Tis the Season to Shop Like a Local in SoWal

The holiday season is here and it's time to give and time to shop! You have questions and we have answers. What shall I buy? Where should I shop? Who has unique gifts?

We know locals and visitors also want to help our local businesses - our friends and neighbors who are the backbone of our community. So in the spirit of shopping local, here's a super selection of great shops in SoWal where you can find something for everyone on your list. Say "bah humbug" to the giant stores and shop local!
 

Andy Saczynski Studio Gallery
There are obvious reasons why Andy Saczynski, a self taught folk artist, was just named the 2013 Artist of the Year by the South Walton TDC. He is creative, different and detailed in his work. Bring life to a loved one’s home with a piece of art that will last forever. Andy has a studio in north Grayton, so give him a call to see his work at 850.217.9495.
 

Beau Interiors
Beau Interiors in Grayton Beach offers such interior items as furniture, rugs, lighting, art, accessories, gifts and more. If you want to surprise someone with a gift for the home or bring elegance to your own Christmas tree, look no further.
 

Big Daddy’s Bike Shop
Riding a bike in SoWal is one of the best past times here. The scenery is like nowhere else in the world and the weather is too good to be true. Big Daddy’s Bike Shop in Blue Mountain Beach has everything you need to make the rider in your life as jolly as ever. They are a full service shop, offering all biking accessories, an array of bicycles, and a repair shop. Don’t forget to pick up a bike basket, riding wear, and stocking stuffers.

Bow Wow Meow Pet Company
Don’t forget our furry friends this time of year. They love to get new treats, healthy food, and a shiny new collar to sport at the dog park. Bow Wow Meow Pet Company specializes in these items and many more. Make a gift basket for a friend, complete with a t-shirt, hat, treats, or maybe even a Pickle Pocket, which holds treats inside to keep Fido busy for hours. “What to do with number two?” The Poo Doo Leash is a reflective, leash with a satchel to keep your keys, phone, and doggy poo bags. Walking with your best friend has never been easier.
 

Duckies Shop of Fun
Toys and clothes and giant sock monkeys, OH MY! Duckies Shop of Fun in Seaside rivals any large children’s toy store with its charm and unique toys, games, tricks, pranks, and clothes. If you are ready to step outside the box and buy that little one something no one else has, then Duckies Shop of Fun is your store.
 

Emerald Coast Wine and Spirits
Calling all holiday spirits! The odds are, you probably have one or more holiday parties to attend in the next few weeks. What better gift to bring than a bottle of wine or champagne, like the Dom Pérignon they keep in stock. Adding to the bar makes for a happy host and happy guests. Emerald Coast Wine and Spirits has a premium selection of wines from around the world. If there is an item you want that isn’t in the store, they will get it for you. Their extensive inventory of spirits leaves no taste bud behind. Now, with locations in Seacrest, WaterColor, and Destin, there is no doubt you are close by to stop in and stock your bar.
 

For the Health of It Market and Massage
The holiday season can be very stressful between managing the shopping crowds and navigating the family gatherings, and possible dramas therein. For the Health of It Market and Massage in Blue Mountain Beach is offering a ten percent discount on massage therapy gift certificates. They specialize in carrying organic, chemical free produce and meats. With all of the food available for indulging this time of year, your body will thank you for eating healthy and organic. Pick up a free-range turkey or a spiral sliced ham, both without antibiotics or growth hormones.
 

Fusion Art Glass
If you are searching for a unique gift for someone, Fusion in Seaside is known for having the best selection in art glass and couture jewelry. From candleholders to lighting, to vases and sculptures, you better believe that “hard to buy for” friend or family member will be blown away.
 

La Vie Est Belle
Everyone in SoWal has heard of Fine Pearls and Leather Jewelry by Wendy Mignot® in Seaside. If you don’t have a piece yet, this is the year to get one. All girls love jewelry, but this is one you can get for the guys too. Get your loved one that special gift they will have and wear forever. La Vie Est Belle will have their annual “gift tree” out soon, which has some great jewelry at a super discounted price. Whether you are looking for earrings, a bracelet, or a necklace, the team at La Vie Est Belle will style you in a way you have never been styled before.
 

Lily Pads
Lily Pads Specialty Boutiques in historic Grayton Beach brings artists together in a way that caters to every taste. With over twenty vendors, selling furniture, jewelry, accessories, and art, this one of a kind store meets the needs of every client. So, no matter your taste or style, you can find a gift for every personality.
 

McCaskill and Company
Maybe it’s your first Christmas together, or your twentieth anniversary, or your only daughter’s graduation. The occasion will be remembered forever, so why not make the gift a timeless piece of jewelry or a watch that will one day be considered a family heirloom? McCaskill and Company in Miramar Beach is host to some of the world’s most exclusive jewelry and watches. The staff at McCaskill and Company provides world-class service and makes every customer feel special. Stop in this holiday season for the perfect gift for your special someone.

Mercantile

Mercantile in Seaside is a clothing boutique with vintage style, worn, kind of rustic, and somewhat western clothes, boots, belts, wallets, jewelry, and gifts. Their vintage inspired team shirts are a perfect gift for the sports fan. Pick up your holiday wardrobe in one place and mix and match items to create new looks daily.

Nest Home Decor
Nest Home Décor in Grayton Beach North carries old Florida, rustic-style furniture, accessories, gifts and more. Pick up a Vaughan Green pottery piece, Thallo jewelry made from new budding plants, or a woven prayer mat basket. Each line has a story and each piece is unique. Surprise someone with a locally purchased gift that will rival anything else they receive.
 

Seaside Style
Seaside is a big part of many memories made in SoWal. The original t-shirt is on sale for the first time ever! They have marked down what they have left in stock, so snatch one up. It will make the perfect stocking stuffer!
 

Sirens at the Beach
The lady in your life will be ecstatic when you come home with some lingerie to make her feel sexy this holiday season. At Sirens at the Beach in North Grayton, you can choose from European silks and laces, or cool cotton or linen basics. Don’t forget the polka dot pajamas, which are just $64, for those cold nights. Shop for your friend, your girlfriend, your wife, or yourself.
 

Sophisticated Scraps
Sometimes it is the most fitting to give a gift that the recipient will cherish forever. Sophisticated Scraps in Grayton Beach has keepsakes that include handmade quilted pillows, customizable holiday garlands, and kaleidoscope coloring books made from Victorian era items. Almost everything in the store is antique or vintage, but they still get popular items such as “Mr. Frost” melting snowman and stocking stuffers. Make a gift basket for the crafty one in the family with vintage lace, fabric, and buttons. They will love you for it!
 

Wunderland Candy and Craft Factory
If you have a creative, imaginative child in your life, Wunderland in Grayton Beach has the gift for them. Choose candy for stocking stuffers, art kits for a special party, or some of their other items, which will no doubt bring a smile to any child’s face. The reasonable prices and fun-loving atmosphere make shopping a pleasure.

The Workshop

The sister business of Wunderland in Uptown Grayton - Ginger Leigh of Ginger Leigh Designs, is the proud owner and artist at The Workshop in Grayton Beach. Her unique style and collection of Epoxy coated paintings, beeswax paintings, stationary, and collage pieces flow seamlessly throughout her store. If creative art is on your list, stop in for a one of a kind design.

Be sure to check out the SoWal Shopping Guide for even more great places to shop in South Walton. As always - we'd love to hear your shopping tips and adventures!