If you’re looking for a meaningful or unique present that doesn’t come from a big-box store or brand name, shopping locally can be the gift that keeps on giving. Pompano Beach is rich in talented artisans and creatives who are often inspired by their beautiful surroundings or delicious local ingredients, hand-crafting everything from art to wearable accessories and edible delights.
Whether it’s a special gift for a holiday like Valentine’s Day, a memorable souvenir that recalls your vacation in Pompano Beach or you simply want to treat yourself, we’ve highlighted some of the best places to shop local.
Gifts with History: Hillsboro Lighthouse Museum Gift Shop
There’s nothing like the thrill of climbing the historic Hillsboro Lighthouse, where you can often spot sharks and manatees swimming in the clear water below. If you want to share a memento of the towering landmark and the maritime experience with others, give them something special from The Hillsboro Lighthouse Museum & Gift Shop.
Everything in the store revolves around the lighthouse, from bedazzled T-shirts designed by local artists and the lighthouse historian to paintings and photography showcasing the lighthouse and the inlet. There’s even photography from a local storm chaser who captured shots of lightning striking around the lighthouse. You can also scoop up Florida-inspired jewelry, beach towels, candles made with shells and lighthouse replicas. You can also take that special someone on one of the monthly tours, where you’ll zip over on a boat and climb the lighthouse.
Sweet and Fun Creations: Popilicious
Another idea sure to make you popular with friends and family is something delicious from Popilicious. Owned by a mother-daughter duo who loves to customize gifts, they’ll turn any of their handmade popcorn treats into an original. While you can pop in for bags of popcorn in assorted flavors (which are easy to pack and travel with), they also offer baskets that can be filled with three-to-six bags of popcorn and specialty items like chocolate-covered Oreos, along with their popular hockey puck-size popcorn pops.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, from a birthday to a wedding shower, they’ll whip up a custom gourmet popcorn cake (think: rice crispy treat but with popcorn, candies and chocolates) wrapped in favor bags with names or even favorite sports teams.
Searching for the perfect Valentine's gifts? Pick up a heart-shaped popcorn cake, as well as other sweet and savory treats. If you’re heading to a beach party, grab one of their popular beach pails filled with popcorn. Your gift will be the hit of the party.
A Sip of Zen: The Soulful Steep
It doesn’t get more one-of-a-kind than The Soulful Steep, a tea house, bakery, salt cave and a boutique all in one. It’s the kind of place where you can zen out, sip on tea and shop for gifts, including Valentine's Day gifts. You’ll want to carve out time to peruse all of the shop’s many offerings, much of it handmade by local artisans. There’s everything from jewelry, including prayer beads and meditation mala necklaces, to soaps, artwork, crystals and even beard oil for men. If there’s a tea lover in your life, consider gifting them loose-leaf tea by the ounce or a handy tea steeper.
Artistic Inspiration: Piper Gallery and Studio
Pompano Beach is home to many talented artists who often use the local beauty to inspire their work. If you’re looking for a unique art piece, check out Piper Gallery and Studio for paintings, sculptures, photography and even artistic greeting cards that showcase the Florida lifestyle and landscapes. The owner, Piper, sells some of her oil paintings featuring Florida-inspired seascapes and pet portraits and houses the works of more than ten artists from around South Florida and the west coast of Florida. You could also give the gift of a painting class with award-winning artist Stephen Left, offered at the studio on Thursday and Saturday mornings.
Artisan Treasures to Love at Local Events
Old Town Untapped
6–10 p.m. | First Fridays, October–May
Music, food and shopping—all in one place! Old Town Untapped takes place in Pompano’s Old Town on the first Fridays of every month. While you can listen to live music and sample a variety of delicious options from the food trucks, you can also shop for one-of-a-kind gifts from art vendors, local jewelry stores and boutiques. It’s also worth strolling through Bailey Contemporary Arts Center (BaCa), where artists open up their studios and sell their works, from pottery to paintings. It’s the perfect place to find unique gifts for women or men, especially those who love art.
Pompano Beach Green Market
9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Second and Fourth Saturdays, November-April
You’ll also want to check out Pompano Beach Green Market, which takes place bi-monthly at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center. It's the ultimate place to shop local and give a taste of our warm shores. For the foodie in your life, create a gift basket with local honey, baked goods, ranging from sourdough bread to cupcakes, or even grab a beautiful orchid, floral arrangement or plant for the home. You can also shop small with purveyors selling handmade jewelry, artwork, clothing and children's books and toys.
Shop One-of-a-Kind Finds Here
Our seaside destination offers a treasure trove of unique finds, which can serve as a souvenir of the area’s warm and welcoming vibes. Plus, you can feel good about shopping and supporting local business owners. Explore more places to shop in Pompano Beach.