Put your money where your heart is. Credit: perle_sonoma on instagram

Small Business Saturday is November 28 – Here’s Your Chance to Shop Small and #SupportLocal aka #sanfording

These days, we are constantly encouraged to shop local. Why? Because small business owners put their whole lives into providing quality, personal products and services. The biggest thank you we can offer these individuals is to shop with them! This is especially true in Sanford, where the streets abound with unique offerings and amazing people. The holidays are the perfect time to strengthen your relationship to your local shop owners and discover great new sources for everything you purchase!

If you don’t know where to begin, this list will get you started! So use it, use it often – and share it to spread the cheer right here in our own community!

Gifts

You can find an array of merchandise from local Sanford merchants, from art to instruments, furniture to home-brew supplies. On your next trip to town, check out these top shopping spots and get just the right thing for everyone on your list.

Jeanine Taylor Art Gallery Holiday Decor1. Jeanine Taylor Folk Art Gallery

Calling Sanford home for over ten years, the Jeanine Taylor Folk Art Gallery celebrates the work of contemporary folk artists who all bring a unique flair to the eclectic space. Their fun, off beat holiday window displays and interior décor will draw your eye and raise your spirits as you shop for the perfect pieces for the art enthusiasts in your life. The gallery sells everything from felted scarves and ornaments to jewelry and jarred jellies.

211 East First Street, Sanford, FL – 407-323-2774

Maya Books and Music Sanford FL2. Maya Books and Music

A trip through Maya Books is a treat for any literature lover. Shop the towering stacks of gently used books, vinyl records, and eclectic clothing with a friend before you grab lunch in Downtown Sanford or take a secret trip and buy a bevy of her favorite author’s books! Maya is also a great (and sometimes the only) place to buy certain books by Sanford authors, such as Bill Belleville.

201 E 1st St, Sanford, FL – 407-321-6504

Marcie Fry Copyright (Full)

Marcie Fry Copyright (Full)

3. Boxelder

For a truly sophisticated shopping experience, you can’t top Boxelder. Slightly off the traditional Sanford beaten track, this refined gift shop is worth exploring for its selection of American made cards, jewelry, glasses, candles, soaps, and spa items. And with complimentary gift wrapping for every purchase, you can cross one more thing off your list! Don’t miss their annual Holiday Party where you can mix and mingle with friends while enjoying appetizers and drinks, and of course, get all your Christmas shopping done in one evening. Click here for event info.

Click here to read last year’s article, Boxelder’s Big Holiday Gift Giving Guide for the 13 People Almost Everyone Has in Their Life

278 S Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL – 407-323-6060

4. Seminole Crossfit

Everyone in your life probably makes resolutions to get in shape…help them keep their promise with a Seminole Crossfit membership! Crossfit is a fitness program designed to condition the body for life’s everyday challenges, such as lifting, squatting, and running. If someone in your life is searching for a new fitness addiction, this is it!

121 W 1st St, Sanford, FL 32771 – 407-463-5215

Washburn Imports Sanford FL

5. Washburn Imports

John Washburn chose Sanford for his second exotic imports store location almost ten years ago– and it’s been a staple ever since! From beautiful glass front cabinets from India to Thai Buddha statuettes, the store overflows with colors, textures, and shapes of Asia. A Washburn piece is the best gift for those with the travel bug, whether it’s a small decorative vase or a showpiece opium bed. The best part is that you can really get to know the furniture as you sip cocktails at the Imperial; consolidation at its finest!

This just in: 10Best.com – a division of USA Today Travel – named Washburn Imports on its 10Best for Christmas Shopping in Orlando!

116 E 1st St, Sanford, FL – 407-322-1449

6. Sanford Homebrew Shop

With the explosion of craft beer and microbreweries across the country, you probably know one or two beer lovers who want to learn to brew! Fortunately, the Sanford Homebrew Shop has everything a brewing neophyte could need, including classes and starter kits. You can even purchase classes with open dates as gifts. For a seasoned brewer, try a gift certificate so they can pick up their own hops and malt. You might just receive the fruits of their labor as a thank you!

115 Magnolia Ave – Sanford FL – 407-732-6931

Tuned Up Music Center Sanford FL7. Tuned Up Music Store

Have a nephew who wants to learn guitar? Want to get back into saxophone but need a repair? Stop by Tuned Up and let the professionals there help you give the gift of music this season. The store carries a full range of instruments, from trumpets to drums, clarinet to banjos. You’ll also find supporting equipment, such as microphones, speakers, and amps. Tuned Up offers lessons in every instrument, as well as repairs and even recording services!

111 E 1st St, Sanford, FL – 407-302-3166

Things to Do

The winter season always takes a lot of all of us, so it’s important to reconnect with family and the community. Here are some local activities to enjoy this season!

Rabbitfoot-68. Rabbitfoot Records Coffee Lounge

What better way to warm up and wind down during the holiday rush than with a yummy hot beverage at Rabbitfoot Records? Pick a record, sip a latte, and enjoy the conversation at Downtown Sanford’s favorite place to run into friends. Who knows, with their huge selection of vinyl records, you may walk out with a few gifts for loved ones (or yourself)!

And who could resist getting one of those awesome gift certificates 😉 Because your’e worth at least…

Remember, this Black Friday, November 28, 2015 is Record Store Day!

rabbitfoot gift card

307 E 2nd St, Sanford, FL – 321-926-3417

9. Dinner and a Show

Winter is a great time to experience Sanford’s theatre community! For a family outing, try an early dinner at Christo’s (107 W 1st St. 407-320-0799), followed by a classic performance of A Christmas Carol at the Princess Theatre or the Nutcracker at the Wayne Densch (203 S Magnolia Ave, 407-321-8111). For a cozy date night, start with the afternoon performance of the Sanford Jazz Ensemble: Winter Edition, then jump across Magnolia Square for a quiet dinner at Marco Dino’s (107 S Magnolia Ave, 407-688-2508) and a night cap at the Imperial (116 E 1st St, 407-732-6956).

All Shook Up in Sanford Wayne-Densch-Performing-Arts-Center

Also available at the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center is a special GIFT CARD PROGRAM: You can purchase gift cards at their box office for any of their (restaurant) business partners and they will donate at least 20% of the value to the theater! Support your local Community Theater and your local businesses at the same time.

String Theory Creations Sanford FL10. Classes at String Theory Creations

If you want to create custom gifts for the ladies in your life but aren’t sure how to get started, dive in with a beading class at String Theory Creations! Not only will you learn a new skill and leave with a handmade gift, but you will also spend time getting to know irreplaceable Sanfordite mother-daughter team, Linda and Christina Hollerbach. If you’re looking for a festive girl’s night, try booking a party!

204 E 1st St, Sanford, FL – 407-732-7801

Limocycle Birthday Party Sanford FL11. Limocycle

Pedaling around town on the Limocycle is a great way to keep warm, spend time with friends, and work off some of those Thanksgiving calories! Pick fourteen of your favorite drinking buddies and your favorite libations and tour Sanford from this unique perspective.

Through Saturday November 28, 2015, Limocycle is offering an amazing BOGO deal. Don’t miss out!

Read here about Sanford365’s adventures on the Limocycle

303 W 3rd St, Sanford, FL – 855-756-9386

Wops Hops Sanford FL Brewery Beer Garden12. Wop’s Hops Brewing Company

Take a visit to Sanford’s very first microbrewery this holiday season! Sample handcrafted beer in the beer garden and enjoy Florida’s mild winter weather. Try the vanilla cream ale or the scottish ale, both made right here in Sanford!

419 S. Sanford Ave. Sanford,FL 32771

 Entertaining

Find ways to spice up your celebrations this year with unique items from local vendors. Here are the best places in Sanford to shop for entertainment supplies.

Sanford Farmers Market around the Holidays13. Sanford Farmer’s Market

Right in the heart of Historic Downtown, this collection of local vendors will help make your holiday entertaining extra special! Pick up fresh produce from State of Harmony Farm and handmade bread from Chad to fill your table with a local cornucopia. For a hostess gift, local honey and handmade soap are great choices, and any Sanfordite would be happy to receive a bat house made from upcycled materials to keep the mosquitos away. Shopping around in beautiful Magnolia Square with Sanford’s giant Christmas tree will also help get you in the holiday spirit.

Every Saturday from 10am-4pm on Magnolia Square

Magnolia Square Market Sanford FL14. Magnolia Square Market

So many of our holiday traditions come from Germany, so don’t forget to stop by Magnolia Square Market! Get a loaf of stollen to share with friends, and pick up advent calendars filled with German chocolate for the little ones. The Market’s house-roasted meats and imported cheeses make an enviable appetizer platter, especially served with their fresh baked pretzels and some pickles. Pair it with some wine or beer for your celebration, whether at home or abroad. (And don’t forget that the Market carries gluten-free bread, muffins, cookies, flour, and cake mixes!)

117 S Magnolia Ave, Sanford, FL – 407-878-4942

flower shop christmas

15. Sanford Flower Shop

For all of your floral needs, you can count on the Sanford Flower Shop! They carry gorgeous holiday blooms, which can be made into a gift basket or used as décor. Ask for their advice in making an eye-catching centerpiece or wreath for your guests to admire. Just take a look at their gorgeous front window display for proof of their expertise! Come in Saturday, November 28th from 8am-12pm to celebrate the Flower Shop’s 60th Anniversary and take advantage of some amazing deals! Click here for event info.

209 E Commercial St, Sanford, FL 32771 – 407-322-1822

Celery City Craft Sanford FL16. Celery City

Want to kick your holiday party beer selection up a notch? Try picking up a few growlers and bottles of Florida craft beer from Celery City Craft. With a few stouts and ales from different breweries around the state, you’ll keep your guests tipsy and impressed through the whole night! If you want to get fancy, pick up a few snifters for your guests to sip from and take home. And let’s face it, no one has ever complained about receiving Celery Bucks or one of Celery City’s all cotton V-neck shirts as a present! Go #sanfording 😉

114 S Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL – 407-915-5541

Sanford Popcorn Shop on Park Avenue17. The Popcorn Shoppe

Keep yummy snacks at hand all season from the Park Avenue Popcorn Shoppe! From gourmet flavors like caramel corn with pecans and heath bar to candied flavors like banana split and green apple, the Shoppe carries popcorn to spark anyone’s obsession. Offer your guests a mix of savory and sweet treats to munch on between meals or give one of the Shoppe’s holiday themed tins as a gift. (Always a hit!)

108 S Park Ave, Sanford, FL – 321-363-4937

Wondermade Marshmallows Sanford FL18. Wondermade

Well, who wouldn’t want to find some of the most uniquely flavored marshmallows under their Christmas tree. How about a Boozy Set for Dad? That’s Bourbon, Beer, Fireball and Gin. You could also keep it more Christmas like with Peppermint, Sugar Cookie and Eggnog. Stop by today and pick up some boxes…

19. Historic Sanford Welcome Center

Shop local this holiday season at the Historic Sanford Welcome Center Gift Shop. With a variety of items, many locally made or hand-crafted, and others that celebrate the Florida lifestyle, 100% of the profits stay right here in Sanford and benefit the non-profit that makes Alive After 5 possible. They also offer convenient gift wrapping of your purchase.

Historic Sanford Welcome Center, 230 E. 1st Street, Sanford
Hours: Monday 10:00 am – 2:30 pm, Tuesday-Friday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Saturday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm and Sunday Noon – 5:00 pm

20. Gift Cards Galore

Soft Opening of Buster's Bistro - Belgian Beer in Sanford FL

Deliciousness at Buster’s Bistro

Last but not least, you can support pretty much any local business or restaurant by picking up a gift certificate from them.

Think about all those new additions we have seen in 2015, including Palate Coffee Brewery, Habibis International Market, Roots Raw Juice, Buster’s Bistro (not new but they moved this year!), The Smiling Bison (107 S Magnolia Ave), Zorba’s Greek Restaurant (115 E First Street), and one of our favorites, the new Jamaican Restaurant Negril Spice (114 S Sanford Ave). Or how about inviting your loved ones to an upcoming event, like the annual Holiday Tour of Homes (our favorite event of the year!).

So this holiday season, before you head to the mall or a big box store, keep in mind what our local Sanford community has to offer. I promise, you will be pleasantly surprised!

Upcoming Shopping Events:

11/28: The Holiday Market at Little Fish Huge Pond

12/6: Big Bang Bazaar

12/10: Alive After Five’s Holiday Fest