Holiday Gifts for the Discerning Gift Giver
Shopping for holiday gifts is no easy feat, and it’s always better to get a head start. The shops of the Gables offer up a wide range of trinkets, home décor products, gift cards, and — if all else fails — bottles of wine for this gift-giving season. It’s easy to order something online, but for a personal touch, think about supporting your local Gables’ businesses and foregoing worries over delayed shipping, hidden fees, or backordered items.
To help you out this season, we’ve listed some of our favorite stores below and some of the holiday gifts you can buy in downtown Gables. That’s our gift to you! Happy holidays!
Park & Shop Map
Gift Suggestions From Your Local Retailers
Pepi Bertini
Pepi Bertini is the master tailor of the Gables. With an eye to what the modern, professional man should wear, Bertini will custom-make shirts, suits, tuxedos — or any other apparel — in a way that make you look and feel your best. The sport jacket on the right is a Houndstooth brown with a rust window pane pattern in wool and cotton, with a reversible soft wool scarf and rust-colored jeans. The safari jacket on the left is made of blue cashmere with a reversible two-tone scarf. Vanilla-colored jeans and a stamped leather belt complete the look.
357 Miracle Mile
305.461.3374 | pepi@pepibertini.com
Merrick Festival
The Caroling Competition has been a holiday tradition in Coral Gables since 1987 when the 550 Biltmore Way Building first presented the city with a spectacular poinsettia tree. The free event features over 1,500 young people from 30 Miami-Dade schools competing for $20,000 in cash prizes. Since its inception, the Caroling Competition has given out almost $600,000 to help encourage and grow the music programs in our schools. Beginning Wednesday, November 29, the competition takes place over five nights on the steps of 550 Biltmore. Evening shows are from 7 to 10 pm and Sunday performances are from 3 to 6 pm. Winners perform again on December 5. Give yourself a holiday gift by attending!
Snow’s Jewelers
Does anybody cater to the jewelry needs — and desires — of Gablelites better than Snow’s? Here is this classic exquisite diamond ring, with a GIA-certified “emerald cut” center diamond (3.01 carats) accented by two emerald-cut side diamonds (1.81 carats). Voted “Best Jeweler in Coral Gables” by Coral Gables Magazine.
270 Miracle Mile
305.443.7448 | eddie@snowsjewelers.com
Coral Gables Art Cinema
A Coral Gables Art Cinema gift card is the ideal gift for the film connoisseur in your life this holiday season. Presenting first-run and regional premieres of quality American independent and international movies, both fiction and documentary, the cinema also hosts special programs and film festival events. Gift cards can be used for tickets and concession items, including popcorn, candy, soda, beer, and wine — and they never expire. Purchase online and it will be sent by mail to the recipient with a personalized note.
260 Aragon Avenue
786.472.2249 | gablescinema.com
Paradise Pup Resort and Rescues
Give the pup in your life special moments year-round and support local rescue dogs with “The Pawfect Pup” annual gift subscription from Paradise Pup Resort & Rescues. The ideal howliday gift for any pawrent and their bestie, “The Pawfect Pup” arrives once per month filled with a delicious assortment of handmade, curated treats specifically designed for the furry recipient! Holiday shipments begin mid-December and end the following November, surprising the recipient with edible delights for a full 12-months of themed treat baskets, with options starting as low as $24.99 per month. Please specify preferred starting holiday when ordering: 270.993.2521 | puppylove@paradisepupresort.com
Snow’s Jewelers
Snow’s is more than just the place to buy your diamond engagement ring. This 14K yellow gold sapphire and diamond ring is perfect for any occasion. Stop by Snow’s to see large collection of interesting fashion rings. Voted “Best Jeweler in Coral Gables” by Coral Gables Magazine.
270 Miracle Mile
305.443.7448 | eddie@snowsjewelers.com
City Pooch
Welcome to City Pooch Pet Grooming Salon, where we consider your best friend our top priority. We have been providing full-service grooming for Coral Gables’ pets since 2007, building a reputation for excellent pet care service. From breed standard styles to creative grooms for mixed breeds, our certified, professionally trained Pet Groomers will have your pooch looking and feeling its very best. Give your dog — and yourself — a holiday makeover as a special gift for both.
1686 Coral Way
305.859.7829 | city-pooch.com
“All In: How To Risk Everything For Everything That Matters” by W. Allen Morris
Understanding our past life experiences leads to healing insights, which empower our future freedom, purpose, and power. Events that have wounded us as children or adults carry powerful messages that affect who we become. While we may not even be aware of our unhealed wounds and the self-limiting message we’ve told ourselves about them, it’s negatively impacting how we live our life today. We can recast those wounds as “superpowers” by becoming aware of the past events that are directing unwanted behaviors in our lives, and free ourselves to make new choices. Pick up a copy at Books & Books, Amazon, or wherever books are sold. Now available on Audible. allinbook.com
Mercedes Benz Of Coral Gables
Mercedes-Benz’s all-electric line is a testament to the company’s dedication to innovation, style, and environmental responsibility. It has raised the bar for electric vehicles, promising a brighter, more sustainable future for the automotive industry. With Mercedes-Benz’s stunning all- electric lineup, the future of driving has never looked more amazing. For the ultimate holiday gift, visit Mercedes Benz Of Coral Gables.
300 Almeria Avenue, Suite A
305.445.8593 | mbcoralgables.com
Montica Jewelry
Montica Jewelry invites you to elevate your style this holiday season with Fana. A name both feminine and luxurious, yet blissful. Each Fana jewel is designed and crafted with the belief that when jewelry touches a woman’s skin, it also touches the soul. Chic and beautiful holiday gifts: Classic Round Emerald and Diamond 14k White Gold Pendant $1,450; Classic Round Sapphire and Diamond 14k White Gold Pendant $1,550; Round Ruby and Diamond 14k White Gold Ring $3,300; Emerald and Diamond Interweaving 14k White Gold Ring $5,400; Sapphire and Diamond Twist 14k White.
500 S. Dixie Hwy #203
305.446.2957 | montica.com
Jae’s Jewelers
Jae’s Jewelers is a third-generation, family-owned and operated, full-service jewelry store with a rich history spanning nearly eight decades. Jae’s Jewelers takes pride in offering exceptional craftsmanship, unparalleled expertise, friendly service, and a wide range of exquisite jewelry and watches. All three owners are GIA-educated graduate gemologists who place an emphasis on continuing education and a high standard of ethics, allowing the business to achieve exclusive American Gem Society membership.
Jae’s Jewelers curates the largest collection of estate jewelry in Coral Gables. Each piece is carefully restored to its original beauty by the store’s on-site goldsmith, ensuring enjoyment for decades to come. Whether it be Art Deco, Retro, Vintage, Modern, Art Nouveau, or Antique, Jae’s Jewelers offers a variety of rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and brooches.
Jae’s Jewelers is an authorized Roberto Coin retailer, offering both classic and new collections from the Italian designer. All jewelry is crafted in durable 18-carat white, rose, or yellow gold. The newest designs include the Navarra, Lozenge, Cialoma, and Oro Classic collections. The most popular options are the diamond initial necklaces, Diamonds by the Inch necklaces, and Tiny Treasures necklaces.
Discover the exquisite world of fine jewelry and memorable experiences at Jae’s Jewelers. As a third-generation, family-owned and operated jeweler, we have been a trusted name in South Florida since 1945. With a focus on GIA-graded diamonds, estate jewelry, custom engagement rings, and on-site jewelry repairs, we are your go-to destination for all your jewelry needs.
Visit the store at 237 Miracle Mile from 11 am to 6 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays, or shop online at jaesjewelers.com.
Victoria’s Armoire
If you are in search of something unique, whether for yourself or for friends and family, then Victoria’s Armoire Coral Gables showroom is your destination. Filled to the brim with beautiful home décor items, furniture, and holiday gifts, the new 10,000-square-foot Miami showroom is perfect for those looking to furnish a room or even a full house. Want it right away? Our warehouse bays are adjacent to the showroom for immediate gratification.
4077 Ponce de Leon Boulevard
305.445.3848 | victoriasarmoire.net
Shops at Merrick Park
Shops at Merrick Park, Coral Gables’ premier destination for fine dining and shopping, provides Miami area residents and visitors with a distinctive collection of more than 100 stores and eateries anchored by flagship locations of Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. The center features luxury brands such as Tory Burch, Louis Vuitton, CH Carolina Herrera, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, CAMILLA, and Tiffany & Co., alongside popular retailers such as Anthropologie, Banana Republic, J.Crew, Lilly Pulitzer, lululemon, Pottery Barn, and Sephora.
The unmatched shopping experience is enhanced by delicious dining options such as SAWA, Mariposa at Neiman Marcus, Bazille at Nordstrom, Sea Grill, Ecléctico Restaurant & Agave Bar, Perry’s Steak House & Grille, Villagio Restaurant, and Yard House. Equinox Fitness Club and the Landmark Theatre complete the well-rounded retail mix. The center is open Monday through Thursday from 11 am to 8 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm and Sunday, from 11 am to 6 pm.
358 San Lorenzo Ave
305.529.1215 | shopsatmerrickpark.com
On Your Mark, Get Ready, Shop!
Commentary by Mark A. Trowbridge, President & CEO of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce
As we look toward the Olympics in Paris this summer, I am advocating for holiday shopping to be added as an official gold medal sport. No matter the retailer or the recipient, preparing for the holiday season requires careful planning, focused training, and intense repetition. And there is no time like the present to take advantage of motivated brands that want you to shop early and often.
Analysts suggest that one in three of us will spend more this holiday season — as much as four percent more — even as we do our best to shop and save along the way. Another third will spend the same or less. And nearly half of us have already begun to save for the holidays to make it even more affordable this season.
Thus, it is critical for our favorite local brands and stores to plan, too, elevating their appeal to consumers and loyal customers to avoid offering products that don’t resonate with the educated shopper. It is their job to curate the perfect collection that satisfies your wish list.
Even as our economy struggles for solid footing due to inflation and stagnant consumer confidence, retailers are hard at work to get your attention and keep it throughout the long holiday run-up. This applies to brick-and-mortar stores, as well as local online stores that also offer great selections right here in our City Beautiful
Our own Coral Gables continues to provide a bevy of offerings to the discriminating consumer, whether it be clothing, housewares, great books, or major purchases like a new car, surprise vacation, or appliance. It is all about shopping local and supporting small business- es owned by your neighbors, friends, and faves. Our retailers — along both Miracle Mile and at the Shops at Merrick Park — know your needs and wants and are holding the door open for you. Wide open.
This red carpet treatment is why we love the Gables — from restaurant gift cards for the perfect date night out on the town to those unique holiday gifts for anyone on your naughty but just nice enough list. This beautiful Gift Guide is a helpful roadmap to shopping Coral Gables, featuring some of our most celebrated brands and their holiday collections. It also celebrates Small Business Saturday — a collaboration our Chamber has co-hosted with our partners at American Express for the past dozen years. Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 25 and make plans to join us to shop small and buy local.
Now, put down those training shoes, pick up your credit card, and let’s go for the gold this holiday season — in every sense of the word. Happy hunting!
Small Business Saturday: Go Local
Small Business Saturday is a national day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for our communities. Each year, it falls on the Saturday after Thanksgiving — this year, it will take place on November 25.
Small businesses in the Gables need your support more than ever, as they navigate, retool, and pivot from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Founded by American Express in 2010 and officially cosponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA), Small Business Saturday is an important part of small, local retailers’ busiest shopping season.
Please join in and shop at your favorite small Coral Gables businesses on this special day. We’re sure you’ll find the perfect holiday gifts!
Looking for more places to shop? Check out our Where to Shop section under Living.