As we head into the eagerly anticipated holiday season here in Thornton Park Village, we're thinking of creative ways to surprise our loved ones to show our love and appreciation for them in the form of gifts. Most will gravitate towards what seems like the most convenient route of online shopping, and others will gravitate towards the local malls and outlets to our favorite shops and boutiques.

All are wonderful ideas for the holidays. However, how about some of the small businesses that are literally right in your backyard as a resident of Camden Thornton Park or Camden Lake Eola? Here are some highly recommended small businesses in the 32801 to consider for your next holiday shopping spree.

photo courtesy of Camden Thornton Park

Honey House Vintage- Thornton Park Village

Honey House Vintage is a curated vintage and collective shop located in the heart of Thornton Park. They are also a home for local and women owned small businesses to offer their products. You will find handmade jewelry, bath and body, and artwork amongst other things. Their products are unique and always changing, so stop in frequently to see what’s new. Just an eight-minute walk from Camden Lake Eola!

photo courtesy of Camden Lake Eola

The Trophy Room- Downtown Orlando

Owned by the son of Basketball Legend Michael Jordan, Marcus Jordan has opened an apparel and sneaker boutique right here in Downtown Orlando . Once you open the glass doors, you are greeted by a large, vibrant floral arrangement of Michael Jordan's famous “23” jersey. That’s how you know you are in the right place. Intimate and high-end, the boutique offers a selection of luxury street and sneaker wear, which are rotated out based on demand. Ask an associate to visit the private upstairs loft for an even more exclusive shopping experience and access to higher-quality goods. Marcus Jordan is an Orlando local so you will never know who will stop by! Just an 8-10 minute walk from Camden Thornton Park!

photo courtesy of Camden Lake Eola

La Castro- Mills District

This stylish LBGTQ+ fashion business is a local favorite within the community. La Castro is a men’s boutique with an assortment and variety of shorts, short-sleeved button-downs, tanks, t-shirts, and more, which are all curated using Brazilian fabrics. The styles can be worn for work, parties, nights out, or even just day-to-day. The designs do only last in store for a few seasons until new, unique, and newly on-trend patterns come out, so if you see something, definitely make sure to add it to your cart. The store’s owner is always present and incredibly kind and helpful so make sure to say hi! Just a 12-minute drive from Camden Lake Eola and Camden Thornton Park.)

photo courtesy of Camden Thornton Park

Indeu Apothecary- Thornton Park Village

One of the newest retail storefronts at Camden Lake Eola, Indeu Apothecary is a cozy boutique that sells handmade candles, soaps, diffusers, and more. You can also find one-of-a-kind kitchen and homeware. My personal favorite is the decorative pillow with the 32801 Zip Code for Thornton Park. For your enjoyment, the shop also hosts candle-making classes to make your gift a little more sentimental. Residents, this is located on the street level right at Camden Lake Eola!

photo courtesy of Camden Thornton Park

The Orlando Farmers Market

Hosted at the historic Lake Eola, you can find the Orlando Farmers Market every Sunday for the public to enjoy. A sea of tents with vendors, eateries, and entertainment line up around the magnificent lake. This is a perfect opportunity to shop small business as many of the vendors here are owners of small apparel brands, small restaurants, artists with art pieces for sale, as well as gardeners selling their plants and seeds. The options here are one of a kind and unique purchases making amazing gifts for your loved ones. Just a five minute walk from Camden Thornton Park and Camden Lake Eola.

photo courtesy of Camden

As the days get Merry and Bright this holiday season, keep in mind that a lot of your holiday gifting needs are right outside your front door at Camden in Downtown Orlando. Some options don’t even require you to leave your buildings!

From vintage shops to Brazilian-made designer clothing, the options truly present themselves here in the DTO. Ditch the mall traffic, the crowds, and the overwhelming lines at your department store and shop local!