The Gift Box Boutique offers an array of goodies for shoppers

With the opening last weekend of the Tampa Premium Outlets mall on S.R. 56 (see page 1), it may be hard right now to think about shopping anyplace else, but I do have a suggestion:

I’ve been talking fondly about The Gift Box Boutique — located in The Shoppes at The Pointe plaza in Tampa Palms, between Ciccio’s Cali and Stonewood Grill & Tavern — since it first opened a little more than a year ago. I’ve now probably spent maybe $300-$400 there on a variety of unique and uniquely affordable gifts (mainly for female friends, relatives and employees),  and every purchase to date has been met with excitement from its recipient.

And, the good news is that virtually any gift you’re looking for — from home décor items, women’s clothing and jewelry and yes, there are gifts for men and children (including babies), too — can be found at The Gift Box.

Owner Jennifer Colón and her husband Rick, who moved to Tampa from Dallas seven years ago and now live in Tampa Palms, promise a unique shopping experience at The Gift Box that you simply won’t find at any mall.

“I know my inventory and can help direct you to the perfect gift for birthdays,  the holidays or any special occasion,” Jennifer says. “Of course, you can always just come in to browse, too. I know there’s a lot to see, so come on in!”

I’ve yet to try to buy any clothing for ladies at The Gift Box, but there are a number of designer labels you won’t find elsewhere. “We carry Chatoyant, Gretchen Scott, Glam, Escapada and more,” says Jennifer. “And we like to keep current on our clothing. We only buy six of each item (in multiple sizes), so not everyone who shops here will end up with the same outfits.”

She adds that the store also offers many different accessories for ladies, from scarves to boot toppers, Yellowbox sandals, Lilly Pulitzer and Kate Sade bags and accessories  and Ginger Snaps and other jewelry items.

Your Holiday Headquarters

Afraid you’ll be fighting the traffic at the new mall this holiday season? Why not do your holiday gift shopping at The Gift Box instead?

“We’re got plenty of Thanksgiving stuff,” Jennifer says. “We’ve been selling lots of personalized (outdoor) turkey signs for your home, “Gobble ‘til You Drop’ throw pillows and more.”

There’s also already a number of Christmas items in The Gift Box’s displays. So, whether you want to dress your kid up like one of Santa’s elves or you want unique Nora Fleming mini-ornaments, Jennifer promises more and more holiday-themed options will be coming in for the season, including 7th Ave. Apothecary candles, “and lots of other great hostess gifts for when you attend those holiday parties.”

She adds that she is the only store in New Tampa that can carry Toffee to Go, which made Oprah’s Top 10 list. “And, it comes in a variety of flavors,” Jennifer says.

And of course, there’s always new items on the way at The Gift Box. “We listen to our customer requests, too,” Jennifer says, “so you really have to keep checking in with us to see what‘s new. For example, we recently added a new line of teas, tea cups and accessories for tea and coffee drinkers. I’d say 25 to 30 percent of our inventory has been requested by our customers.”

One reason I keep coming back is because I have gotten such a great response from giving The Gift Box’s reasonably-priced, painted wood signs with cute sayings like, “I drink coffee for your protection,” as gifts and Jennifer keeps adding new ones.

Other newer specialty lines include Columbia Restaurant items, including the famed Ybor City restaurant’s famous sangria mix and sangria pitchers. And, speaking of Ybor City, another recent addition is a line of cigar accessories, more bar and alcohol-related gifts (for men and women), and even Cameron’s Man Claws, which look like brass knuckles but actually are used to “lift, shred, carve, toss and mix with ease!”

Holiday Premier Open House!

Jennifer says The Gift Box has lots of great special event in the store, including Ladies Nights every couple of months on Thursdays. “I call them our ‘Sip & See’ events,” she says. Plus, on Thursday,  November 12, 4 p.m.-8 p.m., the boutique will host its Holiday Premier Open House with free beverages and snacks.

“We also have extended holiday hours (starting Dec. 1) and a great loyalty program,” she adds. “If you join our email list, you’ll get a weekly email with specials and promotions. Come check us out!”

The Gift Box is located at 17032 Palm Pointe Dr. and currently is open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and noon-5 p.m. on Sun. For more information, visit Facebook.com/The Gift Box Boutique, see the ad on page 30 of this issue or call 284-5986.