Alexa: Play “The 12 Days of Christmas” Puerto Morelos Edition!
As if you aren’t already REALLY tired of hearing this song, we’ve gone and turned this classic holiday song into a fun local business spotlight.
There are so many amazing artisans and shops here in our little town, it’s hard to narrow it down to just 12, but we gave it a try.
Our goal is to help you learn about these businesses and to encourage you to consider keeping your holiday shopping dinero right here in town! Let’s get started!
1. BlueGreen Vivero
On the first day of Christmas, some lucky person got a partridge in a pear tree, so it seems right to kick off our 12 Days of Christmas Puerto Morelos Edition with our friends at Vivero BlueGreen!
They might not have pear trees, but BlueGreen is your one-stop shop for poinsettias and pines this year. And give the gift that keeps on giving to your loved one… A plant! They’ve also got a nice selection of plant pots (macetas). In prior years, the manager has even decorated little cacti in Holiday gear. How cute! Perfect for a tropical Christmas.
Located off of highway 307 just north of the bridge, Vivero BlueGreen is a well-known establishment and the biggest greenhouse in town. They offer great greenery and flowers all year round. But what really makes this place special is the owner… Omar Vazquez has made quite an impression on our little town, not just because of his amazing selection of plants, but also his ingenuity. Omar is fighting the seaweed invasion on our coastline by turning the sargassum into homes! He’s created a 100% Mexican-owned and operated company that converts seaweed into bricks. In turn, the bricks are used to build homes for low-income families in the community. How incredible is that? Not only has it provided jobs for locals, but also homes!
If you want to see one of the sargassum homes for yourself, you’re in luck because the greenhouse features one in the back of the property! Learn more about the project here… Vivero Blue Green.
2. Sergio Lipari
On the 2nd day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, 2 coffee cups with a palm tree!!
Day 2 of our 12 Days of Christmas Puerto Morelos Edition is featuring our friend and graphic design genius, Sergio Lipari. Sergio originally comes from Italy, but has lived in Mexico for many years, and we’re happy to have him as a local artist here in our community!
And how awesome are his designs? His art is majorly influenced by our amazing area, and often features Puerto Morelos’ scenes… Especially that of the famous leaning lighthouse! Apart from graphic designs, Sergio’s other project, Romance Is Not a Game, cleverly combines his love of LEGOS and photography. His Lego pieces can be found traveling not solely throughout Mexico but around the world! Check it out here… Sergio Lipari
He prints his art in various forms; from canvas prints to bags and posters to mugs… You are bound to find the perfect gifts for a local Puerto Morelian or your Puerto Morelos loving family back home!
3. Mauricio Soriano Cante
On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, 3 french hens?! Well, we can’t find those in Puerto Morelos, so how about 3 Mexican Hammocks instead?
We’re happy to feature our friend Mauricio Soriano Cante and his Handcrafted Mayan Hammock shop in the Mayan Handicraft Market. Mauricio has been in Puerto Morelos since the beginning and has become a familiar face to many! His shop is family-run with his brother Martin and his family and they’ve been creating and selling hammocks for the past 25 years!
They make beautiful hammocks of every style, and will also do custom orders if you have something special in mind. The shop also carries other handmade items — clothing, handbags, and carved items. It’s the perfect place to do your Christmas (or anytime) shopping. Who wouldn’t want a quality handmade hammock for Christmas? So comfy and great for your indoor/outdoor living spaces.
The Mayan Handicraft Market is located on Av. Rojo Gomez, south of the square about 2 blocks, across from the new Chedraui Selecto. Mauricio’s shop is on the north end of the market — you’ll see the beautiful hammocks outside and look for their sign.
4. La Botica Maya
On the 4th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me 4 calling birds? Nobody wants 4 noisy animals for Christmas! How about a gift basket filled with goodies from La Botica Maya instead?!
La Botica Maya is hidden gem in Puerto Morelos! Located in the Plaza off of Zetina Gasca in the colonia (across from the taxi syndicate), this storefront is small but packed full of handmade products, the majority of which are produced right here in our area! They range from homemade soaps to incense, but there’s also a large section of products created with traditional mayan plants and herbs that can be used for various health issues.
Oh, and we can’t forget to mention the treats! Chocolate bars made from 100% cacao, honey produced in the mayan jungle, and bags of Mexican coffee!! YUM.
If you’re looking for a 100% authentic gift, this is the best place to start your search! Check it out here La Botica Maya.
5. The Godfather Jewelry
On the 5th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me 5 golden rings from The Godfather Jewelry!
Our 5th day is going out to a local favorite, The Godfather Jewelry! This shop is owned and operated by Rueben Morales and his wife Magnolia. And they first opened the doors 22 years ago! They have a gorgeous selection of real gold and silver jewelry and even offer one of a kind, custom orders!
So if you’re looking for an extremely special gift for a loved one, this is the place to go! Their long-standing business has earned the trust and loyalty of Puerto Morelos throughout the years and the care and dedication of the owners make shopping enjoyable.
The Godfather Jewelry shop is located on Avenida Rojo Gomez just north of the square near Pizza Nostra and across from Cantina Habanero! They’re open Monday through Saturday 11am-3pm/5:30-10pm.
6. Aileen Caffrey
On the 6th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, 6 fish-a-swimming (on an Aileen Caffrey painting)!
Day 6 of our 12 Days of Christmas Puerto Morelos Edition is featuring an AMAZING local artist, Aileen Caffrey! You’ve probably seen her at the local markets throughout the years or recognized her beautiful paintings that are hanging all over town…
Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Aileen is now a permanent resident of our community! She has had a long career working as an illustrator and graphic designer, mainly in the area of children’s books. But lucky for all of us, Aileen moved to Puerto Morelos to dive and take underwater photography, and here is where she chose to settle!
She’s a certified PADI Divemaster and has a particular passion for shark conservation which is definitely reflected in her art. Her art takes you into the underwater world, showcasing the colorful marine life!! You can view it on her Facebook Page Aileen Caffrey SCUBA DIVA! Be sure to check out her work this holiday season. I’m sure you’ll love it as much as we do!
7. Alma Libre Bookstore
On the 7th day of Christmas (Puerto Morelos Edition), my true love gave to me 7 books-for-reading from the one and only Alma Libre Bookstore!
That’s right! Day 7 is all about our friends over at Alma Libre Bookstore , the biggest (and BEST!) new and used bookstore in the Riviera Maya. Other than the incredible selection of English and Spanish language books, the store also sells handmade gifts, Mexican chocolates, and quirky keepsakes… Something for everyone on your holiday shopping list!
In a world where independent bookstores are a rarity, our community has supported this gem of a place for over 20 years! It’s pretty easy supporting a business like this not only because of the great selection of goods but also the wonderful owners. Caleb Moss and Nicole Dusseault purchased the shop not even 5 years ago, but in that short amount of time have truly become known and loved in our community!
And they take a lot of pride in owning such an iconic store! From the great selection of books to the store upgrades (they added a reading nook!!), the place has a fun, inviting energy. Stop in and find out for yourself how amazing Alma Libre Bookstore really is! Happy Shopping!
8. Raiz Nativa
On the 8th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a one of a kind piece of art from Raiz Nativa!
Day 8 of our 12 days of Christmas Puerto Morelos Edition features another amazing artist, Valentina Innocenti, the creative force behind Raiz Nativa! Valentina originates from Chile but in the past 10 years has found herself in various parts of the world, finally settling down in Puerto Morelos. And we’re so lucky to have her as part of our artisan community!
From charcoal drawings to the use of natural elements, Valentina’s art is a mix of techniques, all of which are uniquely influenced by mother nature! Our favorite is her play with sargassum (seaweed). She takes something most people perceive as invasive and not so pretty and turns it into a beautiful work of art!
You can find her prints and original art at Naturalmente, local markets, and on her Facebook page Raiz Nativa. Be sure to check it out and support an amazing local artist not just during the holiday season but throughout the whole year!
9. Boutique Naturalmente
On the 9th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me a beautiful gift from Naturalmente!
Number 9 is going out to another amazing small business located in the heart of Puerto Morelos! Naturalmente is a fabulous little store located on the main square, just under Punta Corcho. But don’t let the small storefront fool you… This place is FULL of goodies: clothes, art, home decor, beauty products, and more!
But what REALLY makes this business special is not only that it’s owned and operated by women, but also everything sold in the shop is handmade by women right here in Mexico! And the female powerhouse leading it all is our good friend and long-time Puerto Morelian, Laura Lecchi!
So on the 9th day of Christmas, my true love didn’t give to me 9 ladies dancing… However, you’ll definitely make some ladies do a happy dance when you support this amazing project! Get down to Naturalmente and see for yourself!
10. Bonita Organic Nail Boutique
On the 10th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, ten toes-a-painted!
We have arrived at number 10 of our 12 days of Christmas Puerto Morelos Edition and it’s all about our friends over at our go-to nail salon– Bonita Organic Nail Boutique! Honestly, who wouldn’t love a mani/pedi for Christmas!?
Opening its doors in 2020, this establishment is fairly new to the community, but we quickly fell in love with it. Great service, great atmosphere, and wonderful staff! Oh, and we almost forgot to mention, they offer massages AND sell one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry!
Bonita is located across from the church right next to Sirena Morena and Mangata. Want to surprise your loved one this year? Swing by Bonita and pick up a gift card this holiday season!
11. Cuatro Colibri
On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me… 11 pipers piping? Well, we didn’t find pipers anywhere this year, but how about something really amazing from Cuatro Colibrí !?
We couldn’t possibly do a 12-day countdown without featuring this amazing business!! And you guys… Cuatro Colibri has a new and improved location!
This art gallery/shop is a MUST stop not just this holiday season, but all throughout the year. The owner, Rosalba Lopez, clearly takes a lot of pride in searching for 100% authentic Mexican handicrafts, because this store is FULL of treasures. Colorful art, jewelry, clothes and pottery line the walls!
You’re for sure to find a unique gift for your loved one this year from this gem of a business! The new store is located on Rojo Gomez, just next to Al Chimichurri. Happy shopping!
12. La V Store
On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave to meeeeeeeee….. A present from La V Store!!!
We made it to day 12, friends!! And our LAST (but definitely not least) shoutout is going to La V Store! A hidden gem of a store a bit off the beaten track, but totally worth the 2 block hike from the main square!
La V Store is the perfect mash-up of handmade clothes, art, home decor, and more! We particularly love the beautiful homemade soaps and coconut candles… The perfect way to cozy up your home this holiday season! This cute shop is located on Calle Rafael E. Melgar, (same street as the leaning lighthouse!) just up from La Pepita Restaurant.
The hours vary a bit, but you can also find them on social media! La V Store
Happy shopping and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!
