Exploring Locally Owned Gift Shops at the Beaches

 If you are like me, you are tired of buying everything on Amazon and exchanging gifts 
that look just like everyone else’s. Buying locally not only means you will find something 
unique and special, but it also supports our local economy. Let me help you by 
highlighting a couple of our wonderful local shops – just in time for the holiday season.
 And here’s a bonus for you: we asked both shops below to help us with a gift 
suggestion just for you AND under $25. AND both shop owners are thrilled to offer you a 
discount on any purchase just for mentioning that you read about them in my blog!
 Read on, gift-givers…

 1. MOS – Jacksonville Beach

 When you walk into MOS, you immediately feel the genuine warmth of a family-owned 
boutique. The owner, Lourdes McGuire will feel like an old friend by the time you leave. 
And her savvy buying is the result of a lifetime in retail (a local surf shop, The Limited 
corporate, and her own family’s nursery), her green thumb, and her incredible taste. 
Even the name of the shop reflects that lifestyle – MOS stands for “my own store”!
 Located just off Beach Blvd in Jacksonville Beach, MOS is known for its eclectic mix of 
bohemian decor, handmade jewelry, funky apparel, and beautiful plants in one-of-a-kind 
planters. This shop is a gem for anyone looking for something a little different, with a 
curated selection that caters to many different styles and interests.
 From fun and funky clothing and jewelry to eye-catching pottery, MOS has a knack for 
offering items you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll see many gifts that showcase our 
beach town’s laid-back, artsy vibe.

 Under $25 gift idea: It was hard to choose but we ultimately landed on a beautiful 
candle from Bridgewater in a festive vessel and a “sweet grace” scent for $22.95. And 
don’t forget to ask for a 15% discount by saying Susan Dunham sent you!

 2. Palmetto – Neptune Beach

  Palmetto is a truly coastal-inspired and stylish shop! Packed with high-quality and 
diverse items like clothing, jewelry, accessories, and beautiful goods for your beautiful 
home. Think beachy-casual-classy. The owner, Page Toal, a coastal treasure herself, is 
as local as they come – her husband is the Commander of Neptune Beach, and she 
knows what works in our community. She features work by local artists (and she hosts a 
local artist at every Art Walk) and says she buys what she likes – high quality and fun 
things. She never buys at mass market.

 Palmetto is the go-to place in at the beach for gifts that reflect the relaxed, breezy style 
of Neptune Beach. Come in to browse, have a good laugh at the fun greeting cards, 
breathe the air redolent of beautiful candles, and enjoy a little bit of the good life. “Real” 
Florida stuff – nothing cheesy or overly-ritzy. You’ll find everything from a $7 napkin to a 
$200 pillow. And Page loves helping customers find just the right thing for their friends 
and loved ones.

 Under $25 gift idea: Page turned us onto the beautiful Avery tea towels. Designed by a 
local artist in a dazzling array of prints – and priced at only $18 each. And remember 
that Page would love to offer you a 10% discount just for saying Susan Dunham sent 
you.

 I hope you enjoy these wonderful local gems as much as I do. Please let me know what 
you buy!