Island Holiday Picks: Dan from Suncatchers’ Dream Shares His Favorites

Grab your “shell phone” and join us as we dive into the holiday magic of Sanibel with Dan, the owner of Suncatchers’ Dream!

With the festive season upon us, Dan is sharing his favorite gift picks that’ll bring a touch of coastal charm to your celebrations. Whether you’re searching for the perfect present or treating yourself, his jewelry recommendations capture the true essence of island living.

Christmas on the Island: A Holiday Q&A with Dan

Tell us about your store. Where is it located and what must-see attractions or activities do you recommend nearby?

Suncatchers’ Dream is located on beautiful Sanibel Island which has been bouncing back from Hurricane Ian and experienced a setback with Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Our store features jewelry, gifts and cards that celebrate the beauty of our island, including many local artists.

We are very encouraged by the return of visitors that are supporting our livelihood and bringing awareness to our triumphant return here on Sanibel! By shopping small (especially in a community that is rebuilding) customers can feel good knowing they are making a purchase that will further the recovery of the island.

Our Store is Located in the Olde Sanibel Shops next to the Over Easy Cafe, which you should DEFINITELY check out while you are on island (get there early for their famous orange rolls)!

I would also recommend biking around to the lighthouse and the beach. The shelling is always good so maybe you will find some treasures! And no visit would be complete without a stop at CROW (Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife) to support their good work of protecting our local wildlife.

How long have you been a part of Dune’s story?

We have been with Dune from the very beginning. I sent Holly some of my sand and shells for their Sandbeads and the rest was history! We always keep up with their new styles and are excited to be one of their top Dune accounts year after year. We love Dune since it is great for both visitors and locals. It allows them to remember their time here or share a piece of home to their friends and family.

We get a lot of multi-generational women in families that come in together and each look for a piece of Dune that matches their unique style to wear as a keepsake for their time together. Dune has something for everyone! Plus, every purchase gives back to coastal preservation, which is always important to customers.

Which Dune Jewelry designs are best-sellers with your customers during the holiday season?

Best sellers year round, but especially for the holidays, would be the Dune Ornaments and the Happiness Comes in Waves Book! These are great to bring to someone’s house when you are invited to a party or dinner but also make nice “add on” gifts for the holidays.

Other classics that will always sell are our Custom Sanibel Island Necklaces (large and small) along with the classic Wave designs.

What Dune Jewelry pieces do you predict will be this year’s holiday favorites at your store?

Customers will be looking for something bold and dramatic this season.

My picks would be the Seaside, Hues of Blue, and Make Waves Necklaces, to name a few. For an elegant and stylized statement design, the Siren Collection is the winner from the NEW Captain Kate Collection! And if someone is looking for a bracelet, the Ebb & Flow Cuff would be my pick for something that evokes movement in the design.