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Holiday Shopping in Tampa: Unique, Local Gifts Top the List

Treat your friends and family to a favorite cigar, artisan craft or Tampa attraction

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By
Tampa Local Expert

 
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    Happy Holidays from Tampa!

    As the holidays draw near and everyone scrambles to complete their gift lists, here are 10 carefully chosen ways to give the gift of Tampa this year. Whether you're celebrating the holidays here, reliving past vacations or planning a future trip, there are gifts on this list perfect for everyone on yours.

    Photo courtesy of Pedro Castellano / Visit Tampa Bay

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    A CityPass to Tampa Attractions

    Give the gift of unique, fun-filled experiences this holiday season with a Tampa CityPASS. The CityPASS offers discounted admission to five must-see attractions, including Busch Gardens, Florida Aquarium, Clearwater Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo and the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) or Chihuly Exhibit, plus other discounts. The cost for adults is $119 and $99 for children under 10. Visit CityPass.com/Tampa to purchase.

    Photo courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa

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    Cigar City Brewing Sign

    With a single-minded dedication to making great beer and a reverence for Tampa’s history and culture, Cigar City Brewing has quickly become a brand known and loved both at home and across the country. Advertise your love of Cigar City with this genuine Cigar City Brewing pub sign, $20. It's available at the store and online.

    Photo courtesy of Cigar City Brewing

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    eBoats Water Ride

    Offer loved ones a different perspective of Tampa's beautiful downtown waterways with the gift of an eBoats excursion. Conveniently located next to the Convention Center, these eco-friendly, electric-powered boats are virtually silent, providing a relaxing way to explore on your own or host a holiday party. Boats are rented hourly beginning at $85 per hour (weekend rate).

    Photo courtesy of eBoats Tampa

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    Columbia Restaurant Gift Box

    Conjure up fond memories of Tampa by giving the gift of a Columbia Restaurant Gift Box. For over 100 years, this legendary restaurant has been serving their traditional family recipes and offering a taste of Tampa. Pictured here is the Traditional Columbia Gift Box, $59.95, full of signature items, including private roast Cuban coffee and the world-famous 1905 salad dressing. Purchase it at their gift store or online.

    Photo courtesy of Columbia Restaurant

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    Artisan Jewelry

    The Singing Stone in Ybor City is a working studio and gallery that features one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted jewelry by local designer Dan Balk. The gallery, owned by Balk and his wife Nataly, also proudly supports the work of other local and regional artists. Pictured here is a 2014 ring, sterling silver and round blue topaz, for $125.00.

    Photo courtesy of Dan Balk / Singing Stone Gallery & Studio

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    For College Football Fans

    Few other places in the country feature a New Year's Day college football bowl game complete with great weather. For almost 30 years, Tampa's been hosting the popular Outback Bowl, featuring teams from the SEC and Big Ten Conference. Treat your favorite college football fan with tickets, $80, available at Ticketmaster outlets.

    Photo courtesy of Outback Bowl

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    Mighty Fine Stogies

    Once the cigar capital of the world, Tampa is still a mecca for cigar-lovers everywhere. Maintaining the family legacy of Arturo Fuente is the Tampa Sweethearts Cigar Company, where you can find this perfect gift for the occasional smoker, a Humidor Travel Bag filled with Arturo Fuente Double Chateau Sun Grown Cigars. It sells for $32.95.

    Photo courtesy of Tampa Sweethearts Cigar Company

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    Fresh Florida Oranges

    It’s hard to think of Tampa and not think of all the fresh fruits and veggies you can get here. Family-owned Parkesdale Farms has been growing and gifting fresh citrus, strawberries and produce since 1956. Many varieties of citrus are available just in time for the holidays. Pick up a box of sweet, juicy navels for $28.95, or have them shipped.

    Photo courtesy of Parksdale Farms

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    Black & Denim T-Shirts

    Local clothing design company Black & Denim has made inroads nationally with their popular line of casual, comfortable and stylish men’s clothing. Made entirely in the USA, and mostly in Tampa, they feature a carefully curated selection of graphic t-shirts at $39 each, featuring unique designs inspired by American music and lifestyle.

    Photo courtesy of Skye Rodgers

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    "One Day Tampa Bay"

    Swing by the eclectic yet classic Oxford Exchange, and browse their carefully curated bookstore and gift store. Pick up a copy of One Day Tampa Bay, $40, a beautiful coffee table book that showcases a 24-hour period in Tampa through photographs. It's published by Tampa’s Florida Museum of Photographic Arts.

    Photo courtesy of Oxford Exhange

With a rich cultural history and vibrant art scene, Tampa offers plenty of opportunities to find gifts of local significance or produced by local artists. From the best cigars to handmade crafts to thrilling roller-coaster rides, there are unique gift options sure to delight even the most difficult to please.

If you're shopping for unique, local gifts in Tampa, a good place to start is Ybor City — Photo courtesy of Visit Tampa Bay

Established in the mid-1800s as a center of cigar production, Tampa’s historic Ybor City still sports a variety of cigar stores that keep the tradition alive. Tampa Sweethearts Cigar Company is a perfect example.

Located in a renovated historic bungalow, this small but well-stocked store is owned by the descendants of Arturo Fuente, once a major manufacturer in West Tampa. They continue the family tradition and still feature Arturo Fuente cigars, among other major brands.

Many Tampa shopping connoisseurs know that the best local products can be found at one of the area's many fresh markets. For Marisa Langford, local blogger and community organizer, Tampa Bay fresh markets are her go-to when buying gifts that say "Love from Tampa."

"They offer a wide variety of local artisan work, plus foods, spices and more, utilizing only fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients,” says Langford.

To find a market near you, you can visit TampaBayMarkets.com for a listing of some of the best.

Another wonderful way to share Tampa with your loved ones is the gift of a wonderful experience. With its world-class attractions, warm weather and beautiful location, Tampa provides plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the city.

If you want to pack in all the majors, try giving a Tampa CityPASS. The pass offers access to five area attractions, including Busch Gardens and the Florida Aquarium for 39% less than individual tickets.

Luckily, the nine-day time limit doesn’t start until after the pass’ initial use, so this is also a great gift for anyone planning a trip to Tampa in the future.

About Skye Rodgers

Skye loves poking around Ybor City, looking for unique and one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and family.

Read more about Skye Rodgers here.

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