As you know from many of our previous posts, many St. Croix hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, activities and shops are open for business — and visiting them is one way to help St. Croix’s economy rebound from Hurricane Maria. If a trip to the USVI isn’t in the cards this winter, supporting island businesses through your holiday shopping is another great way to show St. Croix a little holiday cheer!

We talked with a few of our favorite local businesses to find out how they are doing post-Maria and what St. Croix treasures they have for the season.

Sheraw Designs Cheese N Bread Board

Sheraw Designs makes beautifully handcrafted wood items from their workshop on St. Croix’s north shore. They have Wine Bottle Holders and Just Limin’ Boards in stock, while their Crucian Cheese N Bread Board is on back order (but they have holiday certificates that can be given as a gift and the board will be available in January). Orders can be taken via Facebook Messenger. Sheraw Designs had significant water damage to their equipment from Hurricane Maria. They are generously donating 5% of sales from the Crucian Cheese N Bread Board to hurricane recovery efforts through the end of 2017.

Bottles Reimagined Cruzan Rum Shot Glasses

Bottles Reimagined makes recycled items from Cruzan Rum and other booze bottles that they collect on St. Croix, keeping them from going to the landfill. Their most popular item year-round is their shot glasses. For the holidays, candles are most popular, especially the blue spruce scent. They ship USPS Priority Mail, so orders typically arrive after three days. They encourage ordering by December 20 to be safe. Owner, Lori Hirons, also has an island lifestyle brand called Island Contessa which is sold in various boutiques throughout the Caribbean and online. Her creations are designed to suit the laidback look and feel of island life.

Crucian Rum Cakes

Crucian Rum Cakes makes an island tradition that you can send to friends or family to enjoy. They offer an assortment of flavors and you can even customize yours by adding a flavored Cruzan Rum and toppings. Their two most popular combinations this year have been pina colada rum on butter cake and raspberry rum on the triple chocolate fudge cake (yes, please!). Crucian Rum Cakes ships via USPS Priority Mail and says to order by December 18 to receive cakes by Christmas.

Finally, check out From the Gecko’s “Home” and “Homegrown” t-shirts for men and women featuring St. Croix.