If the thought of holiday shopping gives you an instant headache, you’re not alone. Big retail has taken the fun out of it for many. The lines, the crowds, the price games and the pressure leave a lot of us with a sense of dread that just doesn’t fit with the season. But the Treasure Coast is teeming with unique and beautiful shops that really get into the spirit of the season and put the fun back into holiday shopping! Shopping small and local is the best way to find truly unique gifts for everyone on your list in the most enjoyable way. Here are a few not-to-be-missed retailers that “go all out” for Christmas.
Vintage 2 Vogue, Sebastian
In Sebastian, Vintage 2 Vogue, Holidays & More features a vast and eclectic inventory of pure fun. It is the place to shop for creative and unusual vintage treasures and vogue trendy items. It looks smallish from the outside but walk in and you’ll find yourself meandering from room to room and then more rooms, discovering each with its own character and theme. Owner Kimberly Ellis likes to kick off the season by decorating the store in a big way. With one of the largest collections of Christmas décor and ornaments, Vintage 2 Vogue is a favorite among locals looking to deck their own halls. Ellis is an enthusiastic participant in Sebastian’s Annual Light Up Night. Each year on the first Friday following the Thanksgiving weekend the whole business community opens its doors for the residents, and visitors, and holds a good old fashion customer appreciation evening. Participants like Vintage 2 Vogue show off their best holiday décor, serve refreshments and other holiday treats and hold sidewalk and other special sales. Vintage 2 Vogue is located at 1621 US Highway 1 in Sebastian. Website: vintage2voguefl.com
All Thru The House, Vero Beach
All Thru the House is one of Vero Beach’s crown jewels of giftable gift shopping. For 38 years this unique home decor and gift shop has been delighting shoppers with their signature atmosphere that balances tradition and trendiness at prices that suit any budget. Christmas is their specialty, and it shows in their extensive variety of popular designer names and manufacturers. In the early Fall, the entire shop transforms into a winter wonderland filled with Christmas decorations by many famous names such as Christopher Radko, Byers Choice, Possible Dreams, Jim Shore, Karen Didion and Old World Christmas, just to name a few. In addition to an abundance of holiday items, All Thru the House serves up the most amazing gifts. From handbags and jewelry to collectables as well as exclusively Vero Beach items, it’s easy to find something for everyone. Owner Denise Driscoll hand selects all of her merchandise and is especially excited about their annual Holiday Open House. This year the big event takes place on Sunday, November 12 from Noon to 5 pm. It’s one of the most festive and popular seasonal shopping events in Vero Beach. Lots of refreshments, goodies and door prizes make it a fantastic way to spend a Sunday afternoon checking off your list in the most delightful way! All Thru the House is located at 1165 US Highway 1 in Vero Beach. Website: allthruthehousevb.com
Chic and Shore Things, Fort Pierce
Travel a little further south to Historic Downtown Fort Pierce and there you will discover one of the most enchanting coastal boutiques on the Treasure Coast. Chic and Shore Things is nothing short of captivating. Owner Becky Demanuel is the incredible talent behind this extraordinary collection of one-of-a-kind creations and artisan originals. From hand-painted furnishings and stunning table top and wall décor to handcrafted coastal items and jewelry, Chic and Shore Things has everything you could ever want for that seaside cottage feeling! Becky will be hosting her 4th Annual Holiday Open House this November. The store even closes the week before to “dress up” for the affair. With refreshments all day, Chic and Shore Things is the place to go on Saturday, November 11 from 10-4. Becky may call it the Shabby Chic Corner Store but we think there is nothing shabby about it! Chic and Shore Things is located 205 North 2nd Street in Fort Pierce. Website: chicandshorethings.com
Karen Kane Interiors
When you manage to tear yourself away from all the holiday eye candy at Becky’s place be sure to visit Karen Kane Interiors almost right next door- an interior decorator’s dream. Karen herself is an award-winning designer and has been decking out homes and yachts for over 41 years. But this is no snobbish interior design showroom. Her shop is warm and inviting, and chock full of eyepopping coastal wall art, sculpture, textiles and even commission pieces, all at prices that will surprise you. The store is exquisitely merchandised from corner to corner and those with an eye for home fashion will find it difficult to just pop in and take a quick gander. Her dazzling displays and colorful goods will hold you captive as you find it nearly impossible to walk out with at least one fetching find that will leave plenty of budget left for the rest of your shopping excursion! Karen Kane Interiors is located at 201 N. Second St.in Downtown Fort Pierce. Website: kkaneinteriors.com
This holiday season, shop small and shop local for the most unique and personal gifts for friends and family, and maybe a little something for yourself too. You’ll be glad you did!
