The holiday season is upon us friends, and we've created a list of experiential gift ideas in the Tampa Bay area, paired with the perfect ShapeShifter Fish and Friends UPF50+ long sleeve, for the coolest outdoor gift set. Did you know, even with dropping temperatures you are still at risk of UV exposure? You can’t see or feel UV radiation, so don’t mistake the changing weather for a lack of radiation. It is still present even if it isn’t that warm outside. But don't worry, we've got you covered... literally. Check out our list of some of the best places to #getoutside in Tampa Bay while practicing safe sun with our multiFUNctional sun protective clothing, in sizes 2T-2X:
1. Tampa RiverWalk – cost FREE
Named one of the fifteen best river walks in the US, Tampa RiverWalk is a great place to witness Tampa Bay’s downtown waterfront. These cooler temps make it perfect to stroll the downtown parks, museums, attractions, and of course we encourage you to #shoplocal from the many businesses along the way. Bucs fans, this one's for you! We recommend wearing our fan favorite, The Goat UPF50+ sun protective long sleeve, which is a nod to our beloved Tampa Bay Buccaneer quarterback, #12 Tom Brady. While you're there, be sure to check out the floating Christmas Tree positioned right on the Hillsborough River between the Tampa Convention Center and Tampa General Hospital.
PS - you can shop ShapeShifter Fish and Friends in-person, at the Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Fest, happening December 6-7.
2. ZooTampa at Lowry Park – cost $31.95+
Voted Best Kids Attraction by the Best of South Tampa 2021 awards, ZooTampa at Lowry Park is a great place to enjoy family friendly fun. The park is home to many fish and friends, including one of our favorite’s, the Manatee! This gift of experience could be paired with almost all of our animals, but we recommend our best-selling sun protective long sleeve in youth and adult sizes, the Manatee. While you’re there, check out the first Manatee critical care center ever built which cares for ill or injured manatees within the park. Plus, on select nights you can stay after dark for Christmas in the Wild, happening November 26th through December 30th. You’ll be able to witness one of Tampa Bay’s largest light displays, along with enjoying holiday treats and seeing the other wonderful animals at the park.
3. Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay – cost $89.99+
Home to Florida’s best thrill rides, Busch Gardens has something for everyone in the family. Animals of all shapes and sizes can be seen up-close, or you can watch them roam in a 65-acre natural habit from afar. This is a great gift for any future veterinarians on your list, with an opportunity to visit their state-of-the-art animal care center. You can look cute and keep your skin protected throughout your visit by wearing our UPF50+ sun protective long sleeve featuring the Flamingo (and this friend also comes in Toddler sizes!) If you want to get up close and personal with Flamingos at Busch Gardens, visit the flock at the Animal Connections, in the area of Nairobi at the Park. Plus, be sure to stay for Christmas Town taking place from November 12th through January 2nd.
4. Gallagher’s Pumpkins and Christmas Trees – cost FREE (unless you need a Christmas tree!)
Gallagher’s Pumpkins and Christmas Trees is a unique, locally run and family owned, tree farm located along 4th St, in St. Pete. They are open daily from 9am to 9pm and offer a wide selection of trees that come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes, just like ShapeShifter Fish and Friends! They’re also known for the perfect photo op, so we recommend getting in the red and green holiday spirit with either our Lime Green Sheepshead or Teal Trout UPF50+ sun protective long sleeve. Not only do they have a large selection of Christmas trees, you can browse their handcrafted wreaths, poinsettias, and Christmas cacti and ferns.
5. Winter Beach at the St. Pete Pier – cost FREE ($17 for ice skating)
Winter Beach is the perfect family-friendly way to get yourself into the holiday spirit this Christmas season, the Florida way! The 4,000 sq. ft. OUTDOOR ice skating rink may be the main attraction, but Winter Beach has more to offer. From November 20 - January 17, enjoy festive food, holiday music, photos with Santa, local vendors, and even hot cocoa. There is no doubt the perfect sun protective shirt for this trip would be the Dolphin, inspired by the late, local celebrity, Winter the Dolphin from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. If you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of our Dolphin friends living in their natural habitat while you’re there! (For a detailed list of other things to do, you can check out our previous blog post.)
This holiday season, we encourage you to #getoutside and give the gift of experience over toys. We know being outdoors means concerns for sun protection, so we highly recommend you pair those gifts with one of 17 sun protective long sleeves, available in sizes for the whole family. Want to go the extra mile for sun safety? Check out our UNBREAKABLE ShapeShifter Shades for kids, to create the ultimate outdoor gift set. Not sure what size or what color? eGift Cards are now available!