Island Shopping

How can a vacation be a vacation without shopping? Buying something to remind you of your trips is not only traditional, but it's FUN! Even if it's just a few postcards, or tee shirts or a hat, it's amazing how many folks will speak with you and say, "I've been there!" I have a weakness for tee shirts, a fairly recent habit of mine. It's not unusual to see me wandering around with the names of various places I've visited plastered across my chest and back.

Like most beach resort locations, businesses come and go with alarming frequency. Dependent on vacationers, many were unable to survive the drought after Hurricane Charley hit in 2004. Some of the best hung in there and have become the anchor for the rebuilding of Sanibel's shopping scene.

On the islands my favorite shops include the following:

Pandora's Box - Located front and center in Periwinkle Place, this shop carries a wide and eclectic range of goods, from quirky hand painted one of a kind furniture to unique jewelry items and collectors glass. Much of the stock is expensive, but they have switch plates, note cards, pillows, even antique costume jewelry and Christmas ornaments for those on a tighter budget. There really is a little something for everyone and this crowded shop packs a lot in to its little space. Not a good place for small children. Too many breakable items around and not a lot of space for customers.

Island Style - Also in Periwinkle Place it's near Pandora's Box and also has funky stuff for sale. They have different furniture here, some interesting glassware and amusing ceramics. All tongue in cheek, this is just a fun place that doesn't take itself seriously.

Chico's - The very first store of the Chico's chain started on Sanibel Island and they still have a big store at Periwinkle Place. There are a number of other good clothing options there as well, so anyone looking for summery cottons will be in seventh heaven. Like Pandora's Box, be really careful with kids around all the many breakable item.

Congress Jewelers - A big shop with high end goods. They have some island style charms, bracelets, pendents and rings - with or without gemstones. They specialize in designer styles. Not for those on a budget.

Cedar Chest Fine Jewelry - In Tahitian Gardens, this is my one of my personal favorite jewelry stores. They offer some one of a kind designs using carved semi-precious stones and gold with cut gemstones that are unique, if pricey, reminders of the islands. They also offer select designers and a very nice selection of custom designs that are uniquely Sanibel. Nice folks.

Sanibel has lots of of really nice jewelry shops and nearly all of them offer custom designs in silver and/or gold based on beach themes and shells. One exception is William E Wilson in the Village Shops. When I want to drool over world class, custom cut gemstones done in one of a kind pieces, this is the place. A small shop filled with treasures for those with good taste who appreciate the unusual and have Platinum cards.

Tee shirts - Well, you can find these pretty much everywhere. The little shop in Periwinkle Place in the corner across from the entrance to the Blue Giraffe has high quality ones and where I like to buy. Windspree, a stand alone shop with Finnimore's Bike Rentals is a good spot.

Sea Shells and supplies - She Sells Sea Shells is a must stop. Neptune's Treasure's is GREAT, but kind of hidden in a little group of shops in Tree Tops near where the Causeway joins Periwinkle. Tuttles is down on the east end of Sanibel in Old Town Sanibel. You can find shells, containers for shells, shell art - everything shell in many shops. Most are aimed at tourists, but a few are for serious collectors. Go and learn!

Art Galleries - Sanibel and Captiva have played host to artists and writers for many years. Anne Morrow Lindberg wrote "Gifts From the Sea" while staying in a little cottage on Captiva. Robert Rauschenberg calls the islands home. Lots of excellent professional and amateur artists show their work. As always, buy what you like. BIG Arts Center has shows on a rotating schedules. Jungle Drums on Captiva offers a wide price range and mediums, numbered limited editions and prints as well as glass, and jewelry. Tower Gallery is an island collective. Art of the First Person in the Village Shops has primitives from around the world.

I'll add more later, but hopefully, you'll find a reason to explore the wonderful little shops on Sanibel and Captiva and maybe bring home a reminder of your stay. I think my place is littlered with them and they always bring a smile.