Want to bring a gift to the grandkids from Sanibel? You'll have many to choose from!

If you are coming to Sanibel and wondering what in the world you can easily take home for the grandchildren (you can substitute nieces, nephews or just little loved one for that one word), you will have loads of choices.

First of all, there are two stores that specialize in apparel and other "bring homes" for children. Giggles located on Periwinkle bills itself as a Unique Kidz Boutique and carries everything from shoes to play toys for the infant or child. According to the store's website, "Leoma Lovegrove's paintings featured on the floors and walls, makes Giggles a memorable Sanibel shopping adventure you don't want to miss!"

Alternately, Friday's Child, also on Periwinkle, provides lots of cool options including cool stuff for "dudes" and "dudettes" (the latter being a new term to me!).

But if you are feeling that your little dude or dudette has more than enough clothes, games or toys, then consider these options:

* A colorful jigsaw puzzle of Sanibel which you can purchase at most gift shops on the Island as well as Bailey's
* A book about Sanibel's critters. Our favorites are Amazing Stories From the Center for the Rehabilitation of Wild Life (C.R.O.W.), a lovely description (with photos) about the animals saved and rehabilitated by the center. Another adorable read is Dillo, a delightful fantasy of a baby armadillo on the Island.
* A Sanibel calendar which will delight the young and young at heart in your family
* A seashell lamp created from a shell or collection of shells from Sanibel
* There's a great selection of books on nature for children at the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) as well as functional items such as glasses etched with dolphins and other critters from the sea and land

Look around and you will see plentiful motivation to take a piece of Sanibel home with you and to share it with the young loved ones in your life!