TAMPA BAY, FL — With the coronavirus pandemic causing layoffs, furloughs and business closings throughout Tampa Bay, residents are tightening their belts this holiday and being more selective in their choices of gifts.
The personal finance website, WalletHub, did a study of holiday spending in 540 cities around the country and published its findings in 2020 Holiday Spending by City.
St. Petersburg ranked No. 130 on the list with the average resident spending $1,129.
Clearwater ranked No. 200 on the list with the average resident spending $921.
Riverview ranked No. 214 with residents spending an average of $894 this holiday.
Tampa ranked No. 329 with residents spending about $683 on gifts.
Springhill came just behind Tampa at No. 330, spending an average of $681.
And Largo residents came in on the frugal end of the list at 408. The average resident plans to spend $589.
When purchasing gifts this holiday season, you might as well make it count. Consider shopping at local small businesses, farmer’s markets and crafts festivals.
Here are a few of our favorite things but the list of gift items you can find locally is as big as your imagination.
Able Threads at the Arc Tampa Bay Foundation has a line of apparel featuring comical and profound sayings. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit foundation in Clearwater for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Courtesy of the Arc Tampa Bay Foundation
You’ll find a variety of handcrafted gifts and fine arts at the Dunedin Fine Art Center, 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin. Check out this Monster in the Tree ornament. These ornaments are handcrafted in memory of art teacher Jennifer Noletti by her mother who volunteers at the DFAC.
Courtesy of the Dunedin Fine Art Center
Check out these tiny painted canvases created by artists of the Tarpon Art Guild, 161 E. Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs. You can hang them on a tree or use them to adorn a gift.
Courtesy of the Tarpon Art Guild
You’ll find it hard to pull yourself away from Lis’s Pieces Artisan Boutique at 6214 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey. There are so many gift items to choose from including handmade jewelry, home decor and Florida-inspired one-of-a-kind pieces.
Courtesy of Lis’s Pieces Artisan Boutique
We fell in love with these whimsical sponges pads sold at Stella’s Sundries, Swag & Scullery, 2908-A Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport.
Courtesy of Stella’s Sundries
While you’re in Gulfport, be sure to check out the amazing artwork at the Brenda McMahon Gallery,2901 #104 Beach Blvd., South, Gulfport.
Courtesy of Brenda McMahon Gallery
Create the perfect scent for gift-giving with an aromatic candle you’ve poured yourself at The Candle Pour, 734 S. Village Circle in Hyde Park Village, Tampa.
Courtesy of The Candle Pour
Claud Designs offers handmade jewelry in sterling silver, fine silver and semi-precious stones.
Courtesy of Claud Designs
For the furry friend in your life, pick up bags, bowls and all-natural treats from The Pawcuterie Shop in Riverview. All treats are made from local veggies and fruit, peanut butter, oat flour and coconut oil. The Pawcuterie Shop is an offshoot of Servian Santos’ The Seasoned Cornercharcuterie, which can supply taste treats for your holiday party.
Courtesy of The Pawcuterie Shop
Courtesy of the Seasoned Corner
Pottery By Essembee sells ceramic items for everyday use.
Courtesy of Pottery By Essembee
Tampa Bay-based Vondiva Designz creates custom, handmade jewelry and accessories. Each piece is unique and is made out of a variety of precious materials to fit each person’s individual sense of style.
Courtesy of Vondiva Dezigns
This article originally appeared on the Tampa Patch
