The feeling of giving the perfect gift and seeing the smile on a loved one’s face as they open it, is priceless. So, whether it’s a tasty treat, a memorable experience or something hand-crafted, this Central Florida Holiday Gift Guide can help with checking off everyone on your list.
Holiday Gift Guide
We’re all looking for ways to shop local, now more than ever, use this guide to shop local this holiday season. From experiences to gifts & stocking stuffers, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list!
Experiences
For the Animal Lover
Give the gift of all things adorable at Safari Wilderness, Central Florida’s premiere safari tour. This local spot is home to a wide variety of animals and offers many different tour options like drive-thru safari tours and even camel expeditions. The safari even offers guests the opportunity for up close encounters with the beautiful creatures like lemur feeding.
For the Kid at Heart
Make an exciting day or weekend trip to LEGOLAND Florida & Peppa Pig Theme Park, just steps away from each other! Make a day (or year!) of it with an annual or day pass to either of the theme parks OR get an awesome vacation package that includes admission to both parks AND a hotel stay! With so many different events going on throughout the year, considering a yearly pass would be a great gift for the entire fam! AND it’s a gift that keeps on giving.
For the Adventurer
Hiking boots and outerwear are great, but the outdoorsy folks in your life won’t forget exploring the 200-acre tract of land at Bone Valley ATV Park. Explore on four wheels or two wheels, with four wheelers, side-by-sides, and even dirt bikes! If you don’t own and ATV, no need to worry! Revolution Rentals at Bone valley offers a great selection of vehicles on site for self-driving adventures. Vehicles for rental include single or double-seater ATVs, two-seater or four-seater buggies, dirt bikes and more.
For the Sports Fan
Give your favorite sports fan tickets to their favorite team! In Central Florida, there are plenty of sports to watch but show some love to your local Flying Tigers baseball team or support the Detroit Tigers when they come to Lakeland for Spring Training. During February and March you’ll find the Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Single game tickets aren’t available for purchase quite yet but you can always create a voucher for an upcoming game.
For the Golfer
Treat your golfer to all they really want…another round of golf! Streamsong Resort is one of the greatest golf destinations in the world with 3 top 100 courses and the highest-rated golf collection in all of Florida. All the more reason to treat them to a weekend at Streamsong this holiday season!
For the Foodie
Give (or get) the taste of Winter Haven or Lakeland by sampling your way through either Downtown with Winter Haven Food Tours or Lakeland Food Tours. With tour options including, brunch, sweet tooth, afternoon flavors, or happy hour, there is definitely something for every foodie on your list this year!
Gifts & Stocking Stuffers
For the Lakeland Lover
Make sure to stop by the locally owned and operated gift shop and home goods store, Scout & Tag, to pick up one (or two, or three!) of Lakeland’s cutest gifts! From coffee mugs, to wall art, t-shirts, and more, any Lakeland lover in your life is sure to enjoy a sweet surprise from Scout & Tag.
For the Winter Haven Lover
For longtime locals and people who miss the Sunshine State, Winter Haven-specific gifts are always fun. Amy’s Cards, Party, & Gifts is the perfect place to find Winter Haven themed clothing, home décor, candles, and more that celebrate quirky local landmarks and city pride.
For the Sweet Tooth
Let a friend or family member experience the sweet taste of Central Florida with delicious old-fashioned citrus candies, jellies, marmalades and chocolates from Davidson of Dundee. Davidson of Dundee has been making citrus candies by hand since the 1960s. They even offer holiday gift baskets that are perfect for friends and family who are in need of a little dose of Florida sunshine.
For the Beer Lover
What better way to celebrate the holiday season than sipping on some locally made brew? Located in the heart of Winter Haven, Grove Roots Brewing Co. offers the same great taste from the tap, in cans (perfect for that stocking). Might we suggest the Rind and Shine? Brewed with local grapefruit and tangerine zest, it doesn’t get much more authentically Central Florida than that.
For the Bookworm
Looking to support the local lit scene? Pressed LKLD is an independent bookstore and coffeeshop in Downtown Lakeland that offers a wide-variety of books for all ages and interests. Pressed is also the perfect spot to find local authors & artist’s work like Bump Galletta.
For the One Who Loves Soaps and Scrubs
Is your significant other on the nice list? Rafa Natural, a locally-owned company offers locally crafted, natural, vegan and organic skin care and bath and body lines of products. Their stores are chock-full of products for women and men. Browse delightfully fragrant items like Old Florida soap, Man Cave body wash, candles, balms, scrubs and more.
For the One Who Loves to Ship Fruit Up North
Enjoy a taste of Old Florida when you visit Ridge Island Groves in Haines City. Here you can grab fresh orange juice, or enjoy a custom-made citrus flavored soft serve ice cream. You can even pick-up a citrus-inspired gift on the way out.
But come this time of year, the age old Florida tradition of shipping citrus to loved ones around the county takes center stage. If a tray of oranges isn’t what you are looking for, they also ship ruby red grapefruit. Can’t decide between the 2? A mixed tray of citrus goodness dubbed the Triple Treat might be what you’re looking for. Also available for shipping is their raw and unfiltered orange blossom honey, or their “Florida in a Jar” mix of various marmalades, jellies, and spreads.
Looking for more holiday gift ideas or experiences? Check out our Holiday Happenings in Central Florida blog or follow us on Instagram!
