Shopping for Christmas on Sanibel is the same as it would be up north – except with shorts rather than ski pants and sandals instead of boots. Aside from that, there is lots of Christmas cheer – plenty of music, beautiful lights, store sales, decorations that dazzle and Santa and company to thrill you with bargains.
If you’re going to be an island shopper you will need to know where all the stores are – both on the island and off the island. Shopping on the island is different. The palm trees along Periwinkle Way will be ablaze with lights; shops will be bright and cheerful, and the Christmas music will bring back happy memories of Christmas past.
Sanibel Island Shopping
Shopping on the island is a special experience. There are no chain stores – just friendly, locally owned shops amidst sub-tropical flowers and trees. They carry familiar brand names as well as unique items that are relevant to the island. If this is your first time shopping on Sanibel here are three of the more prominent shopping sites to help you get started.
Periwinkle Place has 24 shops at 2075 Periwinkle Way that sell clothing, toys, jewelry, household items and specialties. It’s open from 7 AM to 8 PM except Sunday when it’s 10 AM to 7 PM.
Tahitian Gardens has 17 shops at 1975 – 2019 Periwinkle Way. They sell clothing, gifts, jewelry and shoes. Their hours vary by store.
Olde Sanibel Shoppes has 8 shops at 630 Tarpon Bay Road that sell clothing, jewelry, gifts, art and pet provisions. The hours vary.
Parking is available and free at each of the shopping sites and they are easily navigated by the handicapped.
Shopping Off the Islands
The most convenient shopping site off the island is The Sanibel Outlets. It’s just over the bridge on Summerlin Road, no more than 10 minutes off the bridge. There are over 40 outlet stores for designer brands at discount prices. There are outlets for designer brands of jewelry and accessories, apparel, footwear, housewares and home furnishings, hosiery and intimates and specialty items. Stores are open from 9 AM to 9 PM every day except Sunday when it’s 10 AM to 6 PM. The complex has plenty of parking, is handicap friendly and has restrooms in the stores.
So, come on down and spend Christmas with us on this warm, friendly, cheerful island. The stores are ready to treat you royally with Christmas specials. The theatres have holiday fare that will fill you with that special Christmas feeling and the restaurants will delight you with a menu made to please. And David is poised to help you find just the right place to spend this wonderful Christmas season.