Holiday shopping is hot in Florida -- literally. With permissive weather and wonderful sales throughout the Sunshine State, there are many reasons to pick up all your stocking stuffers right here. I love the fact that shopping in Florida is a reflection of the diversity of our state. There's a little something for everyone, regardless of your interests or your aim. From antiques to outlets, high-end boutiques to bargain-basement finds, we have it all when it comes to holiday shopping ... and some of our best offerings are outdoors.

Here in Florida we figured out a long time ago how to celebrate our winning weather all year long. While here, you'll find that many of the most entertaining and memorable experiences are open air. That goes for shopping, too. There's something absolutely special about walking through a winter wonderland that's landscaped with palm trees and the cool breezes of paradise. 

Here's my list of five outdoor shopping faves in Florida, just perfect for your holiday gift list: 

1. Destin Commons: There's nothing common about this Destin destination that caters to your needs in new and innovative ways. With nearly 500,000 square feet of retail space, Destin Commons is widely known as Northwest Florida's Premier Outdoor lifestyle center. Very cool activities such as the Commons' signature stroller strides helps this shopping center stand out as an experience. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, a personal trainer guides moms and their babies through a fitness routine based in shopping. Eight restaurants (including Hard Rock Cafe), Bass Pro Shops, more than 80 great stores, a marine theme park for kids and a 14-screen stadium-style theater puts Destin Commons at the top of any outdoor shopping excursion list.

2. Boutiquing in Tampa: Another can't-miss outdoor shopping treat is boutiquing in Tampa. A stroll through South Tampa's and Dale Mabry's outdoor shopping districts will reveal many great finds. Start with Georgette's, a longtime Tampa favorite that carries everything from ball gowns to sassy outfits perfect for a ball game. Then, make your way down to Deborah Kent's, DKM Accessories, Little Peeps for the kiddies and you can't forget the Pink Palm for all your Lilly Pulitzer favorites. You can park and walk to these shops, all in close proximity.

3.A shopping trip that's definitely worth it: A list of outdoor shopping stops is incomplete without mention of world-famous Worth Avenue in Palm Beach. The definition of posh, this exclusive shopping experience is a quarter mile of magnificence between Cocoanut Row and Ocean Boulevard. Intimate plazas and stand-alone stores offer the world's most distinguished brands. Worth Avenue is also a great place to find Florida art and jewelry. Shopping on this socialite scene is serious business, often reserved for the world's champions of consumerism -- but in true Florida fashion, hospitality and warm welcomes flow abundantly for every visitor and patron.

4. Oak Street in Arcadia: This sweet little town is known for its antiques shops, more than two dozen of them, all within four blocks of each other. Centered around Oak Street, antiquing here is holiday shopping at its best. We all know what it's like to look for a gift for the special people in our lives who have everything. Arcadia offers one-of-a-kind treats that can intrigue and bring a smile to even your most worldly friends' faces. Every fourth Saturday of the month, an antique fair kicks off at 8 a.m. This eclectic gathering boasts up to 150 vendors during the winter months. Look for their Holiday Open House for special deals on antiques specially suited for holiday gifts.

5. Collins Ave and Lincoln Road: The absolute truth in shopping, I count this among Florida's best outdoor shopping experiences for sure. All your classic favorites, from Ralph Lauren to Kenneth Cole, line two beautiful pedestrian boulevards. Holiday shopping here should include plans to enjoy a meal at one of the many sidewalk cafes. There's nothing chilly about holiday shopping on South Beach.  Where else can you stroll down to the shore and enjoy a sunset dinner on the beach after crossing all the names off your hoilday gift list -- in the middle of December?

Narrowing the list of favorite Florida outdoor holiday shopping spots was unbelieavably challenging. There are many other super shopping excursions that didn't make this lst, classic faves such as St. Armand's Circle in Sarasota and Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale. Look for part two of this holiday gift guide series. Shopping in Florida is so good, it's going to take a few lists to get it all in there. Stay tuned!