As the holidays are quickly approaching, you’re likely already racking your brain for the perfect, one-of-a-kind gift for your loved one. The good news is you don’t have to go farther than Pensacola, if you know where to look.
Before you’re tempted to flee to the big box stores on Nov. 24, consider checking out a few of Pensacola’s small businesses that are sure to please even the hardest to shop for in your life.
For the Disney theme park lover
If you have a theme park super-fan in your life who makes the trip every year or has committed multiple Disney movies to memory, Dream Along with Us, an online business run by husband-and-wife duo Mike and Jessica Bowen, have the perfect gifts for you. The Dream Along With Us online store has a variety of hand-made ears that vary in color, texture and style. If you’re feeling bold, you can peruse the Villain Collection where you can channel your “Sea Witch” with tentacles shooting off the top of the ears, or your inner Cruella Deville in the “Dalmatian Designer” which splits a black and white sequin bow atop Dalmatian spotted mouse ears. Other unique options include the lacey bridal themed ears, furry wookiee ears or play it safe with the iconic polka dotted classic ears offered in red or pink. For full details, visit the Dream Along With Us website here or Tiktok.
For the candle lover
You can probably picture that friend who has a seasonal candle on every coffee table. But can you blame them? A good candle can fill the room with coziness. The locally owned and operated Pensacola Candle Company offers hand-poured coconut soy candles and wax melts without the extra additives and toxins. Customers can shop the Pensacola Candle Company. online store and find unique seasonal favorites like the Autumn Night scented candle made with ground cinnamon stick, nutmeg, clove and subtle hints of apple atop sandalwood and woodsy cedar musk. The Pensacola Candle Company products are also sold at various locations in-person throughout Pensacola, including Bodacious Bookstore & Cafe, the National Naval Aviation Museum, Covington Mercantile & Coffee Co., 98 Treasures, Delta Beauty Bar, and more. Find the full list of locations at the Pensacola Candle Company website at www.pensacolacandleco.com.
For the animal lover
If you have a loved one who makes the animals, both indoor and outdoor, feel at home in their space, the For the Birds Reality birdhouses will make the perfect addition to their home. Handcrafted in Pensacola, For the Birds Reality takes birdhouses to the next level. These are more like luxury estates and mansions. These unique birdhouses come in the shape of RV campers, high-steepled churches, barns and beach bars. Some of the designs are even inspired after real-life Pensacola places, such as Peg Leg Pete’s and Native Café. Although Jim Goolsby and his wife, Donna, do not have an online store, they are regular vendors at the Palafox Market and can make arrangements over the phone at 850-324-4592 or email at dsg7414@gmail.com. Follow the For the Birds Reality Facebook page for updates and information.
For the customization lover
Cantonment-based Bird Dog Engraving is a husband-and-wife team who specialize in custom engraving that makes for the perfect personalized gift. Some of their designs featured on their Etsy store include custom tumblers, wooden ornaments, dog leash holders, coasters, Epoxy cutting boards, wall signs and much more. You will be able to guarantee that the gift you deliver cannot be found in the stores. Follow the Bird Dog Engraving Etsy shop and Facebook group for more updates and information.
For the fashion lover
If you’re looking for something fun for the friend always in style, The Crafted Makerie offers a large line of handmade jewelry and accessories based out of Pensacola. Owner Kelsey Wiseman handcrafts a variety of fun, lightweight designs that fit any style. Her collections offer seasonal earrings, staples and statement pieces. You’ll find everything from earrings crafted into neutral florals, glittery Christmas trees and Shania Twain quotes. Find her full collection on The Crafted Makerie website where she offers shipping and also options for local pick-up.
For the home décor lover
For the friend or family member always on the hunt for a unique statement piece for their home, The Wild Potter offers handmade pottery from Pensacola, some pieces even made with locally dug clay. The Wild Potter online shop is divided into household items (like bowls and vases), local clay pieces, flowerpots, kitchen items and bird feeders that provide a one-of-a-kind, eye-catching addition to anyone’s home.
For the coffee lover
For the friend who can’t take on a task without a cup of coffee in hand, Alla Prima Coffee Roaster offers a variety of gift options using coffee beans roasted right here in Pensacola. The online store is stocked with DIY cold brew blends, whole beans bags, and some unique finds, such as bourbon barrel aged coffee and cascara (coffee flower) tea. Or if you want to show a little extra love, you can sign them up for a monthly coffee bag subscription that can either have a pre-selected flavor or an exciting “roaster’s choice.” It doesn’t get any fresher, as the coffee is roasted and shipped within 72 hours of the subscription start date.
For the plant lover
For the friend who has the green thumb (or a yellow-ish one that wants to one day get to green) succulents make an excellent gift due to their long-life span compared to the stemmed flower. Not only does Jade Tree Succulents Owner Catherine Boswell select visually stunning plants, but she creates unique arrangements that fit a wide variety of design tastes, such as succulents growing out repurposed typewriters, French bathtubs, busts, bowls and disco balls. Jade Tree products can be found for sale inside a variety of local businesses, including the Mrs. Jones Coffee and The Idle Read’s Bookstore, Bodacious Bookstore and Café, the Palafox Market and other pop-up events. Follow the Jade Tree Succulents Facebook page for more updates and information.
For the food lover
For the food fanatics in your life looking to spice things up, the Pensacola small-batch Sealey Sauce Co. offers a variety of unique flavors sure to pleasantly surprise. Some of the varieties that are sold online include the Original Small Batch Hot Sauce, the Blue Mango Habanero, the Bourbon Barrel Hot Sauce and the Ghosted Hot Sauce. Or, order one of each to create a sampler pack. For more updates and information, follow The Sealey Sauce Company Facebook page.
For the art lover
If you’re an admirer of Graffiti Bridge designs and wish they would last just a little bit longer, the Graffiti Bridge online shop repurposes the designs into rings, earrings, magnets, prints, stickers, coasters, coffee mugs and more. You can peruse the site for pieces from your favorite artist, such as “The Rodman Collection,” which features designs from muralist RodMan Visions, or art made from the paint itself, such as the marbled dangle earrings made from layers of graffiti spray paint collected from the Graffiti Bridge. No two pairs are alike. More information can be found on The Graffiti Bridge website.