December 13, 2011 - posted by Ima Shoppinhere

I had a sweet Downtown Tampa moment today.  As I walked north on Ashley from 100 N. Tampa, I noticed an older man who looked lost or confused.  He spoke little English and needed to find the entrance to the Bank of America office building.  When I told him how to cut through the parking garage entrance, up the elevator and across the bridge, he looked even more confused, so I walked with him all the way to the building lobby.  When we got there he conveyed his gratitude with a gentle kiss on my hand. 

I couldn't stop smiling as I walked to my office.

Today, I did my holiday shopping during my one hour lunch hour.  It was one of those "on your mark, get set, GO" moments when I left Rivergate at 400 N. Ashley (Home of Malios and very soon the Kahwa Cafe!):

First stop was up Tampa Street, to 200 N. Tampa Street.  It's the storefront with baskets of beautiful holiday decor and plants outside the door. The I'm headed to the Downtown's Florist.  I met another shopper in that store who was searching for the perfect birthday present!  We agreed that the store has much more than beautiful flowers and plants, and how fun it is to shop there.  Love the Santa House (above)!  The shopper ended up with a darling bud vase on the back of a bird.  I gravitated to the Bridgewater Soy Blend Candles - quality candles that guarantee a long and clean burn, smell beautiful, and have a great price ($15.00). 

Another great gift item found here are lovely ornaments in the baskets outside - large, glimmering, and classic in style.  $5.00 each.  For newlyweds decorating their first home on their own, a grouping of 5 or 6 can make a wonderful gift.  Or just one or two to have on hand for an extra "just in case" holiday gift is not a bad idea.  There are many more wonderful ornaments inside, including the retro ornaments.  A reminder, all ornaments on the big tree inside are for sale!  Also, look for the Christmas Cactus when you get there - a great price at $12.95, and a living gift that will endure! 

I have a whole 40 minutes left and make a beeline for the Tampa Bay Rays Store at 400 N. Tampa Street!  Here's where I'll find great gifts for the Rays fans at my house! 

The store is filled with jerseys , t-shirts, every style of hat, workout wear, pants and jackets for everyone on your list.  For sure on this cute rays shirts to the left (hint, hint, Husband-O-Mine).  It's as though Santa was there too, with loads of Rays holiday gear, including ornaments, stuffed animals, and Rays Nutcrackers!  Great Stocking Stuffers for the Rays Fan/Golfer - golf balls and tees.  I also see sweatbands, bracelets, pens, pony tail holders, etc. etc. If you go, check out the sale stuff too - what great bargains!! 

I couldn't resist the Rays for kids section, and picked up some goodies for neighborhood kids who play at our grown kids' old basketball hoop and walk our dogs.  One of the most unique things you find here are the balls, bats and jerseys that are "game-worn."  I'd rather have new - thank you, but I know for some fans, this is very cool.   If nothing else, pick up Raymond's Game Day Adventure for a baseball loving kid.  It's a $10.00 hardback book, and will encourage a child to read.  If you can't decide, get the gift certificate.  I did.

THE CLOCK IS TICKING!  Fifteen minutes left, and I drop into Samaria Cafe for a Gyro to Go!  I'm back in the office with five more gifts and stocking stuffers.

It's a good feeling to know that holiday shopping on the lunch hour can keep me out of the mall parking lots after work. Everyone in the office marvels at my finds, and two leave to go find their own treasures at lunch time.

I think about my friend from this morning - hope he found his way back, or found someone to help.  Knowing Downtown Tampa the way I do, I suspect he's just fine.

December 14, 2011 - posted by Ima Shoppinhere and Holly Reathe 

My co-worker Holly left early and went on an afternoon shopping expedition.  Armed with the 2011 Downtown Tampa Holiday Gift Finder, she's on her way to the land of shopping in Downtown Tampa.   She is on her bike today, and feels comfortable biking in the city after taking the WalkWise/Bike Smart program at her workplace!  It's offered by the Tampa Downtown Partnership and what a GREAT GIFT (FREE) A BUSINESS CAN GIVE STAFF!

  Holly reporting for shoppping duty: 

On my way to the Channel District, my first stop is Geoffrey's, on the corner of South Florida and Channelside.  I am drawn to this shop by its attractive windows although I have heard of the great floral designs.  I ordered a flower display for a holiday party at my home next week, and learned that Geoffrey's specializes in home and office decor and in special events.  I asked if the hanging snowmen and stars were for sale, and was informed by Geoffrey himself that EVERYTHING IS FOR SALE.  So I bought a hanging gold lighted star for my neighbor - everyone should have a star. 

I pedaled over to the Marriott Waterside Hotel and the very polite and friendly people at the Bell Stand checked my bike for me! 

I had heard about the great gift shop at the hotel, and after stopping for coffee at the hotel's Starbucks I stepped into "the land of beautiful things."  This is a gift shop that tries to make up for the fact that there's no department store in Downtown Tampa.  

But here you can find pajamas, bathing suits, beach towels, purses, shirts, ties, underwear, and an assortment of Tampa sports teams jerseys and t-shirts. 

The Marriott Waterside gift shop also has an amazing array of jewelry and purses - very unique and worth a look.  I find a jeweled frame in the process, and purchase it for a dear friend.  I return to the Pocha display and pick out a necklace with carved roses and gems.  Gorgeous.  As far as I'm concerned, this is the finest hotel gift shop in Downtown Tampa.   

The valet brings me my bike.  How to tip for a valet parking a bike?  Same as you would for a car, I think. 

Remember to watch out for bikes in traffic especially when you turn.  More downtown residents, more bike riders, and more reason to be EXTRA CAREFUL.  Okay, that's my PSA for the day.

On my way back, I decided to stop at Designing Eyes on Tampa Street and I brought the bike inside.  I'm there to purchase a gift certificate for my sister.  She's been wanting the FABULOUS Oliver Peoples frames ($250), and the way I SEE IT (no pun intended, maybe), a beautiful way to see better is the best gift I can give her.  I stop in and say hello to Dr. Licata, my favorite-ever eye professional.  I also see Sharon and Annette who can sell you the eyes of a superstar.  Their cool collection includes frames by Armani, Oakley, Chrome Hearts, True Religion, and Gold & Wood, just to name a few! Frame prices range from $75.00 to $1,200.00 for the new emPower progressives - you can see near or far with the touch of the temple or a tilt of the head.  Like STAR TREK!!!

Downtown Tampa's foot traffic is heavy as I head over to Jimmy John's for a #6, Vegetarian with layers of provalone with goodies like avocado spread and alfalfa sprouts!  I meet up with my friend Nick, and he orders something with genoa salomi in it that sounds Italian. We eat slow; they're open late, and it's still early. 

Tomorrow, Ima and I are heading to the Old Tampa Book Company! 

Riding home, all I can think of how happy my sister will be!