This holiday season, I hope to inspire the men in our community to think slightly outside of the box and take advantage of a woman’s perspective for the gift or gifts that most ladies would love to receive. Being compassionate about possible wallet limitations, I’ve selected both extravagant and budget-conscious gift ideas for the special lady in your life.

Vacation/Staycation
Ladies love to vacation even if it doesn’t involve an exotic destination. Believe me, there’s a lot to be said about not having to make the bed in the morning or waking up to piles of laundry. But what women typically don’t like about vacations is that we usually are in charge of planning every detail, so the first item on the gift list is a completely arranged vacation for her with you as her charming tour guide.
 
Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch-based Admiral Travel can make dreams come true with a fabulous romantic or exotic vacation for your special lady. An amorous four-night, five-day trip to Paris with airfare from Sarasota is around $2,500 per person. Give the Admiral Travel team a call at 941.951.1801 or visit admiraltravel.com and let them wow you with lots of other cool destination choices.

Stay close to home and enjoy a relaxing getaway at the historic and enchanting Gasparilla Inn & Club on Boca Grande. Reserve a weekend with breakfast and dinner included for approximately $1000. The Gasparilla Inn offers endless amenities including fine dining, ocean side pool, spa, and scenic golf. Schedule her relaxing staycation by calling 1.800.996.1913 or visit gasparillainn.com.

Pamper Her
Typically women take care of everyone else and generally don’t take the time to pamper themselves, so there’s no better time than the holidays to give her the gift of self-indulgence.

SkinSmart Dermatology has a fabulous Facial Rejuvenation Package that includes a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Elizabeth Callahan, two syringes of Restylane® dermal filler, one treatment with the IPL – photofacial laser, Kinerase Extreme Lift Eye, Nia 24 Eye Repair Complex and the Clarisonic Mia Cleansing System. This amazing package has been custom designed just for Scene readers for only $1,999. Contact SkinSmart Dermatology at 941.308.7546 or online at sarasotadermatologist.com.

With three fabulous locations to service the lady in your life, James Griffith Salon offers an array of beauty treatments to pamper her. An Aveda salon featuring products for hair, skin, body and nails and a full service spa experience starts at approximately $325 and can be customized to meet her individual needs. Visit their website for the location closest to you at jamesgriffinsalon.com.

Bling
Ladies love to flaunt a stunning piece of jewelry that was tenderly given to them by the man in their life. For our men, this purchase can be overwhelming and stressful, so I searched for this season’s most dazzling pieces to help relieve the stress:

McCarver & Moser Jewelers is showcasing a gorgeous selection of natural color pearls including white, golden, multicolored, gray and chocolate. South Seas, cultured and freshwater pearls are available in a wide range of colors, shapes, sizes, lengths and prices. Pearl rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces are all staples in every woman’s jewelry wardrobe and are timeless gifts. Prices start at $275. Visit their showroom on St. Armands (482 John Ringling Blvd/941.388.3666) or online at mccavermoser.com.

Created Gems on Siesta Key has the most amazing spektralyte diamond gemstones which duplicate the visual properties of D-color, internally flawless diamonds. This season they have an outstanding collection of champagne colored stones set in both silver and gold settings including rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces with prices ranging from $160 to $600. The brilliant amber colored diamond is a “must have”. Visit their showroom at 5212 Ocean Boulevard (941.346.0988) on Siesta Key or visit siestakeygems.com.

Shape Up
Thankfully swim suit season has come to an end and we are able to hide under cozy layers and break out our beloved sweat pants. But after putting on a few pounds from the holidays, who among us couldn’t use a fresh start for the new year so we can put those party pounds behind us?

Lakewood Ranch Athletic Center offers wonderful annual memberships that include tennis, aquatic programs and personal training. Their highly qualified staff can assist you in determining the fitness program that best suites her needs. Memberships range from $85 - $145 per month. Contact a fitness representative at 941.907.4700 or visit lakewoodranchgolf.com.

If your lady is not the health club type and prefers a more private approach, Yvette’s Health & Fitness Center offers boot camp and personal training sessions to get her motivated and inspired. An eight week boot camp program runs $450. To sign her up call Yvette at 941.376.9599 or visit yvettesfitness.com. Evolution Fitness Club owner Patricia Valenti offers specialized training and nutrition programs tailored to your budget and to the needs of your lady. Let Patricia and her staff improve your gal’s overall health and well-being. Call 941.955.9300 or visit the Club at 1990 Main Street, Downtown Sarasota.

Foodie Finds
Although you probably think that your lady is the best cook, the truth is no matter how much she enjoys it, how about having someone else do the cooking and cleaning for her while she experiences something special!

The catering professionals at Café L’Europe will plan, set-up, service and clean-up so your lady can relax and enjoy a tasty time with friends and family. Arrange for a cocktail party, luncheon at the office, five-course dinner or intimate dinner for two and let Café L’Europe take care of everything. Contact their director of catering at 941.388.3796 or visit cafeleurope.net.

Chef Jeremy Hammond-Chambers of Innovative Dining offers private cooking classes either in his demonstration kitchen or at your home. Your lady can invite six of her friends to join her for a two-hour class at home for $510 or ten friends at Chef Jeremy’s demonstration kitchen for $600. Call 941.373.5678 or visit innovative-dining.com.

Outdoor Adventure
We live in paradise and yet we rarely take the time to enjoy our surroundings. Take her on an outdoor adventure and give her the opportunity to slow down and enjoy our tropical oasis.

Let the captain and crew of Key Sailing Charters sail her away for a few peaceful hours of clean air, fine chocolates, and breathtaking views of our barrier islands for only $280. Contact Tim and Jan Solomon at 941.346.SAIL (7245) or visit siestakeysailing.com.

If your gal prefers to stay closer to land, Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures offers kayak eco tours. Travel through exotic mangroves tunnels and explore Little Sarasota Bay. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Florida’s pristine ecosystems and awe-inspiring surroundings during your 2 1⁄2 to 3 hour adventure. Tours cost only $55 per person and can be arranged by calling 941.504.6296 or visit kayakfl.com.

Gift of Giving
The women of the Suncoast are very involved in charitable giving and often find themselves on multiple committees for a never-ending list of organizations. Pick a few of her favorite charities and give a donation in her name. If you’re not sure what her favorite causes are and she’s passionate about children, think about the Make a Wish Foundation (Local chapter: wishcentralfl.wish.org), JOY (Joining Our Youth) or Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast (bbbssun.org). If animals are more her speed, try the Humane Society of Sarasota (hssc.org) or Manatee Humane Society (humanemanatee.org), Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary (bigcathabitat.org), or Southeastern Guide Dogs (guidedogs.org). Review their websites for the best way to extend the gracious gift of giving.

Stocking Stuffers
Sometimes it’s the little things that have the most meaning and can brighten her holiday.

Chocolate: Although we eat tons of cookies and candies over the holiday season, women love really good chocolate. Gulf Gate is the home to The Chocolate Bark Company and their custom creation chocolate barks are out of this world. They have an extensive selection of chocolate creations to choose from and a wonderful staff to assist you in selecting just the right bark for your gal. Barks start at $8.95. Stop in to make your selections at 2114 Gulf Gate Drive or visit chocolatebarkcompany.com.

Wine: Let’s face it, wine just makes everything better. The knowledgeable team at the Wine Warehouse of Sarasota can help you select a wonderful bottle or case for your special wino. I suggest requesting a bottle that works well with the chocolate bark you acquired from the Chocolate Bark Company because a lady with wine and chocolate is one happy lady. Select your bottle at 1919 Southwood Court or contact the Wine Warehouse of Sarasota at 941.922.8216.

Teas and Spices: Spice Girls is an eclectic boutique featuring an array of spices, teas, lotions and potions. This fantastic store has unique gift ideas and a helpful staff to assist you. They also offer custom spice racks and gift baskets. Items range from $5 - $60. The Spice Girls is at 4141 S. Tamiami Trail or you can call them at 941.927.3949.

Great Bags: The Paper Tree has a wonderful selection of market totes which come in a variety of bright colors and trendy patterns that can be monogrammed just for her. Then let the staff at The Paper Tree help you fill the tote with wonderfully handy items like stationary, candles, magnet boards and more. Totes begin at $30 and gifts start at $10. Visit the Paper Tree in San Marco Plaza at Lakewood Ranch or their website at thepapertree.com.

Shoes!!!!: Last but not least, women love shoes and there is absolutely no way a man should ever pick out his woman’s shoes. It is a euphoric experience that we hold dear, and it is all ours. But you can give us gift certificates to some of the best shoe salons in town such as Addison Craig (St. Armands/941.388-3400) and T. Georgiano’s (1409-B 1st Street/941.870.3727).

I hope I’ve guided you down the right path this holiday season. If I see streets full of smiling and relaxed ladies wearing fabulous shoes and dazzling jewels, I’ll know that I’ve done my job! Enjoy the holidays and remember to shop local and slow down to revel in the spirit of the season.

Tracy L. Eisnaugle is a freelance writer and interior designer. For more information about Tracy L. Eisnaugle or to read her articles, editorials and blogs visit tleisnaugle.com.