The Gifts Our Editors Are Buying This Holiday Season
Giant Ice Cubes
"For friends and family who like expensive liquors and craft cocktails—then complain about all those tiny ice cubes melting too fast and watering down the taste of their favorite top-shelf brands—a giant ice cube mold is a perfect gift. The Sarasota Art Museum gift store carries Peak ice trays (about $20 each) and you can choose a mold that makes four square or four round cubes. The cubes are large enough that just one in a rocks glass keeps your Old Fashioned cold so you can take your time sipping. The trays are made of silicone rubber, so the cubes pop right out and keep their perfect shapes. (You can also buy a $65 membership to the museum. That lasts a whole year, and you’ll even get a 10-percent discount in the shop.)" —Susan Burns, editor-in-chief
Tervis Tumblers
“Tervis Tumbler products have been around since 1946, and for the past few decades have been made right here in north Venice. You can, of course order their famous insulated cups, made in an almost infinite number of designs, online at tervis.com. But if you can’t wait for shipping or want to browse in person, there are two local stores: one on St. Armands Circle (319 John Ringling Blvd.) and one in Osprey (928 S. Tamiami Trail), where you’ll find lots of sports team options, along with Florida themes and nostalgia. For the complete product line, though, take a look at the website. I’m giving some this year, knowing they will last the recipients practically forever.” —Kay Kipling, executive editor
Danielle Ferrantino of Driftheory models some of her pieces.
Image: Barbara Banks
Driftheory Class
"I had never heard of Driftheory before my colleague Allison Forsyth wrote about the local jewelry company, but once I saw photos of the pieces created by owner Danielle Ferrantino, I knew my wife would love them. The coolest part of the business is that Ferrantino doesn't just make jewelry herself, but also leads fun classes in which she guides people on how to make their own intricate, nature-inspired pieces. Since I admittedly have no eye for women's style, I figured the safest bet would be to purchase a gift card for my wife that she can use to either buy stuff she likes or participate in a class with a friend. She loved it." —Cooper Levey-Baker, senior editor
Jolabokaflod—a.k.a., Books, Books, Books
"The Icelandic people have a holiday book-giving tradition called jolabokaflod, which charmingly translates to 'Christmas book flood' in English. It's rooted in Iceland's epic literary tradition—there are five titles published for every 1,000 Icelanders—and the fact that, in Iceland, most books are sold between September and November. We're not Icelandic, but my husband and I adopted the tradition a few years ago, both for ourselves and for our loved ones, and it's an excellent way to support a local book seller like Bookstore1. Some recommendations: Somebody's Daughter by Ashley C. Ford, Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro, Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason, Beautiful World Where Are You by Sally Rooney, Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid. For kids: We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom and Michaela Goade and classics like The Little House or Strega Nona. And of course: my colleague Cooper Levey-Baker's debut novel, Dead Fish Wind, which you can preorder right now." —Megan McDonald, digital editor
Who doesn't love an edible gift?
Image: nnattalli/Shutterstock.com
DIY Fruit Basket
"Between the teacher and the neighbor, the cost of Christmas climbs fast. I need something that's easy on the wallet and to-do list. While I'm grocery shopping for myself, I also buy some of my favorite fruit and add clippings from my thriving rosemary bush for gifts. I like to use often-underrated fruit, like persimmons in hopes of introducing something new to their tables. They're a dollar each at Publix right now, or I find them at the downtown Sarasota Farmers Market. Arrange your fresh fruit and herb selections in a thrift store bowl or basket to add a unique touch." —Kim Doleatto, associate editor
SRQube From Sarasota Candle Company
"Sarasota Candle Company makes a product called the 'SRQube,' which is a square candle that melts nicely when burned. All of them are super fragrant and last a long time. They're all made with beeswax or soy products, and some come in repurposed jars or alcohol bottles. One of my favorites is the white tea and ginger scent; it's light and refreshing and reminds me of our town." —Allison Forsyth, associate editor
