Tampa Boy
A Huckleberry Finn-esque true story of two boys growing up and having misadventures in Tampa c. 1912, George Ryland Bailey's autobiographical 1971 book is very hard to find — unless you know where to look. $25.
Where to find it: _______________ in Downtown Tampa.
Antique 'Nighttime Potty'
This mahogany treasure is a reminder of simpler times — times when we didn't have the convenience of indoor plumbing, for example. The artful crapper features a porcelain bowl and has all original parts. Doubles as a stool when the lid is shut. The perfect gift for that friend who wants to ride out the next hurricane in style. $288.
Where to find it: __________ in Tarpon Springs.
Ceramic Wild Turkey Bourbon Decanter
It's a marvelously ostentatious holdover from the short-lived ceramic liquor decanter trend of the '50s. Fill ol' Tom to the gobbler with booze (he won't so much as stagger), or just put it somewhere highly visible, for the enchantment and/or revulsion of your guests. $50.
Where to find it: _________ in Safety Harbor.
Cartoon Car Wine Holder
"Woody" is the perfect gift for your wine-drinking friend, and really, who could deny that adorable face? $26.25.
Where to find it: ________ in Dunedin.
'He Lost the Medal but Gained the Blues,' Daniel Mrgan
Created by a Croatian immigrant and freelance local artist, this whimsical woodburning and acrylic work is the perfect gift for anyone who appreciates art or music or both. $150.
Where to find it: _______ in Dunedin.
Betty Boop Gasparilla cigar-box purse
Even Betty loves swashbucklers! Miss Boop is decked out in her pirate finest here, complete with a sword to slice her way into your heart. These custom-designed purses are ready and waiting for any sassy lass who wants to stand out at February's Gasparilla festivities. $85.
Where to find it: _______ in MacDill/Bay to Bay.
This article appears in Nov 16-23, 2005.