The 2019 Downtown Holiday Gift Guide
'Tis the season of giving, and if you’re still looking for that perfect, thoughtful gift for your loved ones, look no further. Downtown Pensacola contains a myriad of local boutiques, galleries, restaurants, bars, fitness spots and more. And best of all, if you submit your downtown receipts to downtownpensacola.com/alliwant before Dec. 23, you could win $1,000 to spend downtown! What are you waiting for?
For the person who never sticks to their new year’s resolution:
Make 2020 their year by helping your family and friends start the new decade right. If you know someone with a desire to learn a new instrument or get back into making music, Schmidt’s Music can make the holidays magical and musical. For those looking to get back in shape after the indulgent holiday season, we recommend a gift card or membership at one of our many downtown fitness locations. There’s plenty to choose from, including Disko Lemonade, Gracie Downtown, Ride Society, Pure Pilates and the YMCA.
For the art aficionado:
Check out Blue Morning Gallery for an abundance of unique, local artwork to choose from for your special someone this holiday season. Quayside Gallery is another suitable solution for your art-loving friends and family – whether they prefer sculptures, photography, paintings or other artistic mediums. Love creativity, but lack the wall space? Why not support local galleries by gifting someone you love with a membership at Artel Gallery and Pensacola Museum of Art. You can also check out the weekly Palafox Market (every Saturday from 9am-2pm) for a plethora of handcrafted items and local artwork.
For the history buff:
This holiday season, help others relive the past and the stories that define Pensacola by gifting blasts from the past. At the T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Museum gift shop, you’ll find a vintage Pensacola postcard puzzle replica postcard puzzle inside a gorgeous tin box for a gift that is both timeless and fun. Looking for something that one can take anywhere? Historic Pensacola offers stylish silk oblong scarves printed with a panoramic view of historic Pensacola for those who seek to incorporate Pensacola into their outfit. For gifts that will please the whole family, UWF Historic Trust also offers private, guided group tours of the Historic Village featuring buildings and homes so they can learn more about Pensacola history.
For the fashionista:
Deck the halls and wardrobes with Downtown Pensacola’s clothing and accessories from the many boutiques that offer showstopping apparel for all seasons. Head over to Bluetique to try their selection of classic chic handbags and step into The Market and Mainly Shoes for Southern style that looks good all year round. For flashy winter blouses and tops, Gray Boutique offers clothing that prioritizes quality, comfort and classic style. Don Alans carries a variety of men’s fashion apparel and accessories, including wallets, cufflinks and other men’s accessories that embody style and utility. Be the ultimate Secret Santa and give your friends a custom Santa hat from Melobay. Stop by Scout Boutique for high fashion apparel from brands such as Diane Von Furstenburg and Helmut Lang curated by the boutique’s owner, a former fashion executive with extensive knowledge of design. For those who enjoy the outdoors, make sure you purchase one of South Outfitters’Pensacola sweatshirts that are both stylish and comfortable. Bundle up this holiday season with the best of Pensacola fashion!
For the bejeweled diva:
Why should holiday lights get all the attention? Give the gift of sparkle to your special someone this holiday season. Choose from Susan Campbell Jewelry’s collection of charms and other unique jewelry for a special and personal gift this season. Go classic with Elebash’s Jewelers and shop their fine gifts collection of fine china, crystal and sterling flatware, all of which are perfect for any occasion. Rock Hard Design House’s collection of modern jewelry features non-traditional and custom-made jewelry pieces. At Jeweler’s Trade Shop, diamonds aren't just a girl’s best friend, they’re also the perfect gift for the holiday season. From David Yurman to A. Jaffe, shop the perfect gift for an unforgettable Christmas surprise.
For the craft beer lover:
There’s plenty of options for the craft beer connoisseur in your life. From the newly opened Odd Colony and Emerald Republic Brewing to the tried and true Perfect Plain, Pensacola Bay Brewery and Big Top Brewing. Grab a growler of Perfect Plain’s Durnford English Mild Ale or Odd Colony’s refreshing Holocene Saison. Pick up a gift card so your friends and family can sample Emerald Republic’s Brittle is the Bone Brown Ale or Pensacola Bay Brewery’s Blackbeard Stout. And for those who crave a little more variety, we suggest a Cask & Flights gift card that will grant your loved one with access to a vast array of wines, beers and mead!
For the interior design fanatic:
Do you know someone who’s just moved into their new place or is always looking for new ways to brighten up their homes? You won’t be searching too long for the ideal gift at Urban Objects; purveyors of modern home fixtures and innovative home gadgets. And be sure to head next door to Rusted Arrow Mercantile for beautiful, seasonal décor, lifestyle gifts and more. You can also find lots of great kitchen and home products at So Gourmet for those who love hosting dinner parties or simple get-togethers.
For the person who loves to be pampered:
For that special someone who believes the average bath should last at least an hour, you should grab something special from Belle Amé. This store offers handmade products ranging from bath bombs, soaps, scrub bars and more. Be sure to also stop by Bodacious Bookstore and Café to pick up the perfect bath time book. Take it to the next level and arrange a spa treatment for your loved one at Stay the Spa. You can choose from individual treatments and curated packages that will leave your loved ones feeling refreshed for the new year.
For the night owl:
For those who can’t get enough of Downtown Pensacola, get some tickets to a live show at Vinyl Music Hall or a performance at the Saenger Theatre or Pensacola Little Theatre. There’s also plenty of award-winning and eclectic dining spots downtown including Khon’s on Palafox, Jordan Valley, Jackson’s Steakhouse, Skopelos at New World, Angelena’s Ristorante Italiano, Nom Sushi Izakaya and Global Grill to name just a few. And for those who can’t resist a creative cocktail, we suggest treating them to a few at Wine Bar, Old Hickory Whiskey Bar or the newly opened Kennedy Bar.
For the world wanderer:
Give the gift of travel this holiday season with a tailored trip from Travel Leaders and equip your nomadic friend with the perfect pair of sunglasses from Terrezza and some adventurous apparel from Innerlight Surf Shop. Alternatively, if you know someone who can’t come to Pensacola, bring Pensacola to them with a special gift from The Pensacola Merchant. You can choose from Pensacola-themed clothing, décor and more!
For the kids:
Downtown Pensacola offers a bunch of fun options for the little ones. Check out Sparkle Boutique and Properly Posh Baby Boutique. for some cute, colorful clothing. Pick up a sweet stocking stuffer from Bubba’s Sweet Spot or a Christmassy cupcake from Bluejay’s Bakery. Try something experiential with an escape room at Escape on Palafox or make memories together at the Pensacola Children’s Museum.
For those who treat their pets like kids:
Some people are impossible to shop for, but you can always get them a little something for their ‘fur babies’. At Palafox Market, you’ll find local vendor, Doggy Dough offering a variety of handmade organic dog treats and Snuggle Pillow with the perfect, plush pillow for keeping your friends’ pets warm and comfortable throughout the winter months.
There’s no shortage of gift inspiration available in and around Downtown Pensacola (and we’re certain we’ve missed a lot of great spots from our list). Our best suggestion is to come and stroll around the downtown district, visiting the places that catch your eye and see what great things you find!
[PHOTO CREDIT: RUSTED ARROW MERCANTILE]