Seven Stops for Unique Sarasota Finds

Leave behind the generic gift cards and unearth one-of-a-kind gems to gift for your friends — from antique trinkets and Florida furnishings to gourmet treats and worldwide goods. Make room in your luggage and check out seven places only found in Sarasota County:

1. For the fisherman gourmand: Florida Provisions

In the heart of Waterside Place, discover a newer boutique, technically a "bar-tique," known as Florida Provisions. Beyond the curated collection of outdoor apparel, coastal accessories, cooking and fishing gear that make living in Florida easy, shoppers also pop in to see the rotating selection of craft beers, wines and kombuchas. Sip and enjoy while picking up a blackening fish seasoning, browsing the specialty olive oils or finding a salty-cool cookbook. Grab a Yeti mug/cooler, a new wooden cutting board, cast iron skillet or gourmet hot sauces for your next outdoor barbeque. Florida Provisions is the ideal locale for the avid angler, backyard chef and seafoodie. 

These items also make great gifts for hosts, too. Instead of bringing your standard bottle of wine to the next dinner party, why not bring a custom mix-and-match 6-pack of craft beer cans or a premium margarita mixer paired with cocktail-making tools? You'll certainly be the life of the party!

1561 Lakefront Dr, Suite 109, Sarasota, FL 34240

2. For the globe trekker: Artisans' World Marketplace

In 1995, a group of friends sat around a dinner table to brainstorm ways they could provide support for low-income artisans worldwide and bring global awareness to Gulf Coast communities. The result was Artisans' World Marketplace, a non-profit retail outlet for fair-trade goods sourced from over 70 countries, including jewelry, scarves, birdhouses, hand soaps, hammocks and much more. There are gifts for little explorers, too, like hand puppets, frog kites, picture books, toys and musical instruments. 

All of Artisans' items are displayed alongside information about the international communities that made them. Browsing Artisans' can be as educational as it is fun: Discover everything from chocolates, cards, journals and decor and more from exotic places such as Sri Lanka, Peru, Ghana, Bali and beyond. 

128 S Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

3. For the Florida craftsman: Sarasota Architectural Salvage

Set aside an entire afternoon to peruse the maze of "upcycled" goods at Sarasota Architectural Salvage. SAS's owners spend their free time combing estate sales, demolition sites and flea markets to find trash that, in the right hands, becomes a treasure. Browsing SAS's warehouse, creative types will find a way to exercise their imaginations or find their next DIY project for the house. How could you fashion an old airplane wing into a patio awning? And that old fire boat cannon — could it be the base for a café table? From iron, lumbar, furnishings and hardware, craftsmen and handy DIYers will find unique items to create or build upon.

Of course, there are more portable treasures, too. SAS carries everything from old projector slides to pool-hall light fixtures to vintage Schwinns, postcards to roadwork signs. Don't have the tools to build a dining room table out of painted planks from old Indonesian fishing boats? Don't worry, SAS also has bring home-ready items to fit into your home, too, including Old-World chandeliers, nautical decor, wall hangings, planters and much more.

1093 Central Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

4. For the bookworm: Bookstore1Sarasota

Bookstore1Sarasota isn't just an independently owned bookstore. It's a local labyrinth of literature and intellectual gifts. Shoppers almost need a trail of breadcrumbs as they venture through the rows and racks of books around every nook of the newly-built building in Downtown Sarasota. Beyond Bookstore1's varied selection—from new arrivals, classics, chart-topping best sellers and hard-to-find novelties—shoppers can find beautiful botanical posters, stationery, journals, candles, stylish readers and many other specialty items fitting of an upscale indie bookstore.

Plan your shopping spree around one of the many poetry readings, banned book club meetups, local author book fairs or frequent author signings the cozy storefront hosts throughout the year!

5. For the artisan gifter: The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime

Visitors to Sarasota have their pick of shops for taking home a piece of sea and shore, but The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime in the budding arts destination of Limelight District stands out for its indoor indie market vibe, filled with 40+ local vendors and artisan-made goods. The eclectic market of creators and curators offers a vast selection of Gulf-inspired goods ranging from one-of-a-kind to collectibles. Secure Sarasota gifts and souvenirs or add to your collection of fashion jewelry, local artwork, plants and home decor. 

The Bazaar also enhances the shopping experience by frequently hosting food trucks for refreshments and live music for added entertainment, both located in the outdoor community courtyard. Shopping just got a lot more fun. 

821 Apricot Ave (off of 8th Street, one street West of N. Lime Avenue), Sarasota, FL 34237

6. For the holistic hippie: Pixie Dust SRQ

Pixie Dust SRQ is a metaphysical boutique in Downtown Sarasota offering an eclectic mix of whimsical, bohemian and spiritual merch. Visitors can discover unique items like crystals, gemstones, minerals and tarot decks, as well as natural skincare products and essential oils. 

This magical, wellness-focused is also known for its vibrant collection of artisan jewelry, handmade home decor and metaphysical tools like smudge kits and singing bowls. Whether you're seeking a mystical gift, a psychic or astrology reading or a self-care treat, Pixie Dust offers a charming variety of rare and enchanting finds.

1476 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34232

7. For the treasure hunter: Venice Mercato 

Competitive shoppers should mark their calendars: One weekend a month, Venice Mercato on the Island opens its warehouse doors to unearth vintage and reimagined pieces. With so many unique and fascinating items for sale at the Mercato — and with so many expert antiquers who know a good deal when they see one — shoppers must be comfortable making quick decisions. As one veteran Mercato shopper advised a newbie as they walked in the front door together, "If you like it, get it before someone else does."

Venice Mercato vendors carry a curated selection of furniture, art, antiques and vintage goods, from old classroom desks to easels-turned-bookshelves to Broadway vinyls. The market owners have decorated the warehouse with handmade curiosities, making it an exceptional place for sparking DIY ideas, too. Be sure to look up as you browse the market's stalls so you don't miss the chandeliers made of old maritime buoys, paint cans and, of course, Florida seashells.

200 Base Ave E, Venice, FL 34285