Finding a gift is often a difficult task, many of the people we buy gifts for can afford to buy any of these gifts themselves, so if they really wanted it they probably already have it. One way to find a unique gift is to stay local. A gift from where you live will be unique in another area, so it is more likely to be appreciated. Local gifts are usually handmade by individuals living in your community or are the products of small businesses. These gifts connect you with your community and the recipient of the gift appreciates the hard work that went into making the product. Your efforts in thinking about it just a little deeper than pulling up your browser and clicking a button is also a plus.
Rather than fighting the crowds at the large chain stores this time of year, you can visit a less traveled local store to purchase local gifts. Christmas is about bringing joy to those you love, not standing in giant shopping lines and navigating through a crowded parking lot. I am much happier knowing that my loved one did not withstand such pain to buy me a gift and may have had some fun doing it. Receiving a gift which supports a local business, craftsman or artisan brings more joy all around and that is what the season is about.
Here are a few options we’ve found for purchasing local gifts.
Treasures from the Heart
This shop in downtown Brooksville supports several animal rescues through their sales. In addition to their normal inventory, they are offering a soap gift pack for $11; features full size liquid hand soap and large triple-milled bar soap. Mug gift pack is a retro Santa mug with 3 packages of Land O’ Lakes hot cocoa mix for $10. 15 N. Main Street; Suite A Brooksville, FL 34601
Country Depot
Lots of interesting home decor, accessories, and apparel. A personal favorite is the cowboy boot toilet bowl brush holder. 36 N Broad St, Brooksville, FL 34601
Dana’s Railroad Supply
Close to the junction of Forest Oaks and Deltona boulevards in Spring Hill, stands Dana’s Railroad Supply, a family-run model railway hobby shop. So many great items for the model railroad enthusiast. Gift Certificates Available. Train Set Raffle for a Train Set on Saturday, December 21. Tickets are $1.00 or 6 for $5.00. 4042 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 34606
Accurate Chiropractic Clinic
If the person you are buying a gift for lives here in Hernando County, what is better than a massage? Accurate Chiropractic Clinic is The Hernando Sun Reader’s Choice Gold winner for massage therapy this year. They are having a Christmas Holiday Gift Certificate Sale. You can purchase three 30 minute massages for $100 or a one hour massage for $50. You can call them at 352-684-2707. They are located at 12082 Cortez Blvd in Brooksville.
The Olive Grove is offering a gorgeous holiday basket containing a Koroneiki Olive Tree, Extra Virgin Koroneiki Olive Oil, Olive Oil Soap and organic spice mix.
It’s very affordable starting at $35.00. The Olive Grove also has a variety of classes, seminars and workshops during the year. An annual membership is $100 and includes all Workshops and Events and 1/2 price or cost on outside events. 15016 Rester Dr, Brooksville, FL 34613
Masaryk Winery/ Upicktopia
For a sophisticated local flavor, look no further than Masaryk Winery. Their wines are made on site from the fruit they grow as well as fruit from other Florida farms. They have a variety of wines available from dry and sweet blueberry to pinot noir and wild honey flower. Masaryk Winery is part of the Upicktopia farm. You can pick your fruits and veggies for the week and get a few bottles of wine to give away for Christmas gifts. The farm is located at 19125 Phillips Rd in Masaryktown. 352-308-0110.
Carlisle’s Meat Market
Checkout Carlisle’s for some awesome meat rubs and barbecue sauces. Again, if your gift recipient lives in town, then a gift certificate to Carlisle’s is a great option. They have an amazing selection of meat, poultry and fish. They are also in the Christmas spirit. Santa was visiting last weekend and they are participating in the toys for tots collection. 7601 Horse Lake Rd Brooksville, Fl 34601
Hernando Beach Marina
Purchase a gift certificate for a boat rental for your out of town friends and they will probably take you out on the water when they come to visit. Plus they have a tiki bar with good food and beer. 4139 Shoal Line Blvd, Hernando Beach, FL 34607
Towne Square Mall
The mall serves as an incubator for local small businesses. There are boutiques, a computer store, watch store, and a lady that makes chocolate desserts- yum. This Saturday, Santa will be there 11AM-1PM. 3021 Commercial Way Spring Hill FL 34606
Brooksville Farmers Market
The Hernando County Growers’ Association does a fantastic job organizing this weekly market. The market has many local growers and locally produced goods. You can check them out this Sunday 9am – 3pm and participate in their Christmas Toy Drive. Santa will be there at noon.
