Menu

An Orlando Local Holiday Gift Guide: Where Every Purchase Makes a Dream Come True

Photo courtesy of Form Function Form

Holiday shopping is more than checking gifts off a list—it’s an opportunity to invest in creativity, craftsmanship, and community. From handcrafted leather goods and heirloom-quality jewelry to artisan stationery, bohemian fashion, and thoughtful accessories, Central Florida’s small businesses are powered by passion and people, not mass production.

For these local creators, every purchase represents something personal: validation, sustainability, and the ability to keep building what started as a dream. This holiday season, shopping local doesn’t just feel good—it does good.

Here’s your guide to some of Orlando’s most inspiring local businesses to shop this holiday season.

Form Function Form

Photo courtesy of Form Function Form

Luxury Leather Gifts, Designed and Made in Orlando

Form Function Form began in 2012 when founder Shawn Reed couldn’t find the bracelet he envisioned—so he designed it himself. What started as a single handcrafted accessory quickly evolved into a full line of luxury leather goods rooted in one philosophy: form follows function follows form.

“We began with one product Shawn couldn’t find anywhere,” the team shares. “That single idea turned into a philosophy of intentional, handcrafted design.”

From iconic wallets and watchbands to belts, valet trays, and luggage tags, every piece is designed by Reed and handcrafted in the U.S. using premium Horween leather—one of America’s oldest and most respected tanneries. Their College Park storefront doubles as a working studio, where customers can see, touch, smell (yes, really), and personalize pieces through custom laser engraving.

Holiday highlights & deals

  • FFF-alala Holiday Week: rotating product categories with 25% off using special coupon codes

  • Small Business Saturday: Prosecco, a gift-with-purchase for 2026, and 25% off the entire store

  • Open for in-store holiday shopping and personalization

“It never gets old seeing a customer’s face light up when they find the perfect gift,” the team says. “Especially knowing it might become something that’s used and loved every day.”

2810 Edgewater Drive, Orlando
formfunctionform.com

Bang & Olufsen of Winter Park

Design-Forward Audio Gifts with White-Glove Service

Locally owned by Tony and Kristi, Bang & Olufsen of Winter Park brings world-class audio and visual design into an intimate, community-focused setting. While Bang & Olufsen is a century-old global brand, this showroom is independently operated—allowing for deeply personalized service and curated experiences.

“Our goal was to bring luxury sound and design to Central Florida in a way that feels personal,” the owners share.

The showroom has become a cultural hub, hosting monthly Vinyl Nights, community events, and exhibitions featuring local artists—all while offering premium home audio solutions for every lifestyle and budget.

Holiday highlights

  • Holiday promotions through December 1, coinciding with Bang & Olufsen’s 100th anniversary

  • New product launches perfect for music lovers, design enthusiasts, and tech-forward homes

  • Immersive in-store listening experiences

“One of the most rewarding parts of owning a small business is the relationships we’ve built,” they say. “Shopping local keeps that human connection alive.”

220 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park
Instagram: @BangOlufsenOrlando

Valiente

Photo courtesy of Valiente NYC

Timeless Jewelry with Soul and Intention

Valiente is a deeply personal jewelry brand that finds beauty in contrast—black and white, old-world romance and modern edge, elegance and melancholy. Each piece is handcrafted by the founder, drawing inspiration from Victorian eras, natural stones, pearls, emeralds, and intentional asymmetry.

“Valiente is not just a brand,” the maker shares. “It’s the echo of where I come from and the most honest expression of who I am.”

From early market days to a loyal following of repeat customers, the brand has grown through genuine connection and storytelling.

Holiday highlights

  • A curated holiday collection featuring timeless, giftable pieces

  • Holiday bundles and limited seasonal drops throughout the season

“When you shop local, you’re supporting someone’s dream, their family, and their late nights,” the founder says. “That makes every purchase meaningful.”

Instagram: @valiente.nyc

Meredith Sand Designs (Milk District)

Artful Stationery, Textiles, and a Gallery for Local Artists

Meredith Sand Designs began 13 years ago with handmade baby shower stationery and evolved into a thriving design studio, retail shop, and rotating artist gallery. Known for hand-carved stamps, illustrated patterns, and thoughtful collaborations, the brand is now a cornerstone of Orlando’s creative scene.

“When you purchase art from an artist, you are literally making someone’s dream come true,” Sand says.

The recently opened gallery in the Milk District features resident artists while showcasing MSD’s signature designs across paper goods, wrapping paper, wallpaper, dish towels, and more.

Holiday highlights

  • 12 holiday patterns available across cards, wine bags, towels, and gifts

  • Styles range from classic and whimsical to modern and minimal

“My favorite part is connecting artists with buyers,” Sand shares. “Sometimes buyers become collectors—it’s a beautifully organic process.”

221 S. Bumby Ave., Orlando
Instagram & website: Meredith Sand Designs

The Knotty Dogs

Photo courtesy of The Knotty Dogs

Handmade Crochet Gifts Full of Heart (and Dogs)

What started as a beginner crochet kit in August 2024 has quickly grown into a beloved local brand. Inspired by a future niece or nephew—and named after two rescue pit bulls—The Knotty Dogs brings joy through handmade crochet plushies and seasonal décor.

“I taught myself how to crochet and jumped into my first market shortly after,” the owner says. “Now I’ve grown in ways I never imagined.”

Every piece is handmade, with some creations taking up to 14 hours to complete.

Holiday highlights

  • Large crochet Santa, Reindeer, and Snowman plushies

  • Smaller festive items perfect for gifting and décor

  • In-person shopping at Lake Nona Town Center on 11/29 and 12/12

“Seeing someone instantly fall in love with something I made—that’s my favorite part,” she shares.

Instagram: @the.knotty.dogs
Etsy: TheKnottyDogsStore

The Apothecary FL

Photo courtesy of The Apothecary FL

Bohemian Fashion Rooted in Energy and Intuition

Founded during the pandemic, The Apothecary FL is a family-run brand blending fabrics, ritual, and soulful design. Each piece is created or curated with intention—often incorporating recycled garments and intuitive design practices.

“Every purchase fuels a dream, not a machine,” founder Coath shares. “Shopping local keeps the magic alive.”

The brand has grown organically through markets, ceremonies, and a devoted community drawn to its mystical, bohemian aesthetic.

Holiday highlights

  • Seasonal bohemian collections and gift cards

  • Holiday giveaways and energetic fashion pieces designed to uplift

“Seeing a woman light up when a garment connects with her energy—that moment is everything,” Coath says.

theapothecaryfl.com
Instagram: @theapothecaryfl
Weekly markets across Central Florida

Oasis Accessories

Photo courtesy of Oasis Accessories

Elevated Everyday Jewelry with a Personal Touch

Oasis Accessories is a mother-daughter brand built on reinvention, resilience, and shared dreams. From a small beauty salon pop-up to major Orlando markets, the brand has grown through community trust and thoughtful curation.

“Buying local goes beyond a product—it’s about authenticity and human connection,” they say.

Their jewelry is crafted from 316L stainless steel with 18K PVD gold plating, making each piece durable, hypoallergenic, and perfect for everyday wear.

Holiday highlights

  • Holiday collection launching in early December

  • Weekly markets at Lake Eola Park and beyond

“For us, it’s seeing the customer’s reaction,” they share. “Opening an Oasis box should always feel special.”

shopsoleoasis.com
Instagram: @soleoasisshop

Why Shopping Local in Orlando Matters

Across every story, one truth is clear: shopping local makes dreams possible. Each purchase supports a real person, a family, a late-night creative session, and a future still being built.

This holiday season, Orlando shoppers have the chance to give gifts that carry meaning—crafted with intention, rooted in community, and made with love. That’s a gift that lasts far beyond the holidays.

Written by Melissa Donovan

Melissa Donovan is the Content & Creative Development Manager for Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine where she gets to collaborate on bringing new life into local happenings and tell the stories of the people who make Central Florida what it is. She has a bachelor's degree in Print and Digital Journalism from the University of Central Florida and has had her worked featured in Strike Magazine, The Charge, The Orlando Life, and Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine. As a born and bred Orlando native, Melissa enjoys putting her own spin on the daily life of The City Beautiful.

When she is not at her laptop writing her next piece, you can find Melissa traveling the world, watching rom coms on repeat, or indulging in a delicious bowl of pasta.

Leave a Reply

Exit mobile version