They say it's better to give than receive. That saying is doubly true during the holiday season when each of us wants to gift our loved ones something that truly expresses our appreciation.

Sure, you can give a gift based on someone's interests, but why not put a fun Miami twist on gift-giving for a real surprise? Switch things up this holiday season and check out our list of unique holiday gift ideas in Miami.

Miami Heat Vice Jersey 

Miami is many things: a party city, a beach city, an art city, and a city that never sleeps. But one often overlooked facet of Miami is that it's a sports city. While the Miami Dolphins may be the granddaddy of Miami's sports scene, the Miami Heat may be, well, the hottest thing!

There's a reason why Miami is playfully dubbed, "Wade County." The Miami Heat call the American Airlines Arena home, and they're the owners of the slickest sports jerseys released in the past year. If there's a sports fan in your life, you can't go wrong with giving them a Miami Heat jersey!

Espresso Maker 

There are fewer better things in life than Cuban coffee when getting your day started. Restaurants like Versailles Restaurant boast regulars who swing by solely for their espressos. In Miami, we call them cafecito, and, if you've lived here long enough, you know it's more accurately referred to as "liquid crack."

Strong, tasty, and refreshing, shared cafecito shots are among Miami's enduring traditions. And that makes an espresso maker the gift that keeps on giving! Whether it's for a friend or a gift for the office, espresso makers are a communal gift meant to be shared as well as enjoyed.

Graziano's Gift Basket

Miami is home to some of the country's largest chain supermarkets, but few capture Miami's spirit like Graziano's. This Argentinian business offers an eclectic selection of Latin goods as you'd expect. These items are not only delicious, but they also make an excellent gift when grouped together in a gift basket. Skip the generic, premade baskets and give the gift of culinary delights this holiday season.

Flying Lessons at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport

We know that Fort Lauderdale is in another county, but we figure if the gift is cool enough, the recipient will definitely make the 30-minute drive north. And we certainly think this opportunity warrants the hike!

The Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport offers affordably-priced flight lessons. South Florida provides lush, breathtaking views at sea level, so just imagine what it looks like skirting through its decadence from above!

Racing Lessons at Homestead Miami Speedway

Taking a flight is definitely a unique holiday gift in Miami, but that's not the only way to satisfy your need for speed and adventure: Homestead's Miami Speedway also offers racing lessons!

Every Miamian has experienced road rage attempting to navigate I-95, 826, and the Turnpike. Well, this is your opportunity to help a loved one channel some of that frustration... and it doesn't hurt that you'll be pushing a Ferrari or Lamborghini.

Key West Harbour Cruises

Key West is one of South Florida's most beautiful regions. It's a four-hour drive from Miami's city center, but certainly worth the trip, particularly if you take one of Key West's famed sunset cruises. Roughly an hour long, this is the perfect gift for a couple looking to brighten things up to ring in the new year.

If Key West is too far of a trip, Fort Lauderdale offers its own scenic cruises. Jungle Cruises are fun and easy and offer idyllic glimpses at South Florida's famous, eye-popping skylines and waterways. Jungle Queen cruises make great gifts for the singles and couples in your life looking to schedule dates.

It's the most wonderful time of the year, which means you want to give your friends the best gifts you can find. Forget the basic, predictable gifts this year and opt for these unique gift ideas in Miami!

Find more things to do in Miami for gift ideas and register on 305area, your free guide to everything the Miami area has to offer.
 

Cover photo courtesy of Unsplash