“When, what to my wondering eyes should appear?” A special gift to which “secret elves” had given heartfelt meaning? We all like that feeling: when the face of the recipient of our gift lights up like a brightly festooned tree or dancing menorah after opening that singular present you knew would make memories bright. If you are the secret elf, and you are still pondering a few items on your list, we have some suggestions for that special someone, from sweetly simple to over-the-top. Isn’t that why they’re called wish lists?
For that special someone
The extraordinary person in your life who deserves a distinctive, if not exceptional, token of your love and appreciation
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Fiery ring
Some people wear their heart on their sleeve, but she can wear your heart’s fire on her finger. This platinum ring is centered with an 18-carat Australian black opal, flanked by sapphires, emeralds, and white and fancy colored diamonds. The ring’s name, “Earth Fall,” and colors are inspired by astronomical photos of the earth’s surface; and it was designed by third-generation jeweler William Boyajian at Port Royal Jewelers in Naples (price available upon request).
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Bentley sleigh
What’s red and stylish and luxurious all over? The 2018 Bentley Bentayga W12 ($244,960) at Naples Luxury Imports. All the comforts of a Bentley in an all-wheel drive SUV: heated front and rear seats, dual-zone air conditioning, moon roof, remote keyless entry, three LCD monitors, real-time traffic display, streaming wireless and leather trim — and a fold-down picnic table for tailgating or sunset forays.
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Cozy up
Curl up with your lovey in the softness of this luxe, faux-fur blanket ($149). Fluff up the intimacy, and your décor, with the matching pillow ($59). From Chico’s.
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Jennifer Brinkman
Couple’s weekend
Escape and unwind from the holiday bustle with your special someone. Seven miles of white-sand beach, beachside pools, tennis, watersports, waterfront dining and a world-class spa beckon at the four-diamond Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club. You don’t have to travel far to secret your partner away in paradise. The Golf & Spa Combo package includes greens fees, cart rental, bag storage, range balls and golf gratuities, and a 50-minute massage for the non-golfer (from $898 per night for a Gulf-view room with two-night minimum).
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Time travel
If your man is a globetrotter, or conducts international business, the Voyager GMT 41.5 by Louis Vuitton travels around the world with him every 24 hours. This contemporary travel timepiece ($5,350) features a polished and brushed stainless steel case, gray bull calf leather strap, blue and black GMT day and night indicator, and anthracite luminescent hands. The Swiss-made watch is water resistant to 164 feet. Louis Vuitton, Waterside Shops, Naples.
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Do a little dance
What better way to get even closer to your partner than by dancing the night away? The Argentine tango, salsa and merengue, East Coast swing, freestyle or traditional International Standard ballroom styles of dance — you can learn them in group classes ($10 per person) on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at Enchanted Ballroom in the Promenade at Bonita Bay in Bonita Springs. The couples’ introductory package ($40 per couple) includes two private lessons and a group class — an excellent way to dip into this trending pastime to see if it’s right for you. (theenchantedballroom.com)
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A true bouquet
Surprise the oenophile in your life with a set of Schott Zwiesel Pure Cabernet glasses ($84) made in Germany from Williams Sonoma at Waterside Shops. Go the extra mile and have them monogrammed. Your resident wine-lover will be especially thrilled to find tucked inside a membership to The Williams Sonoma’s Wine Club. The Explorer Wine Club ($90 per six-bottle shipment) takes imbibers on a tour through “the world’s most storied vineyards and boutique wineries.” The Entertainer Wine Club ($180 per six-bottle shipment) features premium age-worth wines averaging $30 each for special occasions. Membership includes a discount at the Wine Store, wine-tasting notes and paired recipes. Say bon jour to intimate wine evenings on the lanai.
For the whole family
The branches of your family tree, from the oldest and strongest to the delicate little buds.
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Rafael Tongol
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins
Magical frontiers
Members of the Disney Vacation Club can choose from 14 resort properties in Florida, California, South Carolina and Hawaii, which means they can tailor their vacation to their family’s interests and fantasies. In July, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Wilderness Lodge in Lake Buena Vista became the newest addition to the portfolio (memberships from $17,600). Inspired by the legendary mining and railroad history of the Pacific Northwest, amenities include watercraft and bicycle rentals, campfire site, a 67-foot pool waterslide and the Lodge’s 82-foot layered stone fireplace. It’s a water-taxi ride away from the Magic Kingdom. The Wilderness Lodge property offers the widest ranges of accommodations, from nature-inspired deluxe studios to 26 luxurious waterfront cabins. Details: disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com
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Zoom, zoom
They are a familiar sight along McGregor Boulevard and Sanibel Island side streets. If you decide on a golf cart for the whole family, why not opt for the street legal 2018 GEM e4 by Polaris? With four high-back, forward-facing adjustable seats, this electric vehicle offers spacious legroom for all, and quiet, low-maintenance operation. Recharge with a standard 110-volt outlet and unplug for a zero-emission ride. $16,000 to $17,000 at Gator Golf Cars in Fort Myers (gatorgolfcars.com)
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Picnic in paradise
There’s nothing like a picnic table to bring the family outside for informal dining or rooting on a game of badminton or croquet. This modern take ($2,998) on the classic tradition has a teak top, called Pic Nic Table, offered by Scan Design. It can be delivered or shipped to the store in Fort Myers or Naples for pickup.
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Heartfelt reminder
Mother, grandmother, sister, niece, aunt: Pandora’s “Tree of Hearts” charm is an elegant way to stay connected with a dear relative, whether it’s on a necklace or bracelet. This stylized, sterling silver charm ($75) that shimmers with silver enamel and 14-karat represents “the branches of your family and the hearts that keep it together.” Check the Pandora boutique at Coconut Point in Estero or at pandora.net.
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Family outings
For year-round family bonding — and days when the kids hang with the grands — consider an annual membership to a local attraction that lets you bypass daily admission. The Naples Botanical Garden is a good option; there’s a little something for everyone. Through the end of January is the outdoor exhibit, “A Blessing of Animals,” of monumental animal sculptures. And there are regular events, including tai chi and yoga on the grounds, educational lectures and Dogs in the Garden days so Fido doesn’t have to be left behind. Naples Botanical Garden (naplesgarden.org) boasts 170 acres of gardens highlighting the plants found between the latitudes of 26 degrees north and south of the equator. Family memberships for two adults and their children or grandchildren younger than 18 are $110.
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Speed dial
Whether your daughter is out for a run or son is at the pool, the Apple Watch Series 3 allows wearers to stay connected, make calls, receive texts and more. This third-generation Apple watch is a health and fitness companion with intelligent coaching features, water resistance to 164 feet and a barometric altimeter that measures relative elevation. Apple Watch Series 3 comes in two models, one with GPS and cellular (starting at $399), and one with GPS (starting at $329), both featuring a fast dual-core processor and wireless chip. Available in two case sizes: 38mm and 42mm at Apple Stores in Coconut Point in Estero and Waterside Shops in Naples.
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Best friend
A quick snap probably isn’t enough to capture the essence of your four-legged family member. Cape Coral artist Gretchen Kish Serrano can execute a pet portrait in any style, though she offers three specific lines inspired by artistic influences. Brush echoes the thick brush strokes and bold color palettes of Vincent van Gogh. Drip is characterized by the expressionistic drips and splatters with the bold, overlapping colors of Jackson Pollock. Gild is inspired by the gilded works of Gustav Klimt (gilded with 23-karat gold). Prices typically range from $2,000 to $7,000. (Add a second pet for 10 to 20 percent more.) Details: kishoriginal.com
For the one you call friend
The person who has seen you through thick and thin, your bestie, your confidant.
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Bubbly fun
For pampered divas, strolling into a Naples Soap Company boutique is akin to a 7-year-old offered free range in a candy shop. What’s not to love about the colorful bath bombs, enticing salt scrubs and luscious body butters with names like Sunkissed, Boyfriend and Florida Fresh? The company (naplessoap.com) got its start at Tin City in Naples in 2009 and has grown to 11 retail locations in Florida — popularity fueled by the beauty products’ natural and organic ingredients. There is a wide range of products for men and women, and ones without fragrance for sensitive noses. Picking an item or two is a challenge, so have fun creating a diverse gift basket that will please your friend from head to toe (price based on products selected).
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Full circle
Grab your three besties for a memorable glassblowing experience — making your own striking conversation piece. Book an exclusive workshop for four at the private Naples studio of Conrad Williams to create your own ornament ($400 per group) or bowl ($800 per group) and learn about the ancient history of glassblowing from the ever-charming artist who studied under world-famous Dale Chihuly. Choose your colors for the piece you shape, cut and blow, and create an indelible memory. (239-285-1101 or conradwilliamsglass.com) If you’re short on time, but fancy artisanal objet d’art, pick up ornaments made by Williams for your neighbors and friends ($30).
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Get wickeddolphinrum.comWicked
Another memorable way to share a day and a treat with a close friend is to take a free tour of the Wicked Dolphin Distillery and Barrel Room in Cape Coral, before surprising your buddy with a bottle of the award-winning rum (of their choice) at the end of the tour. Learn how Wicked Dolphin (wickeddolphinrum.com) sources ingredients and cooks, ferments, distills and barrels its liquid sunshine, before tasting samples, including some under development. The Gold Reserve ($32.99), aged for three years in pre-used bourbon barrels for extra flavor, is sure to please a traditional rum fan. The RumShine ($21.99) line featuring apple pie, blueberry and strawberry flavors in mason jars pays homage to Prohibition-era ‘Gladesmen bootleggers, a nod to local heritage.
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Jazzed up
Treat your best friend (and yourself) to Sunday Jazz Brunch at Slate’s, a New Orleans-themed jazz venue featuring Cajun-Creole appetizers and entrees such as gumbo, jambalaya and étouffée. Slate’s (slatescapecoral.com) is celebrating its fourth year, yet it’s one of Cape Coral’s hidden gems for those on the other side of the bridge. Sure, the Sidedoor offers live jazz, dinner and a wine bar throughout the week, but Sunday brunch ($30+) is a leisurely way to catch up and unwind with your BFF. Choose your eggs Benedict with fried oysters, boudin sausage or crab cakes, or fresh beignets (the official doughnut of New Orleans) as jazz on the patio wafts through conservation. All menu items are made from scratch; chef/owners Allan and Nancy Cotter presided over the award-winning Blue Moon Restaurant and Jazz Club in St. Croix, Virgin Islands, for 16 years before relocating to Southwest Florida. Brunch is 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; reservations are highly recommended.
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Hang time
They work hard, so consider the gift of ultimate relaxation. Handmade Yellow Leaf hammocks ($199) are renowned for not only their style and comfort, but for the company’s socially conscious model of giving artisan weavers in Thailand a healthy, stable income to escape debt slavery or poverty. Yellow Leaf’s double hammocks ($199), made of meticulously woven, color-safe, comfy yarn that take up to seven days to create, are applauded by Oprah. They are available at Whole Foods or at yellowleafhammocks.com.
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Wear love
Monica Vinader’s linear bead bracelet from the Friendship Collection is a simple way to say you love your friend like a sister. The slider-clasp rainbow 9.23-inch bracelet with 18-karat yellow gold vermeil ($195) is a colorful array of positivity. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Waterside Shops, Naples.
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In a snap
For your picture perfect friend, the Polaroid Snap camera ($99) is a blend of nostalgic Polaroid instant photography and modern, digital convivence. Available at Macy’s.