Posted by: Want to buy the perfect gift all while avoiding the mall? South Florida has great cultural institutions and other attractions with amazing gift shops.
Many of these destinations and venues also offer memberships as a gift. Give the one you love a year-long experience that will truly be unforgettable.
You’re likely to find one-of-a-kind items, handmade items and other interesting items at gift shops that aren't necessarily at the local department store. Plus, depending on who owns and operates the shop — the nonprofit or a concessionaire — your purchase could be tax-free.
Here’s a sampling of five types of venues where you’ll find unique gifts — and chances are the items and experiences can’t be found in a department store.
Additionally, purchase tickets or a membership to an attraction and wrap them up. Make a memory of it and share the gift of good company!
Zoo Miami
Zoo gift shops
Most items at a zoo gift shop are perfect for the animal lover — and who doesn’t love animals? At many of these shops, you'll typical animal-related clothing, plush animals, toys, books, home décor and many items available only there. And it's not just zoos, we also have animal theme parks and attractions!
Some examples in South Florida:
- Zoo Miami
- Palm Beach Zoo
- Lion Country Safari
- Monkey Jungle
- Butterfly World
- Miami Seaquarium
- Flamingo Gardens
- Sea Turtle Oversight Protection website
Museum of Discovery and Science
Science museum gift shops
At a science museum shop, the range of gifts — including books games, apparel, build-it kits, rocks and more — covers everyone.
Some examples in South Florida:
- Museum of Discovery and Science
- Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
- Children’s Science Explorium
(Photo: Boca Raton Museum of Art)
Art museum gift shops
Not only is this the stop for the art-lover, it’s often a place to pick up great unusual gifts. Jewelry, glassware, prints and posters are just some of the items you’ll find in art museum gift shops.
Some examples in South Florida:
- Perez Art Museum Miami
- The Bass Museum of Art
- Lowe Art Museum
- The Wolfsonian
- Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami
- NSU Art Museum
- WMODA in Dania
- ArtServe in Fort Lauderdale
- Boca Raton Museum of Art
- Young at Art Museum, which is in Broward Mall, Plantation
- Coral Springs Museum of Art
HistoryMiami Museum
History museum gift shops
From books to antique toys, history museum gift shops also offer a unique array of gifts including T-shirts, prints, tote bags, mugs and other items. Usually, museum gifts shops will also feature items related to their current exhibits.
Some examples in South Florida:
- HistoryMiami Museum
- History Fort Lauderdale
- Historic Stranahan House Museum
- Flagler House
- Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
- Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
Bonnet House
Garden gift shops
A garden gift shop is a great place to shop. Here you’ll find items such as books, gardening tools, calendars, rain sticks and, of course, plants.
Some examples in South Florida:
- Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
- Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
- Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
- Miami Beach Botanical Garden
- Pinecrest Gardens
- The Kampong
- Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County
- Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
- Flamingo Gardens
Information from our parent site, Living On The Cheap, was used to supplement this article.
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