11.22.2006

local (jacksonville) holiday shopping guide

this week we (entertaining u) printed a local holiday shopping and gift guide and i thought i'd post it here too. it was written by our staff writers jon bosworth and erin thursby. this guide is really only applicable to local jacksonville folks, so sorry for anyone outside the area... but i do plan on posting links to some really awesome online gift guides i've found too, so check back.




local (jacksonville) holiday shopping guide
by jon bosworth and erin thursby

When you’re doing your shopping this holiday season, there are far better options available to you in Jacksonville than the traditional homogenized fare of the large chain department stores and local malls. In fact, if you shop at smaller, locally-owned retailers, you’ll find that your money stays in our local economy, and the gifts are far more exquisite and therefore cherished by the recipients. From the elegant gifts for refined tastes that you can find in San Marco and Avondale to the eclectic selection available in Riverside, we went shopping in some of the area’s nicest little shops to provide an idea of what you can find if you really look.

I must say that I far preferred parking my car in one spot along a quaint little row of stores and taking my time to sort through the wide variety of gift ideas to find something that suited everyone on my list. There was no fighting against crowds, no rude teenage cashiers, and plenty of friendly shopping advice in each store, often by the owner themselves, who know vast amounts about all of the products they carry. And I certainly didn’t miss the long lines and mediocre fast food of the food courts when I had access to delicious eateries such as The Fox and Biscotti’s in Avondale, Hovan and Sake House in Five Points, and Cool Moose and the famous Whiteway Deli at Whiteway corner.

To top off these lists of little delights, I discovered some truly remarkable gifts at prices more reasonable than any mall, or even Target, could accommodate. My favorite store overall was easily Einstein’s Kitsch-Inn. They are the only place in town where you can get an Uglydoll or a sushi shower curtain, and they also have the best novelty stocking stuffers and collectible toys in town. From smart ass gifts to Simpsons chess sets, they have it all. Get a Jesus or Sigmund Freud action figure, or pick up a wallet that looks like it’s made of bacon.

To get outside of the box in other sides of town, we also highlighted a variety of shops on the Southside, the beaches, and even downtown. So take your pick, but if I were you, I’d avoid the mall.

southside

For humidors and Macanudo cigars, you can’t go wrong with Aroma’s (4372-101 Southside Blvd, 928-0524). They’ve got a selection of state-of-art lighters from Colibri of London ranging in price from about $30 to $130. The Xtreme 2 lighter ($59.95) is waterproof, windproof, includes a compass and has a belt clip. You can even buy the M-Stick lighter with a built in 128MB memory stick for $125. Cigars go from about $2 a stick to $200.

For a super premium tobacco cigar, go for the Grey Cliff brand ($16-$29). Remember, the best stocking stuffers are the cigars that come in sealed tubes, because they’ll keep longer than the ones packaged in plastic. Look for the Romeo y Julieta and Monte Cristo brands for good mid-range priced cigars (from about $6 to $10). The Southside location will be having a 20% off sale on the 16th of December.

Future Computers (4372-203 Southside Blvd, 641-6841) has stocking stuffers for your tech geek as well as larger items. They can order interesting computer shells and have a large screen 42-inch plasma TV ($1299) you can hook up to any computer or use as a TV. If you know a computer geek with a penchant for golf, a great smaller item is the USB Docking Ball ($13.99). You can also gift a laptop owner with a USB IRDA ($39.99) to light up their laptop. Everything Future Computers sells comes with a one-year warranty.

For somebody who seems to have everything, or for a gadget aficionado, try picking a gift at The Spy Shop (3633 Southside Blvd. 565-1004). Stuff a stocking with a Dr. Pepper or a Miller Lite that is really a secret storage container. Cameras hidden in glasses, cell phones and even cute little teddy bears are also available. The best gadget gift was the De-FIB-ulator, a truth/lie probability indicator ($79.95) which determines the anxiety level of the person speaking. It’s not as accurate as a lie detector, but it can be great fun at parties. Also, it hooks up to a cell phone.

At Delcher’s Leather Crafts (9861-1 Beach Blvd., 641-5191) you can get raw leather goods and leather working kits from $7 (knife sheath) to $55 (handbag kit). Delcher Carter himself will be happy to impart leatherworking tips as he shows off his pet parrot, Rambo.


mandarin

All of the Mandarin stores listed here come from the Villages of Mandarin Shopping Center, which is a treasure trove of variety for your gift giving needs. Two of the shops feature crafts. For scrap bookers you can shop at Scrapbook Store (10584 Saint Augustine Road, 260-4330) or you can pick up supplies to make your own gift.



For knitters go to KnitWitz, Inc. (10584 Saint Augustine Road, 260-1636) for books on knitting, supplies and nifty knitting needle caddies. The needle caddies were my favorite item because they could also be used to house chopsticks.





Going to a supermarket for holiday gifts might seem like a really weird thing to do, but the Jax Oriental Market (10584 Saint Augustine Road, 288-8288) has plenty of well priced novelty dishes and cups in the back, as well as interesting kitchen tools. If you know a student going back to college after the holidays, you can give them a gift basket filled with some of the strange oriental candies sold at this store (or you can buy one or two as stocking stuffers).

Kids, or the people with a science leaning, will appreciate stuff from The EcoEd Science Center (10584 Old St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville, 286-0610).

the beaches

Carla’s Shoes (330 A1A N. #301, Ponte Vedra, 543-1566) carries more than shoes. They’ve got purses in the Juicy Couture line ($95-$350) and leather jackets from Cole Haan. If you know a hip mom who’s expecting, she might like the Juicy Couture baby bags ($285-295).



Private Gallery has a hodgepodge of things you can buy, including an awesome selection of scarves ($18-$28), belts and costume jewelry. Clothing brands include Rebecca Beeson and Free People. They’ve also got Lucite trays you can have engraved. The top stocking stuffer, and most popular item, is the Kristina Accessories flat Slimline wallet, which is only a quarter of an inch thick.

Cottage-By-The-Sea (401 3rd Street South, Jacksonville Beach, 246-8411) is crammed with everything Christmas, and it’s good stuff, straight out of the Niemen Marcus catalogue. I especially dug their collection of funky Christmas stockings and ornaments.



Hibernia (108 1st Street, Neptune Beach 249-7321) carries handcrafted wood furniture, but they’ve got plenty of more portable items that make for singular gifts.



Know somebody that’s into Yoga, incense and metaphysics? Stop by Colbalt Moon (217 1st Street, Neptune Beach, 246-2131) to get them everything from candles and yoga mats to nifty statues and meditation CD’s. I’m also a fan of theirs because they carry Betsey Johnson clothing.

Folks at The Bookmark (299 Atlantic Boulevard, Atlantic Beach, 241-9026) will be able to help you pick out exactly the right book as a gift. The people at The Bookmark don’t just look up books in their computers like mindless drones; they actually know books. There’s a beautiful selection of journals, note cards and book marks. For only $30 you can buy a child a cuddly talking bear that reads ‘Twas the Night before Christmas.’

downtown






Looking for a gift on the sweeter side? Try the Shugar Shack (31 West Adams Street, 232-2882). To make the perfect chocolate choice, you’ll have the help of a certified confectioner who personally makes all the chocolates herself. She also sells the popular chocolate encrusted popcorn in large tins. If you’ve got out of town relatives, the Shugar Shop is happy to ship via the downtown UPS.



For gifts that run the gamut, you’ll want to shop at the MOCA Jacksonville (formerly JMOMA) Gift Shop (333 North Laura Street, 366-6911 x211).



Men, if you’re shopping for woman, try Tiara (203 North Laura Street, 356-7711). They sell Paisley’s Bath and Body handcrafted products, yoga mat carriers, jewelry (mostly costume), clothes and shoes.


avondale
(St. Johns Avenue between Edgewood and Dancy Streets)
Most Stores Are Open Monday – Friday 10 am – 5 pm



Avondale Gift Boutique Avondale gets a little more upscale and their prices follow that scale. Up. This shop has a nice courtyard and is right across the street from the neighborhood watering hole, so send the husband over there while you peruse the Christmas ornaments, seasonal décor, Waterford Crystal, Lamp Berger products, and a wide variety of home accents. They even have some great gourmet food items to stuff in a stocking or give to someone at work.

Blair Woolverton Featuring designer clothing and high-end fashion accessories, this is one of the classic Avondale boutiques, especially for outerwear and seasonal accruements.

Peggy McAteer Get a gift certificate for a professional photography sitting and leave the custom framing and matting to them.

The Kennel Shop Pamper your pooch the Ortega way with a variety of animal toys, leashes, designer dog dishes, and novelty accessories that let a “best friend” know that they are loved.
Armour Featuring the largest selection of Diesel watches, clothing, and accessories in town, this new addition to Avondale specializes in contemporary clothing for men and women by a variety of the most popular name brands in the world.

R. Roberts Gallery Find an exquisite collection of contemporary original artwork that is both tasteful and stylish. Let their experts put your purchase in a Larson-Juhl custom frame and bring any wall to life.

Chico’s Specializing in women’s clothing and their own brand, the Travelers Collection, they always have jewelry, fashion accessories, and fragrance diffusers, but at holiday time you can also find candles, ornaments, and stocking stuffers.

J Ashley Boutique Designer fashions and high-end women’s clothing must be a profitable business in Avondale. This boutique has business, formal, and casual attire as well as a variety of fashion accessories.

Denham’s Vineyard Vines casual and evening women’s clothing is one specialty of this boutique. From fashion accessories to entire outfits, this boutique has a wide variety of designer fashions.

Hope Jewelers Find elegant home accents, crystal, fine jewelry, and high-end gifts. From briefcases to diamond rings, they have something for a very specific set of budgets.
Burns Florist Seasonal decorations and floral arrangements made with real or synthetic flowers.
Avante` Salon Featuring Aveda salon and beauty products, they specialize in bath products, cosmetics, and skin and hair care products year-round. Check out their name brand gift sets for the holidays.



Gottahaveit This store showcases a wide variety of seasonal home décor, slogan throw pillows, designer home accents, and gifts by Woven Moments.

Byrdie’s This eclectic novelty store features chandeliers, statuettes, knickknacks, and various seasonal and year-round décor items. They are loaded with unique gift ideas.

Hayden’s Haberdashery Brighten the golf course with this store’s selection of men’s clothing. From designer bow ties and fashionable reading glasses to casual clothes and outfits fit for the clubhouse, this is an Ortega man’s outfitter.

Croatia Boutique Peruse a spectacular variety of décor and furniture imported from Medjugorje, Croatia; you’ve never seen a collection of home and garden décor like this in your life. They are filled with wrought iron furnishings, marble and granite tops, statues, and leather furniture.

Woodward Accessories Specializing in antiques, accessories, fine linens, artwork, garden décor, hats, small furnishings, and KBME Fine Millinery.

Peterbrooke Chocolatier An absolute Jacksonville classic, you really should get everyone on your list a little something from Peterbrooke on the side because their chocolates are delicious and they show that you know what you’re doing when it comes to warming hearts in this town. Their fine chocolates and fresh made candies are known all across North Florida. From their chocolate covered pretzels or popcorn to the cherished gift certificates, you can make anyone feel like a kid in a… well a candy store.

Hobbie Horse Children’s Boutique This enormous store is a grandmother’s dream. Featuring a wide variety of children’s items, everything they have is cute, stylish, and designed just for today’s kids. From plush toys and baby gifts to designer outfits and kid’s furniture, they have everything that sweet dreams are made of.

Bonnie Nuit Browse a healthy selection of women’s intimate apparel, lingerie, and bath and body accessories. Every woman wants something from a store like this.

Open Road Bicycles This standard bike shop is an Avondale staple. They have every kind of bicycle accessory and all of the gear to ride, including some pretty nice bikes.

Shirk Thompson Fine Shoes It will never cease to amaze me the affinity that women have for fine designer shoes, handbags, and purses, but this store has a stunning array of just that.
Yours Truly Antiques Find everything you would expect from a small antique store. It is cozy and quaint and smells like many generations of style have passed through its showroom. Selling old toys, Lionel Trains, glassware, rugs, watches, jewelry, lighting, silver, and artwork, antique lovers will love everything in this store.

Marilyn Foster Oriental Rugs and Antiques One of Jacksonville’s oldest businesses, Marilyn Foster did business downtown for many years before being one of the staple retailers in Avondale. This store is now among the longest established shops in Avondale. They have an exquisite selection of imported Asian rugs, antique tea sets, fine china, artwork, and some furniture.

Art Gallery the Frame Shop This peculiarly named store has more traditional original artwork, with impressionist and realist oil paintings. They also do custom framing for your selected work of art.



Cowford Traders Originally White’s Bookstore, a classic Jacksonville institution, this store slowly morphed into a quaint little shop to pick up delightful gifts. From locally crafted home accents to name brand décor and glassware, you can find one-of-a-kind greeting cards and a variety of novelty gifts here for very reasonable prices.

Willie’s Featuring an exquisite selection of designer children’s clothing, seasonal outfits, fashion accessories, and jewelry. This is the kind of store that fashionable kids love.

Hooshang Oriental Rugs From their delightful selection of nutcrackers to their array of imported Asian rugs and decorative vases, bring the exotic fare of Asia into your home.

Basket Case to the Rescue Basket Case is known for their terrific gift baskets loaded with novelty gifts, toys, home accents, and various party favors as well as humorous slogan merchandise.

Myra et al Find fine linens by Pine Cone Hill and bath accessories by Bronnley, not to mention their healthy selection of throw pillows in a variety of styles and colors. They also carry NDI glassware and a selection of home décor items.

Lulus Everything you need to get ready for parenthood. Lulus has stylish designer maternity clothes, children’s clothing and fashion accessories, and children’s furniture. Enjoy the assistance of a professional interior decorator when designing your children’s room.

Casablanca Featuring hair care products and skin care systems that are only available in professional salons. Casablanca has long been regarded as one of Jacksonville’s finest salons and their retail products are certain to share that reputation.

Underwoods Another Jacksonville institution, Underwoods is among the most reputable stores in Jacksonville for finding fine jewelry, china, silver serving sets, and collectible crystal. Some of the designer jewelry is by David Yurman and Bernardaud.

Emly Benham Benham’s boutique is almost too chic for Jacksonville. Featuring stylish jewelry and high-end fashion accessories, you won’t find designer shoes and handbags like these anywhere else in town.

Anita’s Garden Shop Specializing in garden décor, this shop is the perfect place to outfit the green thumb on your list with Summer Classics outdoor décor and implements as well as seasonal decorations.

Circa Featuring gourmet candies by Goodness Gracie as well as fine china, lampshades, and home décor.

Petal Another Avondale boutique specializing in designer fashion accessories, handbags, and purses.

Khakis Toys and Gifts For the fashionable mother, Khakis changed from educational toys to designer baby bags, Bugaboo strollers, Zutano baby bags, and children’s plush toys and clothing.

Lanny’s Just across the street from Khakis, next to Perk’s coffee shop, is Lanny’s. They specialize in fine jewelry, watches, and fashion accessories.

Julia Claire Get your gift personalized. From monogrammed linens and bags to novelty items, stationary, and picture frames, this quaint and contemporary store has some truly stylish implements you can take into your daily life.


san marco shopping district

(The strip along San Marco Boulevard between Hendricks and Naldo Avenues)
Most Stores Are Open Monday – Friday, 10 am – 6 pm

The Snob Designer consignment shop specializing in like-new designer clothing, high-end fashions at second-hand prices, and fashion accessories by the world’s most exclusive designers.

In the Kitchen Sign them up for cooking classes or find them professional grade cutlery, practical cookware, and decorative tableware for the home.

Reve Designer dresses and casual women’s clothing, including fun shoes by Yellow Box.

Rosie True Featuring stylish casual clothing and contemporary designer fashions for the hip woman. These are fashions from a very cosmopolitan boutique.

Miriams Specializing in fine and estate jewelry year-round, they also stock up on elegant and breathtaking gifts and finery during the holiday season.

Duck Duck Goose High-end children’s boutique with designer outfits and matching sibling sets. From fashion accessories to specialty dresses for specific events, this is THE children’s boutique in San Marco.

Starbucks Coffee and coffee stuff. You know.

Mimis Featuring antiques, tableware, collectible figurines and stylish designer serving sets, Mimis is a kitchen and gift shop to match any in the South.

Luna Women’s designer fashions, jewelry, and fashion accessories such as designer handbags.

Karl’s Clothier Men and women’s fashions as featured in publications such as Harper’s Bazaar. Specializing in elegant and more traditional tastes.

Pick of the Crop Find fun and casual designer clothing and fashion accessories for women.

San Marco Petites Casual women’s fashions and seasonal designer clothing with everything you need to accessorize.

The Beauty Bar Featuring gourmet candles, skin care products, bath and beauty products, and specialty, spa-quality creams and lotions.

Adler Interior design and home furnishings. From high-end home décor to elegant throw pillows and lamps.

Gallery Framing Wall art and specialty office art prints. From original works by local painters to custom framing, they have your art situation under control.

Edwards of San Marco Knickknacks and collectibles that are crafty and cute, as well as pocket knives, pipes, walking sticks, fine pens, bookends, frames, and a selection of fine tobacco and cigars.

Monograms and More Personalized gifts, custom screen printing, embroidery, and custom gifts of exquisite quality.

Peterbrooke Chocalatier Very literally some of the best chocolate products anywhere. Peterbrooke is a Jacksonville institution that we can be proud of. Every gift should come with a little Peterbrooke chocolate on the tag. It says a little extra something.

Underwoods I’ll just list these crazy high-end brand names and if you know them, now you know where to find them: Cellini, Ritani, Penny Preville, Leslie Greene, Elara, Mikimoto, Roberto Coin, and Judith Ripka.

Bath & Linen Shop Fine linens by Nancy Koltes, bath and bedroom designs by Yves Delorme, and bedding by Scandia Down are just the beginning. This is Bed Bath & Beyond done San Marco style. Where else could you find Armani Casa?

The Grotto This exquisite wine bar and shop is a great place to get a shopping snack and a glass of wine. Pick up some gift certificates while you’re there and introduce someone new to a delightful hangout.

Stellars Gallery Featuring museum-quality oil paintings and original artwork. Get your purchases custom framed. Even if the art is out of your league, take a walk through the gallery to see some beautiful original work displayed properly.

Leila’s For casual designer women’s clothing and “delicious fashions,” hit up this fun San Marco boutique. Specializing in cutting-edge fashions and hip accessories.

San Marco Bookstore Specializing in vintage gifts, especially rare and collectible books, new books, and even decorative and classic coffee-table literature.

The Wardroom Ltd. Showcasing seasonal décor, knickknacks, personality gifts, frames, and one-of-a-kind home décor.

The Write Touch One of my favorite stores in Jacksonville. This store has the best gifts for the savvy businessperson. From specialty writing implements and leather planners to fine office décor and journals, The Write Touch gives a man style and a woman character.

Impressions This gift-shop-of-all-gift-shops features gift wrapping accessories, unique party supplies, greeting cards, and Christmas card sets.

5 Sisters Boutique Contemporary women’s fashions, “flirty skirts,” evening wear, and stylish fashion accessories.


five points

(Where Park Street crosses Lomax and Margaret) Most Stores Are Open Monday – Saturday 11am to 6pm

Inertia Records/Heartworks Café & Gallery Your Five Points shopping should really start here if you want an authentic Riverside experience. From the original Mark George artwork on the walls to their collection of rare CDs and vinyl, underground books, and terrifically informed children’s books to freshly made vegan and gluten-free baked goods, they are the kind of store you won’t find on any other side of town.

Nanny’s Send the parties not interested in underground music and gluten-free baked goods over to Nanny’s, across Lomax Street, to shop for children’s clothing. From seasonal outfits to fashion accessories for children, it caters to a more traditional crowd.

Fans & Stoves The largest antique store in Riverside, as far as I can tell, they carry a huge array of antiques, collectibles, jewelry, décor, novelty items, home accessories and art by Jacksonville’s famous R. Land, as well as fashions by Edge City. Various vendors use this store to sell their wares; you just have to see it.

Midnight Sun Featuring a wildly eclectic selection of imported clothing, furniture, and various other home décor items from Burma and around the world, this store is like the real version of Pier 1 Imports. Find hand-carved décor and housewares, as well as authentic musical instruments and even Burt’s Bees gift sets.

Einstein’s Kitsch-Inn The best selection of kitsch and novelty gifts in town. From hilarious gag gifts and fun stocking stuffers to novelty action figures and a wide variety of pop culture gifts, this store is fun, affordable, and appeals to your more creative side.

Hypnotique This is the clubbers boutique. Come here for hipster clothing, retro fashion accessories, chic shoes, and stylish sunglasses.

Gold Exchange & Jewelers of Jax This Five Points staple sells fine gold and silver jewelry, diamonds, watches, and serious fashion accessories. But they also carry some nice flasks, unique clocks, and elegant glass boxes.

Riverside Liquors & Village Wine Shop “Candy is dandy but liquor is quicker.” Featuring a wide selection of vintage wines and every alcoholic beverage legal in the US, you can get the perfect gift for a connoisseur of fine liquor or a plain old alcoholic.

Lifestyles A gift and home furnishings gallery featuring contemporary home décor, greeting cards, home accessories, eclectic interior design implements, candles, cookbooks, and some fine furniture.

Anomaly Contemporary fashions and the accessories to complement them is their specialty. Many of their items are crafted by local designers and available exclusively at this store.

Nicotine Tobacco and Clothing Riverside’s skate shop also has an International selection of cigarettes and fine cigars. From slogan stickers and skateboard clothing and accessories to stylish cigarette cases and ashtrays, this is an authentically Five Points store.

Edge City One of Five Points’ founding stores, they set the bar for eclecticism very early on in this neighborhood. Featuring a stylish variety of designer fashions, including evening wear, casual outfits, and a huge selection of exquisite jewelry and fashion accessories, and the stylish creations of the store’s owner, Gunnel, there is plenty to look at here.

Time Warp Vintage Five Points always has some sort of vintage clothing store, and this one has stuck because of their exotic collection of fashions from every era. From this season’s popular Eaton caps (also known as “newsboy” caps or “thug” caps) and some novelty hats (they have fedoras) to shoes, faux fur coats, and even pleather jackets, these clothes will send you back in time.

Aloha Paradise Find fun tropical clothes and beach wear in this kitschy souvenir store with real Florida fashions. They are the only place in town with flip flop socks in a variety of styles, and their flip flop and sandal collection in general is impressive, but they also carry jewelry, sports watches, surf wear, and beach-themed décor.

Violet Find stylish and eclectic fashions and ensembles in this unique women’s boutique. Featuring a variety of silk scarves, Antica Farmacista fragrance diffusers, sage roll-on perfumes, and vintage jewelry, you can really look spectacular without compromising individuality. They are the area’s exclusive distributors of Built by Wendy women’s clothing and OnGossamer underpinnings.

The Clothing Warehouse Specializing in wearable vintage clothing from the 1940s to the 1980s, this vintage clothing store is less novelty and is loaded with great deals on a great look. Find Western shirts and cowboy boots or enjoy rare and one-of-a-kind dresses, shirts, and leather jackets.

Boger’s Shoes Featuring a wide variety of brand name shoes for every occasion as well as specialty footwear, this shoe store is a longtime Five Points staple.

Urbane New to the Five Points scene, this interior design store features contemporary furniture, seasonal décor, stylish home accents, and contemporary artwork.

City Cycle Bicycles Find a wide range of bicycles and match one to your needs. They also have sports clothing and biker gear.

European Bath & Body Gifts From gourmet soaps (I guess you would call them) to specialty fragrances, they have great gifts for people that like to pamper themselves in the bath as well as Phyto Pro Hair Care gift sets and designer lotions.

Caribbean Connection A classic Five Points head shop-turned-boutique. They have incense, band shirts, hair dye, belt buckles, body jewelry, Zippos, belts, and fashion accessories. Shoes by Vans, pants by Dickies, vintage jewelry, and gift certificates for piercing and tattoos.

Satu Showcasing a stylish selection of women’s contemporary fashions by Meltin Pot, fine Italian shoes, designer handbags, jewelry, and a selection of sunglasses, you can always find cutting-edge seasonal fashions without going totally broke.

Wolfgang The male version of Satu, they have great casual clothes and underwear by American Apparel and Topless California as well as Robert Wayne shoes, Alife Streetwear, and a wide selection of Diesel fashions for men.

Rainbows and Stars This store is so gay. By that, I mean their merchandise is made for or about homosexual men and women. From novelty gifts and slogan Ts to home décor and collectibles, this store lets you speak out or just buckle down and decorate.


whiteway

(The Intersection of Park & King Streets)
Most Stores Are Open Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm

Carter’s Park & King Pharmacy Although they are known as a longtime neighborhood pharmacy that carries medical supplies, they usually stock up on some nice gifts and forget-me-nots around the holidays.

One of Each Gifts Find a unique selection of novelty gifts, eclectic décor, knickknacks, seasonal candles, greeting cards, and housewares. Great stocking stuffers and not a huge price tag.

Bloomers Lingerie Find designer name brand sleepwear by Camille Beckman, specialty undergarments, slippers, housecoats, and casual intimate clothing for around the house.
American Beauty Florists Seasonal interior décor, Christmas ornaments, floral arrangements, and delightful plush toys and gifts.

Southern Crossings Antique Mall Antique chandeliers and furniture, elegant home décor from a variety of eras, knickknacks, collectible dinnerware and glassware, and a whole lot more in their huge store.

The Treehouse This children’s boutique features specialty and seasonal dresses, pajamas, outfits, fashion accessories and baby clothes for children of various ages.

Universe of Superheroes A fun adventure store filled with rare comics, serials, graphic novels, fan items, collectible figurines, and limited edition collectibles.

Primrose Pet Boutique and Antique Mall From collectible glassware and novelty gifts to pet clothing and stylish leashes, this store offers a variety of gift ideas.

Fig Leaf A consignment shop is a great place to find like-new name brand fashions for more affordable prices. This store is loaded with great clothing values. Located across from European Street Café, it’s a little way up Park Street.

Antique Lily Next to Fig Leaf is this store that showcases antiques, home décor, furniture, and collectibles.

BJs Park Street Antiques & More Antiques, home furnishings, décor, and a wide variety of antiques.

Bungalow Artworks Gallery & Framing For shabby chic décor and contemporary home accents, go just a little further up Park Street. Original artwork, window decorations, sculptures, home décor, glass and porcelain are some of the products they carry.

European Street Café Pick out your basket and fill it with European candies, gourmet chocolates, international grocery items, spices, fresh baked cookies, and sassy home accents and let them wrap it up pretty with a gift certificate to their delightful restaurant. They also have an international showcase of beers.

Glenn Certain Studio – Floral Design Artists Even if they don’t have anything on your list (or within your budget) their selection of contemporary seasonal décor, custom world-class floral arrangements, and stylish home accents are worth a look. The store is beautiful and it’s displayed like a gallery of color and season.

11.16.2006

i like you by amy sedaris




i bought the book i like you by amy sedaris a month or so ago, and it is by far one of my favorite book purchases i have ever made. if you enjoy hosting get-togethers or if you are an amy sedaris fan, you MUST get this book. it will have you laughing outloud, non-stop. and the drawings and pictures are amazing. in fact, if you're stumped on a good christmas gift to give, this book is a great coffee table book and all the recipes are legit. i can't imagine anyone hating it. this week we (entertaining u) ran a review on it. you can read the review, by staff writer erin thursby, here.

11.15.2006

vintage vessels



it's a great day when you come across a good vintage find. the beautiful glass vases above come from a vitage website / huge warehouse called modhaus. i read about modhaus the other day on design*sponge and supposedly its one of the best kept vintage secrets out there, especially if you live the boston area. (too bad florida is no where near this.) the site features not only decorative items, but art, electronics and furniture too.

11.14.2006

jacksonville save the date: tiara shoes and accessories



tiara shoes and accessories is, hands down, one of the best places in jacksonville to shop for [women's] shoes. and this thursday, november 16th from 5pm-8pm they will be celebrating their second anniversary with a party! at the party they will be featuring complimentary makeovers by the beauty bar and daniel james salon. and you will also save 20% off on all purchases. my advise is go take advantage of the discount, there WILL be something in there you'll want to buy. tiara shoes is located in the heart of downtown at 203 north laura street, right across the street from jacob's jewelers (another fantastic downtown establishment!). also maria jones, the owner, is really nice and friendly. (you can read an interview that urban jacksonville blog did with maria here.) go see the fab shoes and maria. support local and downtown businesses. -- save the date!




(images taken from tiara's website and tiara's email updates)

11.12.2006

it's time to dust off the address book




here it is. it's officially the holiday season. and it's time to start picking out some holiday cards.

(pictured above) on the left hand-side are a few picks from letter owl paper goods. the top right features rudolph from the very cute stationery shop, pink loves brown. on the bottom right is a card picked from the graphically conscious holiday card collection at emma rose papery.

(pictured below) the first cute little guy reminds me of happy feet, and can be found at the moma store. the two original cards with the check-off choices are brought to us by paper+cup. remind others to have a hoot of a new year by sending the fourth card by emma rose papery. one good bumblebee has all sorts of fun cute-sy items, including this last card.



and finally, i'll leave you with these gorgeous patterned wrapping sets from ever so thoughtful Heidi.



11.08.2006

welcome

hello, my name is rachel. and welcome to my blog. i have been an avid blog reader for quite some time now, and now i have made my very own. what do i do? well, i am the creative director of entertaining u newspaper, a weekly entertainment newspaper in jacksonville, florida. in this blog i do not plan to say much... for i do not claim to be a writer of any sorts. however, i would like to show you things; from interesting things i find while reading other blogs to cool events happening locally, here in jacksonville. i hope this blog finds you smiling. and i also hope you have a great day.

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