5 Places to Get the Best Holiday Shopping Deals in Bradenton and Sarasota

Now that Black Friday has kicked off the official start of the holiday shopping season, it's time to put your planning in high gear. Make the most of your gift-giving budget with these resources for terrific holiday deals near our Springs Southwest Florida luxury apartment communities.

1. Ellenton Premium Outlets
5461 Factory Shops Blvd, Ellenton
941.723.1150
12.7 miles from Springs at Palma Sola

Bargain shopping doesn't mean you have to settle for lesser quality products. Ellenton Premium Outlets features dozens of shops carrying popular brand names such as Ralph Lauren, Nine West and Kate Spade. In addition to everyday low prices, you'll find additional sales and special offers listed on the website. Sign up for free membership in the VIP Club and get exclusive discounts. Visit the website for mall hours.

2. Shabby Chic Vintage Market & Artisan Days
Bradenton Area Convention Center
1 Haben Blvd, Palmetto
941.722.3244
8.2 miles from Springs at Palma Sola

Shabby Chic Vintage Market is a unique shopping event that made its Bradenton area debut last August. The "Holiday Edition" is a festival that includes local artisans selling antiques and vintage items, repurposed furniture and housewares and original art pieces. Take a break to grab a bite to eat from the food trucks and enjoy the live entertainment. Hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 9.

3. Atomic Holiday Bazaar
Sarasota Municipal Auditorium
801 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
10.1 miles from Springs at Bee Ridge

Now in its 12th year, the Atomic Holiday Bazaar has become an annual tradition for shoppers seeking one-of-a-kind handcrafted gifts from local vendors. With the addition of food trucks and live DJs spinning tunes, holiday shopping becomes entertainment more than a chore. Admission to the main room is $5 and free for kids 12 and under, while the street fair is free of charge. This year's bazaar takes place on Saturday, December 9 and Sunday, December 10 from noon – 5 p.m.

4. Holiday Night on St. Armands
St. Armands Circle, Sarasota
941.388.1554
11.8 miles from Springs at Bee Ridge

Nestled on picturesque Lido Key, historic St. Armands Circle is known as the "Jewel of Sarasota." The stunning marketplace is known for its lush landscaping, antique statues and contemporary architectural touches. The Circle's four blocks of upscale shops, personal services and fine dining restaurants celebrate the opening of the holiday shopping season with a night of entertainment and special promotions. Holiday Night takes place on Friday, December 1 from 6 – 9 p.m. and admission is free for all guests.

5. Shopular

Shopular, selected by CNN as one of the four best shopping apps, is the next best thing to having a personal assistant. As you walk around a mall, the app uses geo-locating to notify you of available deals as soon as you enter a store. Gone are the days of wandering around a store hoping you'll stumble onto a sale. Shopular is free for both Android and iPhone.

Did we miss your favorite shopping spot? Let us know in the comments!