There are now four shopping days left before Christmas. While it's not yet time to panic (wait til Christmas Eve for that), if you haven't yet finished your holiday shopping then this is the time to start.
Instead of heading to the "Big Box" chain stores, put money back into the economy this season and get some unique gifts you're not likely to find anywhere else. Here are some ideas on where to start checking off your lists:
Food and Drink:
Intensity Academy's natural, gourmet hot sauces - Made right here in Tampa Bay, these sauces, condiments and marinades are sure to please any foodie friend. My favorotes are their Chai Thai Teriyaki sauce/marinade, Chai Chipotle hot sauce and the Chai 'Chup. Contact "Saucy Queen" Michelle Northrup to buy items from her directly (as you don't have time to wait for snail mail). intensityacademy.com
Eden's Nectar honey - Working with the West Central Florida Beekeeper's Co-op, Eden's Nectar represents local beekeepers and sells their seasonal honeys directly to us. They can be found at these local fresh markets that are open this week or visit their website to purchase. edensnectar.com
Savory Spice Shop and V Spicery - The proverbial "candy shop" for us foodies and cooks, these spice shops offer more dry spices, herbs, salts, blends, rubs, oils, vinegars, extracts and accessories than you can shake a stick at. A sampling of herbs and spices would make a great gift for that special kitchen dweller in your life. 400 Beach Dr. NE #173, St. Pete, 727 290 9893, savoryspiceshop.com; 2913 W. Cypress St., Tampa, 813-870-1133, vspicery.com
Hooker Tea Company - Offering an array of fresh, loose leaf teas and tea drinking accessories that would make great stocking stuffers. Don't know which tea to buy that certain person on your list? Get a gift card! Now open on both sides of the bay: 300 Beach Dr. NE, St. Pete, 727-894-4832; 223 S Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-443-5797, hookertea.com
Buddy Brew, Kahwa, No Name Java - For the coffee lover, grab a pound or two of java from one of these local roasters. Buddy Brew- 2020 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-258-BREW, buddybrew.com; Kahwa- 475 2nd St North, St Pete, 727-823-4700 OR 204 2nd Avenue South, St. Pete, 727-821-1942, kahwacoffee.com; No Name Java- 2060 Central Ave, St. Pete, 727-741-2249, nonamejava.com
Cigar City Brewing, Dunedin Brewery, Tampa Bay Brewing Company - Support our local brewers and please the "hop heads" on your list with a few bottles or even a growler from Cigar City or Dundedin Brewery. Though TBBC doesn't sell their beer to-go, you could always pick up a gift certificate so the recipient can try their offerings straight from the tap. Cigar City- 3924 West Spruce Street Suite A Tampa, 813-)348-6363, cigarcitybrewing.com; Dunedin Brewery- 937 Douglas Ave, Dunedin, 727-736-0606, dunedinbrewery.com; TBBC- 1600 East 8th Ave., Ybor, 813-247-1422, tampabaybrewingcompany.com
