Once in a while, one comes across a real gem. A special place just made for late mornings of leisure, a place to get lost in while admiring unique pieces of coral, beautiful batik sundresses or just checking out quirky pieces of furniture and household knick-knacks.
This particular special place is in Hernando Beach and it’s called Coastal Gifts.
Owners Eddie and Theresa Quinones, who moved here from Cuba in the 1980s, have run the store for about 12 years and while the focus is on coastal souvenirs, Theresa has also made her mark on specialty gifts with her handmade ribbons, headbands and custom tote bags.
The husband and wife team carefully pick every item for their popular gift shop so customers can find everything from a one-of-a-kind creation to a vintage treasure.
“Nowadays you can find everything anywhere,” said Eddie Quinones. “But it’s so hard to find things that are really unique so I try to have that here in my shop.”
Coastal Gifts is full of beach accessories, flags, jewelry, wood carvings, beach and shell items, souvenirs, homeware style gifts, china bowls and wall decor.
When I visited, I spotted a pair of beautiful Asian inlaid mother-of-pearl corner chairs, glitter coasters, gorgeous wind chimes — big and small — and a large selection of coral, agate and geodes.
Visitors to Coastal Gifts range from school students to snowbirds and Quinones always gives personalized service with a smile.
“I hoped my inventory appeals to local residents as well as summer tourists and our snowbirds,” he said.
Every item is a treat to the eyes. This store is bursting with interesting, unique, well-designed objects – anything from an almost life-size aluminum pirate to fridge magnets. There’s also ladies apparel, flip-flops, hats, wind chimes and the quintessential Florida flamingo.
The shopping begins as soon as you park outside the store located on Shoal Line Boulevard. Quinones has a table full of nautical figurines to welcome customers. There’s also a huge hammock swaying in the breeze by the entranceway.
“Coastal Gifts has a casual, nature-loving, gift style that appeals to so many of us, whether they’re permanent or seasonal residents.” Theresa Quinones said, “Our customers love browsing and exploring what we have and finding that special something to buy, she said.”
Inside, customers can discover all kinds of affordable treasures including cabin décor, alligator heads, dining accessories, artwork and gift baskets.
“We just got brand new range of T-shirts in,” said Quinones. “I also carry children’s items. I want to keep bringing in fresh merchandise so there’s always something new to see,” he said.
Theresa Quinones brings her creative sewing talents to the store with handmade items. In the front display cabinet as you walk into the store are children’s pretty ribbons and hairbands that she has hand sewn. And hanging from the ceiling is a display of colorful beach bags. These custom tote bags are not just for play or the beach. They’re so creative, they can add to your fun personal fashion statement.
For those who want something really special, there are beautiful mermaid collectibles. And lording over everything is an immensely colorful, life-size pirate statue that’s sure to impress.
“You can find any kind of gift here without having to go to another store,” Quinones said. “Many of our customers say ‘This is my favorite store.’”
IF YOU GO:
Coastal Gifts is located at 4036 Shoal Line Blvd Hernando Beach, FL 34607 Phone: (352) 442-8376. Hours: 10 am to 6 pm
For more information, call (352) 442-8376 or email coastalgifts4036@yahoo.com
To browse the full range of gifts, visit http://coastalgiftsouvenirs.com or visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Coastal-Gifts-souvenirs.