Friends and neighbors,

I hope your work is slowing down and folks are waiting until the New Year to “circle back.”

I’m grateful for an easy final couple of weeks to wind down, bake, and experiment with every possible iteration of pancakes: Danish, Austrian, Norwegian… you name it.

If you’re anything like me (Type B, last-minute everything), here’s some inspiration for thoughtful gifts you can pull together in a snap. And if you’ve been generous with others this year, I’ve pulled together a handy list of cheap eats in Naples to fuel your festivities.

As always, if you’re scrambling to host last-minute guests, Dana can help you find beautiful rentals to make it all work. 

Thank you for your support!

Ho ho ho,

If you blinked and it’s suddenly December 23, you might be scrambling for last-minute gifts for the people on your list. Here’s my secret: almost any gift that feels low effort can be elevated with a heartfelt, handwritten note. A few thoughtful words go a long way.

These are quintessential Naples gift ideas that feel personal, are easy to pull together, and won’t have you trekking to a shopping mall at the last-minute.

You know it, you love it, and so does everyone else. Jimmy P’s is one of those Naples institutions where you can’t go wrong. This family-owned butcher has been in the business for 35 years, and their steaks are bar none. Note, there are two different gift cards - one that can be used to order from their online butcher and one that can be used in person at their physical locations. Add a card, a bottle of red, and give a recommendation - “Best enjoyed with a pair of porterhouse steaks, on us.”  

Shopping for someone who has everything? Give them a reason to splurge on themselves. A dinner out at one of Naples’ great restaurants is practical, indulgent, and always appreciated.

Some reliable, “special occasion” Naples favorites:

Keep it simple. A card that says “Dinner on us” does all the work.

A spa gift card is never an afterthought! In fact, it’s often the only reason people actually book the appointment. I’m pretty sure the only time my mom gets a massage is when it’s gifted to her. You can gift spa packages, a massage, or even just a mani‑pedi. It’s also a great present for a girl who wants to feel grown up. My first mani‑pedi was from a gift card.

Here are a few solid Naples options:

The Ritz‑Carlton Spa, Naples -The ultimate extravagant experience. It’s not open to Naples residents, so you’d need to purchase a membership or book a staycation and tie it to a hotel night, but if you want luxury, this is it. Call for membership inquiries. 

Naples Grande Spa -One of the best day spa options in the area. You can look at pricing online and grab a gift card for massages, facials, body treatments, and more. They also offer a couples spa villa if you want to turn it into a spa weekend gift!

JW Marriott Marco Island Spa -If your giftee spends more time closer to Marco Island, this is a great choice. Full spa menu, beachside resort setting, and plenty of relaxation options.

Woodhouse Spa Naples -Classic day spa with a wide range of services: massages, facials, mani‑pedis, and more. Easy to give and easy for them to book whenever they’re ready.

Instead of another “thing,” give them something to do. Naples has so many options, especially on the water. Dolphin sightseeing, a shelling tour, or for those who need a thrill -- jet ski rentals and parasailing. 

Great local experience gifts:

If you want something that feels thoughtful (even if it was last-minute), tickets are always an appreciated gift. 

This spring, Barry Manilow, Santana, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Disney on Ice are all coming to Hertz Arena.

If your giftee is more classical, grab the remaining tickets to the world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic at Artis—Naples in March. Theater fans will love the Broadway tour of Les Misérables or &Juliet also at Artis! 

This isn’t technically a gift, but it’s what makes any gift special. A few sincere sentences can turn a simple gift card into something meaningful. Don’t overthink it, just say why you chose it and that you hope they enjoy it.

At the end of the day, the best gifts feel personal, not perfect. And in Naples, you have plenty of easy ways to make last-minute gifting feel thoughtful and intentional.

Naples isn’t exactly known for cheap eats, but if you know where to look, you can get a satisfying meal for around $15. Eating out, especially for lunch daily, can get expensive. But it doesn’t have to be! Here’s inspiration for budget-friendly meals: 

Even in a city where food can get pricey, these meals prove that you don’t have to spend a fortune to eat well in Naples. Focus on breakfast and lunch options, and you can enjoy full meals under $20 without compromising flavor or portion size.

Last week’s poll asked:​​ When you go out for Italian, what’s your go-to order?

Here’s where you landed:

I order something different every time, leading with 23% of votes! That’s my speed, unless I am going somewhere that has a signature best dish. Many chicken parm and veal parm lovers, too! 

The last week before the holidays can either feel like a blur or it can feel like a choice. A small, thoughtful gift, a good local meal, a quick plan for hosting, these are the little moves that keep the season from turning into stress.

Naples is at its best when we show up for the places that make it feel like home, the family-run favorites, the reliable lunch spots, the local businesses that keep the lights on long after the holidays pass.

Until next time, happy holidays!

Elizabeth Bellotti
Editor-In-Chief
Naples, Florida
The Naples Florida Review

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