo. Buy it by the piece ($9), or pick up a few of his smoked fish dips ($8). They're perfect for entertaining, or as a hostess gift, with a nice box of crackers.
The pickle doctor has a large selection of pickled beets, tomatoes, pickles, and salads -- all for around $5 a container. We suggest putting them in a decorative mason jar for a sour gift for your sweet friends.
These hand carved Buddhas from Bali make gorgeous gifts. Prices vary.
Cheery red velvet ladybug cupcakes are festive and fun. At $2.25 each, they're priced right for holiday parties or school celebrations.
These orchids were the most amazing blue in person. Tabletop terrariums and orchids are wonderful living gifts and prices start under $20.
We love local honey for its range of flavors, and because we're all for supporting the bees. If you have a friend that thinks honey only comes from a plastic bear, open their horizons with an avocado, coffee, or Florida wildflower variety. Prices range based on type, but most are under $10.
Many people give (and receive) boxes of fruit for the holidays. Why not choose your own produce basket, filled with exotic tropical fruit and locally grown citrus, to ship to family up north instead of calling that large catalog company?
Exotic salts and sugars, sourced both locally and from around the globe, bring flavor to the table. Prices vary.
Follow Short
Order on Facebook and Twitter @Short_Order.
