Space, surf, sand, chocolate-covered chips: There's a 'so Brevard' gift for everyone

Space, surf, sand and locally made, heavenly chocolate treats? If you're shopping for a gift that celebrates Brevard, we've got you covered.

So which present to present? Here's a quick peek at some picks with pizzazz.

Kennedy Space Center tickets

For space enthusiasts of all ages, there's possibly nothing more thoughtful or welcomed than tickets for a trip to Kennedy Space Center.

Here's a great deal that will rocket you to the top of someone's gift-giver hit list.

On Nov. 26 only, a special Black Friday deal for a 13-month Atlantis annual pass provides the passholder access to the Visitor Complex for the remainder of 2021 as well as all of 2022 (expiring Dec. 31, 2022). The 13-Month Atlantis annual pass can be purchased at a discounted rate of $86 plus tax per adult, and $68 plus tax per child ages 3-11, a $10 savings. The Black Friday offer will be available online and through the call center (855-433-4210).

Only on Cyber Monday: Savvy shoppers can take advantage of a buy-one, get-one ticket to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for $57 plus tax. Available only on Nov. 29, this offer includes a free child admission with the purchase of each adult ticket. This special ticket offer provides one-day access to the Visitor Complex and must be used by Dec. 24, 2021.

This Cyber Monday offer is available through the call center (855-433-4210) and online only.

Eau, what a calendar!

Anyone who treasures memories of the Space Coast will flip (well, the page, at least) for the "Images of Brevard County" calendar offered by Eau Gallery in the Eau Gallie Arts District.

The calendar, with artwork of local landmarks, has Brevard all over it every day of the week. Images this year include those of Exploration Tower, Riki Tiki Tavern, Moonlight Drive-In and Ace Hardware.

Discounts are available for multiple purchases. Buy two for $14 each; three or four for $13 each; or five or more for $12 each. And shipping is available; call 321-253-5553 to order.

Eau Gallery is at 1429 Highland Ave., Melbourne. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Information: 321-253-5553.

Shopping for Christmas as early as Halloween: Black Friday shopping won't be like it used to be, but retailer sector is optimistic

School spirit: Show those true colors!

Anyone with an ounce of school spirit will appreciate a gift from their Space Coast alma mater, whether it celebrates the Melbourne Bulldogs, the Rockledge Raiders, the Titans of Eastern Florida State College, or the Florida Institute of Technology Panthers.

Contact specific schools for information on getting spirit wear bearing school names directly from them; sweatshirts, T-shirts and caps for some local schools are also often available at a variety of retailers, including Walmart, Publix and CVS.

This candy's so dandy

You can admit it. Even the owner says so. The first time you heard about “Chips ‘N Chocolate” — chocolate–covered potato chips — you wondered: WHAT?

And then you received a box of them from a Brevard classic, Grimaldi Candy Company, and you knew the truth: These Grimaldi originals are absolutely one of the finest things one can devour.

Add a wide selection of other goodies, like hot chocolate or candied orange rinds dipped in dark chocolate, and Grimaldi is a must-stop-and-shop option for gift-givers.

The factory and retail store is at 3006 U.S. 1 in Rockledge; call 321-638-0708. The Viera retail store, relocated from downtown Melbourne, is at 2270 Town Center Ave., Suite 109, at The Avenue Viera. Information: 321-338-7180. Online: https://grimaldicandies.com/.

On the water

Gifting someone with a short water-based adventure is a breeze in an area where tours are available everywhere from the St. Johns River to the Indian River Lagoon to the Atlantic. Think airboat rides. Kayaking trips. Eco-tours. Fishing, surfing, snorkeling, para-sailing. Start with a Google search for the specific kind of watery junket your recipient craves, and rest assured: There's a company in Brevard County that can make it fly.

Brevard-based books

For history and book lovers, countless books about this legendary strip of land called Brevard County are available. Local book stores can help with selections; a quick search on Amazon for "Brevard County books" brings up almost 150 choices.

For those wanting to share history along with photo-rich enjoyment, consider the Space Coast-centered offerings of Arcadia Publishing, which publishes local and regional history books. Among the Brevard titles in the Images of America line are books specific to Patrick Air Force Base; North Brevard; Central Brevard; Cocoa Beach; Merritt Island and Cocoa; Cape Canaveral; Kennedy Space Center; Titusville and Mims; Melbourne and Eau Gallie; and Florida Institute of Technology.

Check local retailers, including CVS, for availability, or for shipping direct from the company, find them online at arcadiapublishing.com — you can enter the ZIP code of your choice to find books on that area.

Tree lightings, parades and pictures with Santa: Here's where to celebrate Christmas, holidays in Brevard

Ron Jon mania

If there's one surf-centric place that's swimming in perfect Brevard-reminiscent gifts, it's Ron Jon Surf Shop, a Cocoa Beach legend.

No one with a surfer on their list could do better than a gift from Ron Jon, either from the flagship store at 4151 N. Atlantic Ave. — the world's largest surf shop at 52,000 square feet — or online at ronjonsurfshop.com. As stated on their website: "This store offers everything you could possibly need for the beach lifestyle." And more. Lots, lots more.

Local to the core

Want to think small and big at the same time? Thrive Local's pop-up store has returned to help local businesses thrive this holiday season at The Avenue Viera.

The shop is curated with a mix of local goods including candles, jewelry, skincare, plants, desserts, nitro-cold brew, and more. Owner Kristina Grimm defines it as "a retail space where like-minded local businesses can come together with the same goal. To sell their products in a brick and mortar without the high costs and risks."

Gift-shop bonanza

Whether your recipient is into social justice, animals, dharma or sky-gazing, local gift shops will likely have something with a Brevard tie.

And in a tourist-filled spot like Brevard County, there's no shortage of those shops.

Among countless possibilities: the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne; the Cocoa Beach Pier; the Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Cultural Complex in Mims; the White Sands Buddhist Center in Mims; and Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral. Check for hours and online options.

At the Crossroads

Brevard County serves up a veritable feast of riches when it come to restaurants, with something appealing to every palate.

One iconic eatery that's known far from home, luring guests from around the globe, is Dixie Crossroads in Titusville, home of rock shrimp and to-fry-for corn fritters dusted with powdered sugar.

For T-shirts, magnets, glasses or a full-size apron (you know you want to try making those corn fritters, the recipe's online!) check them out at 1475 Garden St.

Can't stop by? Shipping a gift card is as easy as calling the restaurant.

"All you have to do is call the restaurant at 321-268-5000 any day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and tell us what you want," it states on the restaurant website. "We can write a short handwritten message for you and then we will mail it for FREE the next business day."

They're closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and on Christmas.

Contact Kennerly at 321-242-3692 or bkennerly@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @bybrittkennerly Facebook: /bybrittkennerly.

Support local journalism and become a subscriber. Go to floridatoday.com/subscribe

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: From a KSC trip to iconic chips, there's a 'so Brevard' gift for all