Boca Boutique on South Tamiami Trail, perched just outside the Gulf Gate shopping district, is brimming with beauty. Typical of fun gift shops, the store offers lovely little tea towels and cocktail napkins with irreverent sayings, as well as whimsical décor. The shop’s owner, Dixi Robertson, was an interior designer for years before opening Boca Boutique in early 2023.

“I created the shop out of a love for beautiful things,” she says. “But it’s so much more than that now. It’s become a place where people can come together with friends or family and discover special finds. I love watching people fall in love with the shop.”

Boca is named after one of Robertson’s French bulldogs, and while there is a section that focuses on pups, you’ll find something for every kind of shopper, such as large wooden serving bowls and other kitchen goodies, an area for kids or grandkids, Sarasota-specific items from local artists, and plenty of jewelry ranging from costume pieces to those made with fine metals and gemstones.

“Everything is always changing, here,” Robertson says. “It’s part of the fun. Even if you were in a month ago, when you come in again, there’ll be a lot of new things.”

Alligator Napkin Ring ($47 for four)

Lose your boring napkin rings and go big with these shiny alligators.

Tea Towel ($20)

Fun gift shops are almost required to have an array of tea towels everyone will love. Boca Boutique is no exception.

Florida Mug ($12)

Whether you’re a tourist or a local, it’s hard to resist Florida memorabilia. How about something that you can enjoy every single morning?

Beaded Lemon Tote ($130)

Few things are happier than citrus, and this enormous beaded canvas tote will put a smile on your face.

Leopard Book Ends ($80 for the pair)

Every home needs a touch of the wild, and this pair of golden leopards is a conversation piece.

BOCA BOUTIQUE | 6969 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 529-1000, bocaboutiquesrq.com