Whether you are visiting Aruba and doing some shopping for loved ones back home or you’re a local looking for unique gifts for the holiday season, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite local gift ideas and locally owned places to shop.

Local artisans, products, and local boutiques

Royal Aruba Aloe

Founded right here in Aruba in 1890, Royal Aruba Aloe is the world’s oldest aloe company.  Although one of the island’s oldest businesses, the impressive collection of quality sun and body care products are thoroughly modern and beautifully packaged.  The gift sets are ideal for holiday gift-giving.

Coconut Island Gift Set – $49.90 Transported to that perfect spot under the Aruban palms with the sweet, coconutty aroma, Pure Aloe Vera Gel, and other fine ingredients to nourish your skin.

Dream Paradise Gift Set – $49.90 This Dream gift set, infused with award-winning scent, Pure Aloe Vera Gel, and other fine ingredients to nourish your skin.

Aloe Breeze Gift Set- $49.90 As its fresh, zesty scent makes you feel revitalized, Pure Aloe Vera Gel, and other fine ingredients nourish your skin.

Tropical Rose Gift Set – $49.90The sweet tropical aroma, Pure Aloe Vera Gel, and other fine ingredients nourish your skin.

Tangerine

Aruban Ashlin Ahlip turns out handcrafted, sturdy canvas bags and accessories under his Tangerine label. According to Ash, “With each handmade bag, I strive to create a piece of quality craftsmanship and timeless style. All my bags are deeply influenced by traditional nautical styling and the colors of Aruba.”

T.H. Palm & Company

Discover something for anyone on your holiday gift list (even pets!), including fashions and accessories for men and women, artistic home goods, and creative novelty gifts for all ages.  Last-minute shoppers will love the convenient complimentary gift wrapping!

The season of giving lasts all year at T.H. Palm & Company with its inspiring Tikkun Olam community initiative: a percentage of every purchase is donated to a local foundation or charity, with clients personally selecting from a curated list of worthy causes on the island for a truly personalized donation.

T.H. Palm & Company is located streetside at Playa Linda Beach Resort.  For more information, call +297-592-7030.  Follow on Instagram @thpalmandcompany and Facebook @T.H.PalmAndCompany.

Loretti Design

Artist Deborah de Weerd draws on her passion for color and eye for detail to create gorgeous flame-worked jewelry, accessories, and figurines, as well as abstract landscapes that are hand-sculpted in glass, fused, and photographed. The landscapes, textures, and light impressions found in Aruba deeply influence her work. Using an eclectic variety of materials, she continuously explores to create unique designs, presenting her work under the name Loretti Design. Her beautiful work is available at Loretti Design Studio in Paradera. Website: www.lorettidesign.com.

Art Scarves by Elisa Lejuez Peters

Originally from the Netherlands, Elisa Lejuez Peters has established herself as one of Aruba’s best-known artists, making her mark with her striking use of color, acrylic paint, and the technique of applying self-made screen prints on canvas. Back in 2016, she embarked upon a new project—her Caribbean Art Scarves—combining her signature neo-pop style with her art background and master’s degree in textile design.  Elisa’s scarves are directly influenced by the shapes, colors, and patterns that catch her eye, and even by a mood she feels. The scarves are 100% silk, and she comes out with new limited-edition collections on a regular basis. Website: https://www.artscarfshop.com/

Holiday Ornaments by Trudy Lampe

Bring the spirit of a colorful Caribbean Christmas to any tree with local craftsperson Trudy Lampe’s festive holiday ornaments.  Made of fiberglass and hand-painted, the ornaments are boxed and include a bio about this local artist. Gifting tip:  this makes a great host/hostess gift for any holiday house party. Available for purchase at Divi Diva near the cruise ship terminal gate or contact Trudy at +297-746-2279.

SOÑO Scarf & Foulard by Maison Ryon

Local fashion designer Ryon Dijkhoff’s label, Maison Ryon, represents a connection of Aruba’s heritage with fashion.  He recently debuted an enchanting collection of scarves and foulards during Aruba Fashion Week.  We love his SOÑO design that’s based on an authentic Aruban house in Arikok National Park.  The color pattern is vibrant with rich tones and geometrics with soft touches in the design. Visit the website at www.maisonryon.com or shop at Castaner Boutique in the Renaissance Mall.

Aruba’s Hands by Gaby

Glass artist and designer Gaby Gonzalez uses Murano glass and sea glass to create one-of-a-kind jewelry and art. Follow Aruba’s Hands on Facebook and Instagram for daily updates. Contact the artist directly at [email protected].

Paintings by Local Artists

Bring the brilliance of a locally painted work of art to any home.  Aruba has a bevy of talented artists to consider.

Maya Lepsanovic

Serbian born Maya Lepsanovic has called Aruba home for many years.  Always gravitating towards painting and creativity, Maya finds Aruba’s natural environs her inspiration, often using natural materials like driftwood in her work.  Her stunning murals can be found in private homes and public spaces. Give your gift a lasting impact with a personalized mural from Maya.  Pricing varies ($500 and up) depending on size and scope of design.

Belinda de Veer

Creating striking and mysterious works of art, local artist Belinda de Veer is revered for her thought-provoking paintings that will elevate the walls of any home. This painting, an oil on canvas titled “Mi Cunucu,” is from her Paradise in the Desert solo exhibition and is priced at $1,200.

Anita Otilia

A former art instructor to many budding talents on Aruba for many years, Anita is now focusing on her own series of art.  She currently exhibits pieces from her “Caribbean People” at Gallery Artisa, utilizing a diverse mixed media profile of acrylic paint, oil pastel, colored ink, stamp, embroidery and added objects.  Contact her by email at [email protected].

Art Classes at Indrart Studio

Give the gift of an experience with Indrart Studio.  We are never too old to learn a new skill while ushering in some creativity into our lives.  Artist and instructor Indra Zievinger’s Acrylic ONE Workshop is a fun-filled endeavor into painting and learning new techniques.  Book the January workshop in the month of December and enjoy a 10% discount.  Gift certificates available.  WhatsApp +2977491441, email: [email protected]

Spirits

Alto Vista Vinery’s Red Star Rum

Red Star Rum is locally crafted in small batches from the fresh pressed juice of locally grown sugarcane. Fermented and distilled with skillful dedication, but in a personal, artisanal style.  This authentic taste of the island is a great gift to take to your next holiday gathering.

Magic Mango from Aruba’s Balashi Brewery

Not everyone favors wine or bubbly at holiday events, so bring along a little magic!  Aruba’s craft beer, Magic Mango, elevates the beer scene with just the right touch of tropical mangos in this easy-to-drink lager from Aruba’s national brewery, Balashi Brewery.  Check out Balashi Brewery’s blog on Holiday Beer Pairings to discover more about Aruba’s holiday food traditions.

Bodega Papiamento’s Limited Edition Rum Gift Set

For the rum connoisseur on your gift list, surprise them with Bodegas Papiamento’s exclusive collector’s item, the Miggy XO Limited Edition Rum Gift Set. Miguel “Miggy” Cabrera and Bodegas Papiamento have partnered to proudly bring you Miggy XO Special Edition rum, a smooth and rich 20-year-old blend, crafted to commemorate Cabrera’s incredible achievement of winning the MLB Triple Crown together with other MLB achievements. Regularly priced at $599, When in Aruba fans can enjoy the special price of $399 for this rare collector’s gem!  Call or Whatsapp +297 5935598 to secure yours.

H & H Fine Wine & Spirits

Looking for a last-minute bottle of bubbly or wine on your way to your holiday party?  Or perhaps a premium bourbon to gift to the whiskey aficionado in your family? H & H Fine Wines & Spirits features the island’s most interesting collection of well-known boutique wineries and distilleries in their well-stocked store in centrally located Ponton.  Stock up on all your holiday beverage essentials at this one-stop spirits’ shop!

Dining Experiences

Fond memories are made over a great meal.  Surprise and delight with a gift certificate to one of these amazing dining experiences.

Infini

Aruba’s very own culinary darling, Chef Urvin Croes, oversees the gastronomic showcase at Infini.  Inventive flavors and artistic presentations highlight seasonal menus.  Guests have a front-row seat as the team of chefs masterfully prepares an eight-course Chef’s Impression menu with optional wine or cocktail pairings.  What a special treat for the foodies on your list!

Sunday Brunch at Aruba Marriott’s Mercát

Who doesn’t love a decadent brunch?  Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino recently unveiled a new look and menu for the former LaVista restaurant.  Now Mercát, this beachfront restaurant has one of the most popular Sunday brunches on the island.  Guests enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon with classic brunch stations as well as Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

Steaks at Hilton’s Sunset Grille

Come for the steaks, stay for the view! Aruba’s award-winning American steakhouse, Sunset Grille, features premium steaks and chops, as well as seafood dishes.  Sunsets here are breathtaking, with amazing views of waterfalls and the Caribbean Sea.  Gift them a dinner to remember!

The Ritz-Carlton’s Casa Nonna

NYC’s famed Casa Nonna has an Aruba location at The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba.  Authentic flavors culminate in a menu of traditional Roman and Tuscan fare highlighted by fresh, local ingredients.  Casa Nonna, meaning “grandmother’s house” in Italian, is the perfect place to spend a cozy holiday evening with loved ones.

Munchies

T2Pan Gift Hampers

Aruba’s favorite artisan sourdough bread boutique, T2Pan, is baking up all kinds of yummy with holiday season gift hampers filled with baked goodies.  The Savory Hamper (Afl 85) includes Pan de Jamón Swirls (par-baked), Ayaca in a Bun (par-baked), Dark Chocolate Sourdough, Christmas Marmalade, and Christmas Butter; the Sweet Hamper basket (Afl 95) includes Christmas Nostalgia Croissant Trio, Christmas Zimtsterne Cookies, Christmas Marmalade, Christmas Butter, and Christmas Coffee. Order yours in time for your holiday events or bring as the perfect host/hostess gift!

Wellness

Spa Day

There’s nothing like encouraging your loved ones to enjoy a little me-time.  Relax and unwind at one of Aruba’s day spas.  Two of our favorite spas are Eforea at Hilton Aruba, featuring a lush Balinese-style oasis of relaxation, and The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, where luxury meets wellness in over 15,000 square-feet of relaxation spaces.  Gift certificates available at both spas.

Aqua Windie’s Aruba – Discover Scuba Diving

Whether visiting Aruba or living here, embark on an unforgettable aquatic adventure during with Aqua Windie’s Discover Scuba Diving experience.  No prior certification is required, making it the perfect opportunity for everyone to delve into the mesmerizing world beneath the waves. Gear up with a dedicated instructor, practicing essential skills in shallow waters, culminating in a breathtaking 40/45-minute dive ( $115.00) Contact [email protected] to arrange your gift card or book a dive directly online: www.aquawindies.com

FLY Fit Studio

Gift your friends or loved ones a little fitness inspiration.  FLY Fit Studio offers a daily menu of fitness classes, including spinning, body pump, Pilates, TRX, HIIT, yoga, and more.  Day passes are Afl 35; one-week passes are Afl 50; one month unlimited is Afl 170; 5-class card is Afl 135 (valid for 2 months); 10-class card is Afl 170 (valid for 3 months).  All memberships are valid for all classes.

Learn to Windsurf at Aruba Active Vacations

Gift some fun on the water.  Aruba Active Vacations is the best place to learn to windsurf and in just one two-hour lesson, students are skimming along the glassy waters at Fisherman’s Huts.  What a great way to start 2024—sailing along Aruba’s beautiful coastline!

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