Forget scouring the Internet and battling the Dadeland crowds to find the right gifts for everyone on your list, this holiday we’ve turned to some local experts to find out what’s hot in their shops for 2015. From diamonds to minions, here’s what (and where) to shop for the best of the season.
Learning Express
9529 S Dixie Hwy.
learningexpress.com
This Pinecrest standby (a favorite of local parents looking for the best birthday gifts!) says Star Wars and Minions will remain a favorite for 2015, as well as the ever-popular Stand Band bracelet kits (simple, stretchable, mixable friendship bracelets). And for lucky Miami little ones the pool is always in play- kick up your backyard style with funky floats (we’re partial to the donut) and sequined goggles.
Group LX
Market: 5818 Sunset Drive
Finds: 7211 SW 58th Ave
shopmarketonline.com
Fans of the Group LX family have more than a few options when it comes to the always-tough task of narrowing down their final buy from one of the retailers plethora of stores. Luckily, LX’s Marilyn Sanchez came to the rescue with two easy ideas. “This is the perfect gift for your best friend from the 305,” she says of Finds delicate necklace. And the perfect gray sweater? Says Sanchez, “It’s our must-have basic for the holiday season.”
Zenzations
7520 SW 57th Ave
zenzations.com
This holiday season give a memorable gift of relaxation, healing and transformation. Ultimate Zen Gift: includes a one hour Swedish Massage, plus a one hour Classic European Facial for $100 (Reg. price $200 save $100). Zen Delight Gift: Choose either a one hour Swedish Massage or a one hour European Facial for $60. (Reg. price $99 save $39). You can add to either offer a 30 minute Foot Detox for $25 (Reg. price $49 save $24). Each gift offer includes one free pass at one of Kevin O’Brien’s Kripalu Yoga class (75 mins); and one 20 minute free consult with either an Acupuncturist, a Holistic Life Coach or a Certified Holistic Health Coach. (Offer must be purchased by Dec. 15th and cannot be combined with any other discount.)
Just OM
7520 SW 57th Ave
yogamiamijustom.com
Give the gift of yoga via three different options from this South Miami yoga studio. Choose from Yoga Sample (3 Classes for $45); Yoga Immersion (one month of unlimited yoga for new students for $69); or Yoga Inspiration (8 classes for $98).
South Miami Jewelers
7214 SW 57th Ave
southmiamijewelers.net
“This beautiful 18k white Diamond Tanzanite ring with the perfect shade of blue with a hint of purple that you can buy for Christmas, holidays or a birthday in December,” says Ericka Meurrens of South Miami Jewelers. Her other pick? The new “Guardian Angel Collection” from Roberto Giannotti, an 18k yellow gold & diamond guardian angel charm.
Corpo Yoga
9030 SW 72nd Ct
corpoyogamiami.com
This popular Dadeland yoga studio’s picks revolve around, what else? Yoga. Owner Cybele Chamas says one can never go wrong with a gift card (“So many people love to practice yoga or would love to start a practice.”), but she doesn’t stop there, citing the studio’s selection of essential oils and all-natural candles. For the yoga aficionado Chamas says her stock of apparel and gear is an easy choice, but has one specific suggestion. “Many of the shirts we sell have prints like ‘Be Kind Always,’ messages that remind us all to live always in the spirit of the holidays.
Living Alfresco
7291 SW 57th Ave
living-alfresco.com
The perfect stop when you’re hunting for the friend who already has everything, Living Alfresco’s holiday picks are predictably perfect for just about any Miami home. Friends with a flair for entertaining will fall for the shop’s Chilewich coasters (they come in a set of six), while outdoor enthusiasts will surely find a spot for Riado’s classic Mogador lantern.
Rotunda Jewelers
14477S. Dixie Hwy
rotundajewelers.com
After three decades in business, the Rotunda family are literal experts in holiday gifting and seasonal trends. This season they’re looking to Alex and Ani bangles to make a splash (“They’re a really popular and affordable choice.”) and seeing no slow to the trend of initial pendants in both silver and gold options. And for those looking to up their spend, diamonds are always the right choice. “We have a wide selection of diamond jewelry including necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings available at all price points.”
Musician’s Discount Center
19405 S Dixie Hwy
musiciansdiscountcenter.net
Serving the South Florida music community since 1987, Musician’s Discount Center is in prime position to make picks for the musician in your life. This season their experts say the Fender CD60CE with Hard shell case is “the perfect choice for acoustic/electric accessibility for beginners and intermediates.” For the beginner looking to channel their inner rock star the ADW 5-Piece drum set includes hardware and cymbals as well as drum throne (seat).
Kathleen Ballard
ballard-photography.com
What better way to celebrate the holidays than to capture special moments with family and friends? Photographer Kathleen Ballard’s picks include two options for keepsakes (grandparent gift anyone?). Accordion books (in different sizes) “come small enough to carry in your purse or pocket and show off your family photos, wedding or engagement pictures,” says Ballard. For those looking for a more substantial effort, a personalized coffee table book can showcase baby’s first year, a special event or even your home or garden
Threads Boutique
13843 S Dixie Hwy
miamithreads.com
For Threads owner Tennille Gutierrez this season is all about personalization. “I think people really enjoy getting personalized gifts because they’re unique and…personal,” says Gutierrez with a laugh. Two of her favorites? A 14K filled double chevron necklace personalized with initials and a 14K gold filled cuff hat can be personalized with a name, date, or even coordinates. And, of course, Gutierrez says, if you want to go completely personal, a gift card will allow the giftee to choose exactly what’s missing from their closet.
Venetian Nail Spa
13605 S Dixie Hwy
This nail spa, located in the Colonial Palms shopping center, says gift cards are the way to go for those in your life who need a quick spa break. Gifting a mani or pedi (or both!) from this spa-like nail salon gives the recipient not only a wide variety of colors and services, but the opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy the pampering.
Cream Beauty
5731 SW 73rd St
creambeauty.com
Seven years serving South Florida’s most discerning beauty addicts has given South Miami’s Cream a front-row seat to what Miami’s most stylish want year round. So when it comes to holiday cheer the beauty experts know exactly what to give. Always a winner? One of the shop’s hand-poured (and surprisingly affordable) candles from Seda France. With a 60+ hour burn time and irresistible scents, it’s the perfect addition to anyone’s dressing table. For the guys, Cream says it’s all about the shave. Gifting your man with The Art of Shaving’s chrome and black lacquer razor along with one of their super luxe shaving creams will ensure a smooth holiday season.
Specs Appeal
11217 S Dixie Hwy
specsappealoptical.com
Sunglasses are necessity in South Florida… and also happen to make a great gift. This season, Specs Appeal says it’s (as always) all about the aviator for the ladies, with these Chanel beauties taking top honors. For the guys one can never go wrong with sleek and masculine wraparounds from Tag Heuer.
Exit Wireless
13835 S Dixie Hwy
Give the gift of connectivity this year with a brand-new smartphone for the loved ones in your life. Apple addicts are always clamoring for the latest iteration of their beloved iPhone, while Android believers are giving rave reviews to the Galaxy S6 for its cool glass-and-matte-metal body and convenient camera phone shortcuts.