‘Tis the sea-sun for spending time with loved ones and spreading cheer! Although we know the holidays are really meant for enjoying each other’s company and celebrating all the good that surrounds us, buying a wee little present here or there for a friend or family member definitely can’t hurt the holiday spirit! Matter-of-fact, I’m willing to bet it will get you and the lucky recipient in a holly jolly mood in no time!
So, if you plan on gift-giving this year, how about making it thoughtful and unique? And, what better way to top off your holiday shopping than by supporting the community of Aruba at the same time?
Browse a selection of local companies found in Aruba and have a glance at their products below:
Note: The majority of these local companies are only available to shop while on the island, however, a select few do offer international shipping. So, if you’re on the island this month happy holiday shopping! Otherwise, be sure to add these stores to your list so you can visit them during your future Aruba vacation, and bring home a small gift for your friends or family (or yourself, wink)!
Holistika Labs
Handmade artisan soap, created with nothing but all-natural, organic ingredients (including oils, butters, natural additives and exfoliates). Try their “Eagle Beach” made from coconut oil and aloe, the relaxing “Lavender” bar, or one of their newest additions, “Tres Trapi” showcasing a little sea turtle often found swimming there. Each special soap is beautifully presented with great artistic detail and has its very own beauty or wellness remedy. You can find the Holistika Raw Soap store in Palm Beach near Gianni’s and their newest (and bigger) store, Raw Modern, including a wide range of products and gifts to shop, located in Palm Beach area directly off of J.E. Irausquin Blvd.
The Atelier Aruba
The Atelier Aruba displays authentic Aruban art, all handcrafted by 7 talented local artists. You can also find clothes, handbags, jewelry, handblown glass items, and more! This store is located in the high-rise hotel area of Palm Beach at Paseo Herencia Mall. Take a peek at some of the work by artists DCB Art and Aruba’s Hands by Gaby.
Little Fry Aruba
Gorgeous hand-dyed products, done shibori style (super cool). Specializes in baby, kids’ clothing, and home accessories (think napkins, towels, etc.). Oh, and if you’re looking to cleanse your aura and welcome all the good vibes this upcoming year make sure to purchase the new Palo Santo and Selenite kit!
Dushi Driftwood Aruba
This talented female duo creates handmade and customized driftwood signs found right here on the wild and beautiful beaches of Aruba! Each piece of work they create is incredibly unique, vibrant and gives you all the happy island vibes you’re looking for! Who doesn’t need a little bit of “One Happy Island” vibes at their home? Browse their work below and contact them with your personal request! Keep in mind they are a small team so you will need to place your order well ahead of time and these signs are only available in Aruba (no international shipping at this time).
My Gallery Aruba (at Renaissance Mall)
You will find this gallery of unique handmade art in Renaissance Mall, featuring 8 local artists. From handmade ceramics to oil paints and driftwood pieces. You’ll find local artists Helena Hoes, Juan Carlos, Kim Violenes, and more! Take a peek at some of the work by artists Helena Croes and MesArt Photography.
The Farmer’s Market at the Aruba Ostrich Farm
Why shop at just one store when you can shop at a number of different stores all in one place? Every month (usually the first Sunday of the month) the Aruba Ostrich Farm hosts a local farmer’s market with a variety of different local artisans and farmers showcasing and selling their unique and creative products. You will find jewelry, candles, hot sauce, murals, home decor, plants, and much, much more!
M The Sticker Lady
Shopping for someone with a sense of humor? The Sticker Lady designs and creates decals displaying witty phrases in Papiamento (and sometimes in English). These decals are put on an array of different items such as key chains, tote bags, wine glasses, t-shirts, magnets, coffee mugs, and more! Her products are unique and make for the perfect little gift so that one can keep a little bit of Aruba to themselves no matter where they are!
Myah’s Candle Gifts and More
Myah’s homemade products are a hit during the holiday season! While she offers a variety of small gifts and fun, unique items to shop for, her true specialty is her homemade Ponche Crema and soy wax scented candles! Her fresh-made Ponche Crema comes in a variety of flavors (there are 9 to choose from), stick with Original (you can’t go wrong), or, opt for one of her other popular flavors, such as Coffee, Coconut, Red Velvet, or even Pumpkin Spice! PS – Ponche Crema is like the Aruban version of Egg Nog, you’ll find it’s a bit thicker with a different flavor. It makes for a rich, smooth and delicious holiday cocktail (or dessert). The perfect gift to bring over to your family or friends over the holidays to share a little taste of Aruba!
Gloria Filiciana Aruba Sea Glass Jewelry
Gloria creates beautiful and unique pieces of jewelry with handpicked sea glass from Aruba’s shores. Her jewelry makes for the perfect gift for a fellow Aruba and/or beach lover! This way you can safely and responsibly take a memory of Aruba’s beaches with you to keep forever, without disturbing or destructing our island’s environment, as taking seashells, coral or sand is forbidden. All of her work is handcrafted and one-of-a-kind sustainable jewelry, truly capturing the essence of Aruba. This holiday season she has crafted little Christmas trees out of sea glass! She has various pop-ups at resorts such as Hyatt and Manchebo, as well as Paseo Herencia Mall.
Arubalife Organics
Find perfect and useful gifts all while helping to sustain the environment! Choose from a variety of natural and organic handmade makeup, suncare, and now even deodorant, face masks, and more! Each product is made up of only organic ingredients, that’s right zero chemicals, parabens, or preservatives! In need of reef-friendly sunscreen for your beach days? Aruba Life Organics is the place to shop!
Topfit Aruba
The perfect gift to give to someone heading to Aruba for vacation who would like to stay on track with their personal fitness goals and healthy lifestyle, all while still having fun in paradise! The owners, a dynamic duo, offer personal training sessions, fun and active hotel activities (one taking place at Hilton Aruba Resort), and company training sessions! So, whether you are on the island short-term or a long-term local resident, they can and will absolutely accommodate your needs!
Cosecha Art (Workshops)
This art gallery and creative center located in downtown Oranjestad, hosts a variety of local arts & craft workshops. Sadly, due to the challenges of COVID, Cosecha was forced to close its stores (both in San Nicolas and this downtown location in Oranjestad). However, their doors are still open for scheduled workshops (only available at select times). Have a creative and artistic person you’re shopping for? Purchase them a spot at one of Cosecha’s fun art workshops for when they’re on the island! Make sure to contact Cosecha directly as their courses and schedules are apt to change at any time.
Paper Sisters
A stationery bookstore brought to life by two local sisters who are passionate about writing and office materials, staying organized, encouraging creativity, and brightening up your workspace with captivating products! Some products even include words and phrases in Papiamento to give that real local touch. Everyone and anyone could use a little inspiration and color in their lives right about now, making gift shopping at Paper Sisters super easy! You may just want to pick up a 2022 planner for yourself (wink)!
Mersea Jewelry
Handcrafted jewelry for ocean lovers, pearl enthusiasts and true mermaids! The artist’s jewelry is minimalistic and dainty, yet so incredibly beach chic… often incorporating different types of pearls, stones and seashells! You can’t help but pick something out for yourself whilst shopping for others, it’s okay if you do, it’s called self-care! Mersea Jewelry has moved, the store is now located on the beautiful grounds of Boardwalk Boutique Hotel!
Baki Productions
Got any plant lovers or green thumbs in your life? Baki is the perfect gift idea! This small local company decided to build “bakis” (small planter boxes) to encourage the culture of self-sustainability by planting your very own produce, flowers, plants or whatever your heart desires! Pretty cool, right?
Note: Many resorts host weekly markets where local artists will have their work on display for you to shop! Check with the front desk or concierge of your resort for more information.
We would like to emphasize this is just a small list of the many local companies here on the island that can use your support, there are plenty more for you to discover and shop this holiday season!
