Holiday Gift Guide

While November has just begun, and Thanksgiving is still weeks away, many Southwest Orlando residents may already feel pressure in their searches for amazing holiday gifts for everyone on their lists. Southwest Orlando Bulletin’s annual Holiday Gift Guide provides a comprehensive listing of various local stores, as well as gift ideas — from always-handy gift cards to beauty services to educational opportunities and more — that are sure to please everyone this holiday season.

Axiom Bank

Give the gift of financial security. The holiday season can create a lot of financial stress, so why not build your savings or create an account for your loved ones? For a limited time, Axiom Bank is offering a special 18-month CD at 1.45 percent APY — a great gift idea! Or, you can get an 11-month CD at 1.10 percent APY that will mature before the next holiday shopping season. Visit your nearest branch located in your local Walmart Supercenter, call 800-584-0015 or visit axiombanking.com. (Terms and conditions apply.)

Buena Vista Family Dentistry

Give the gift that will make everyone smile! Stop by Buena Vista Family Dentistry to get gift certificates for everyone on your list. The staff offers a wide range of teeth-whitening options, as well as restorative and preventative services in a warm, comfortable setting. Gift certificates can be applied toward any service the receiver wants or needs. Call 407-930-0060; stop by the office at 11444 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Suite 101, in Orlando; or visit
familydentistryorlando.com

Drafts Sports Bar & Grill

Drafts Sports Bar & Grill at Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa brings together the popular concepts of brew pubs and gourmet burger bars. From gripping entertainment on its 42 high-definition TVs to specialty drafts to a state-of-the-art Mission Control Game Room and six lanes of bowling, Drafts offers something compelling and delicious for everyone in the family. There is also a private party room for all types of celebrations, including holiday get-togethers, sports teams, school groups, family outings and birthday parties. Drafts is open daily and located at 9500 Turkey Lake Road in Orlando. For more information, call 407-352-9293 or visit draftssports.com.

Endocrine Associates of Florida Ocoee

José Mandry, M.D., and the staff of Endocrine Associates of Florida Ocoee can work with your busy holiday schedule to get you into the office before the end of the year to avoid the new year copay blues! Also, you may qualify for a clinical trial and receive benefits such as study medicines, supplies, compensation and expert advice to manage your disease. Endocrine Associates is located at 1510 Citrus Medical Court in Ocoee. If you want to help others and yourself by learning about these exciting opportunities, call 407-480-4830. For more information, visit www.jmandry.com.

The First Academy

The First Academy is a Christ-centered, college preparatory school, serving students in preschool through grade 12. Families love TFA for its safe environment, world-class teaching and learning, and life-changing spiritual formation. TFA boasts a 100 percent college-acceptance rate, as well as award-winning technology, arts and athletic programs. There is no better gift than the TFA school family experience. Schedule your personal tour today! For more information, call 407-206-8602 or visit www.thefirstacademy.org.

Holy Family Catholic School

Give the ultimate gift — the gift of faith — by enrolling your child in Orlando’s premiere Catholic school — Holy Family Catholic School. Serving students in PK-3 through eighth grade, HFCS was voted one of the top private schools in Orlando for consecutive years. It is fully accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference, and, as a Blue Ribbon School, it boasts high academics, fine arts, foreign language and a championship-winning sports program. HFCS’s mission is to provide a Catholic atmosphere, where students achieve academic excellence in a warm, loving environment. There is no better gift for any child than a HFCS education. For more information, call 407-876-9344 or visit www.hfcschool.com.

I-Drive Resort Area

Holiday traditions and joyful celebrations transform the I–Drive Resort Area! Begin the holiday season with the lighting of I-Drive’s 50-foot-tall tree Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. at Pointe Orlando’s outdoor patio between Funky Monkey Bistro & Bar and Blue Martini Lounge. Several local celebrities will be performing, including The I-Ride Trolley Chords barbershop quartet, Jonathan McFadden, the Dr. Phillips High School dance magnet program, and the Central Florida Community Arts Children’s Choir. Photo opportunities with Santa will be available after the ceremony — just bring your camera! This free event benefits The Salvation Army Angel Tree program. For more information, visit internationaldriveorlando.com.

Ipanema Brows & Waxing

Ipanema Brows & Waxing, located in Suite 114 at 6735 Conroy-Windermere Road in Orlando, is the place to go for the best brows and waxing in town! Its staff is specialized in eyebrows perfectly handmade, as well as face and body waxing, threading and facials. A microblading artist is also available to evaluate and enhance clients’ brows. For more information, visit 407-270-9102 or visit www.ipanemabrowsandwaxing.com.

The Maile Image, Modeling & Acting School

Since 1982 and longer than any school of its kind, The Maile Image, Modeling & Acting School, 999 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, 407-628-5989, www.lisamaile.com, has been offering classes for kids, teens and adults. The school trains in the areas of image and confidence development, modeling and on-camera acting for TV, commercials and film. Specialized one-day workshops in etiquette, casting, auditioning and more are offered, and all sessions are taught by industry experts. The school also offers a free, professional industry seminar that prepares its students for the business. Gift certificates are available. The school is a member of the Better Business
Bureau.

Molly Maid

Molly Maid, located at 1101 S. Park Ave. in Winter Garden, is a residential home-cleaning service. Molly Maid sends a team of two trained, insured and bonded home-service professionals to clean the home. Whether it is a one-time or regular service, Molly Maid will design a custom cleaning plan with a free in-home estimate. The gift of time is always the perfect present. Gift certificates are available. For more information, call 407-877-0184 or visit www.mollymaid.com.

Orange City Racing & Card Club

The Orange City Racing & Card Club is “Orlando’s Closest Poker Room,” featuring exciting cash-game poker action, Vegas-style poker games, comfortable seating, tableside food and beverage service. The new Jake’s 29° Sports Bar and Grill boasts an innovative pub-style menu; seven 75-inch TVs; 40-plus huge high-definition TVs; a 52-foot sports ticker; and 29-degree domestic, craft and local draft beers. For more information, call 386-252-6484 or visit www.orangecitypoker.com.

Orlando Premier Music Instruction

Orlando Premier Music Instruction is the place to find the highest-quality local music classes for piano, adult guitar, dance, drama and musical theater, and more with its professional and friendly music teachers, flexible class schedules that suit your style, ability and more! The staff at OPMI is happy to say they have the perfect gift idea — sign up for one of their monthly classes and receive the first class free. In addition, mention this article and get the first class free! For more information, call or text 407-963-5529 or 310-623-2885, email opmi@opmi-lessons.com or visit www.orlando-premier-music-instruction.com.

Rosen Plaza

The only thing that’s cold around here is the beer! Rosen Plaza is kicking off the holidays the only way it knows how — with seasonal brews by the pool at the fourth annual Winterfest. Sample craft beers from U.S. breweries, plus delicious food from ’39 Poolside Bar & Grill and music by the 3Nine disc jockey Nov. 4, from 4-7 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit rosenplaza.com/winterfest.

Rosen Shingle Creek

The card that gets you in everywhere you’d want to be for the best Orlando staycation — it’s all under one roof at the AAA Four Diamond Rosen Shingle Creek. Purchase its gift card to enjoy deluxe accommodations, impeccable dining, luxurious spa treatments, challenging golf, poolside lounging and more. It’s all wrapped in one small card that has so much to give this holiday season! Gift cards may be purchased at 9939 Universal Blvd. in Orlando. For more information about Orlando’s top luxury hotel, visit rosenshinglecreek.com.

Southwest Internal Medicine Specialists

‘Tis the season of giving, and all through the house is hustle and bustle and shopping about. Don’t forget to take time to give a gift to yourself — the best gift of all is holiday health. The new year is coming, and it’s the perfect time, you see, to make an appointment at Southwest Internal Medicine Specialists to be as healthy as you can be. Give the gift of health to yourself this season, and come in for an annual wellness exam! The physicians and staff at Southwest Internal Medicine wish you a happy, healthy holiday season!

Southwest Orlando Eye Care

Southwest Orlando Eye Care, located in Suite 110 at 7009 Dr. Phillips Blvd. in Orlando, offers comprehensive eye care to the Dr. Phillips and Southwest Orlando communities. John Nowell, O.D., is a board-certified optometric physician who specializes in keratoconus, myopia control and specialty contact lenses. He provides routine eye exams, contact lens evaluations, Lasik consultations and more. Pediatric specialist Ben Konynenbelt, O.D., joined the practice’s team this year to offer vision therapy services. Southwest Orlando Eye Care has a beautiful optical boutique and carries several designer frames and sunglasses, including lines by Savile Row, Tom Ford, Ray-Ban and more. Gift certificates are available. For more information, call 407-271-8931 or visit southwestorlandoeyecare.com.

The Spa at Rosen Centre

Purchase a The Spa at Rosen Centre gift card for $100 and get a $25 spa gift card free! Enjoy a relaxing day with rejuvenating facials and luxurious massages for the ultimate pampering experience. Included for any spa guest, relax poolside at Rosen Centre and use the spa facilities for the entire day to turn your spa experience into a tropical escape. For more information, call 407-996-1248 or visit rosencentre.com.

Sweet, Sassy & Southern

Sweet, Sassy & Southern is an upscale boutique that offers trendy women’s apparel, jewelry and fashion accessories. It also carries a wide variety of unique gifts and home décor and offers monogramming services. It’s a one-stop shop for many of the holiday gifts on your list! Located in Suite 164 at 4750 The Grove Drive in Windermere, Sweet, Sassy & Southern’s operating hours are Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, call 407-217-7288 or visit www.facebook.com/sweetsassyandsouthern46.

Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency

Give busy moms what they really need — time! With a gift certificate from Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency, moms can enjoy some well-deserved “me time” while knowing their children are in the best hands. All of Twinkle Toes’ nannies have passed rigorous background checks, have excellent references, and are only second to mom! For more information, call 407-704-0342 or visit twinkletoesnanny.com.

VIPet Resort

VIPet Resort, located at 6600 Kingspointe Parkway in Orlando, is an 8,000-square-foot luxury boarding facility for dogs and cats. It offers overnight boarding, doggy day care and full grooming services. VIPet Resort also features a new expansion called The Companion Club, an exclusive club for small dogs only. All guests enjoy spacious suites, playtime with friends, specialty treat items and lots of love and attention. Operating hours are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, call 407-355-3594 or visit www.vipet.net.

Windermere Medical Center

With the holidays just around the corner, one of the best — and most-forgotten gifts — is the gift of good health. Niral Patel, M.D., and the staff at Windermere Medical Center believe preventative wellness is a vital tool to managing health, yet many people choose instead to be reactive, scheduling an appointment only when something “doesn’t feel right.” The fact is, many of the top risk factors relating to illness are preventable, and that’s why preventative care is so important for the continued health of your family and loved ones. For more information or to make an appointment, call 407-876-2273 or visit www. windermeremedicalcenter.com. ♥