The holiday season is sneaking up on us again. Are you making a list and checking it twice? Make sure your list includes a trip to the Gulf Coast for a little R & R and holiday shopping.

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach both offer a variety of unique boutiques and shopping opportunities to fill the space under your Christmas tree for the friends and family on your list. The Wharf shopping, dining and entertainment area boasts name-brand stores like H.L. Hood, Build-A-Bear, and ar*chi*pel*a*go, as well as fun boutiques like Bungalow’s and Ooh La La where you’ll find unique treasures for those hard-to-buy-for family members. In Gulf Shores, make a stop at the Chocolate Corner to treat yourself to something sweet. The Chocolate Corner also prepares gift baskets that are perfect for the teachers and business associates on your list.

Travel 15 minutes north and you’ll find the Tanger Center in Foley, Alabama. The Tanger Center boasts famous-maker brands, including Gap, J Crew, TJ Max and Nike. With a Starbucks located at the mall entrance, you can recharge before heading back to the beach to enjoy a walk in the sand or just relax from your gulf-front balcony.

For more shopping options, visit the directory to help plan the stops on your Gulf Coast holiday shopping spree.