From performance shirts made of recycled plastic to innovative sweets, local startups and fast-growing companies offer gifts for nearly anyone on a shopping list.
American Inno recently unveiled its gift guide of hot products — including a jacket that's good enough for astronauts and a countertop cocktail maker — sold by startups across the U.S.
Now, it's time to take a look at the Central Florida startup innovations that can perfect holiday gifts.
For the family with children who are out and about
POMM Kid from Pink Lotus Technologies Inc.
Entrepreneur Maryann Kilgallon was inspired to create POMM after she saw a new story about a child who died in a hot car. The wearable POMM device not only tracks a child's location, but it also monitors certain vital signs and connects with a corresponding app to send parents alerts. Pink Lotus also offers POMM Silver for seniors with mental or physical health conditions.
Price: Starts at $99
For the eco-friendly adventurer
The high-performance, breathable shirts made by SeaThreads LLC aren't just a great option for the Florida outdoors. They're made with plastic waste fished out of the world's oceans. The shirts are one example of the apparel Melbourne-based SeaThreads can make with recycled ocean plastic, and CEO Dylan Cross said his company aims to start pilots with major brands like REI in the coming year.
Price: $49.99
For the dog lover who's also a fitness instructor
As seen on the hit TV show "Shark Tank," the Swift Paws Home system is designed to give your pet an optimal workout. Inspired by the sport of lure coursing, a motor, pulleys, line and lure combine to create a system any dog can chase to their heart's content. Melbourne-based Swift Paws Inc. originally made the product for lure coursing, but it developed an at-home option. That product is what got the attention of entrepreneur and "shark" investor Lori Grenier, who invested in Swift Paws during an April episode of the ABC show.
Price: $449.99
For the healthy snacker
Smartcake from Smart Baking Co.
Enjoy guilt-free dessert with your hot chocolate this year. Smart Baking Co. LLC makes zero-calorie, keto-friendly buns, muffins, cakes and more. The Sanford-based firm’s Smartcakes come in flavors running from cinnamon to vanilla latte. The company was one of 26 Orlando-area firms to make Inc. magazine's list of the fastest-growing Florida companies in 2021. Smart Baking Co. recorded 308% revenue growth from 2017-2019.
Price: Starts at $15.99
For the person who needs new shades
Whether it's July or December, the sun shines in the Sunshine State. Block out the sun's rays in style with shades made by New Smyrna Beach-based Bajío Inc. The company's sunglasses come in an assortment of styles and colors, and the firm offers prescription sunglasses. Bajío raised at least $2.76 million in November, according to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission document. That money will be used to fund “significant growth,” founder and President Al Perkinson told Orlando Inno via email. In 2021, Bajío doubled its local square footage to 15,000 and increased its staff from 15 people to 25.
Price: Starts at $139
For the dog that needs a boost
Pet supplements from Zesty Paws
Zesty Paws sells products that help furry friends feel their best. The Orlando-based company's supplements help the immune systems, joints, gut health and more of dogs and cats. Zesty Paws last year was bought by Health & Happiness Group International Holdings Ltd. in a deal valued at $610 million.
Price: Starts at $14.97
For the golfer who needs help
A membership at Top Speed Golf
If you know someone who wants to spend less time in the rough, you may want to check out the video lessons provided by Top Speed Golf LLC. The Lake Mary-based company offers video lessons to help you improve your game. Top Speed Golf is catching on, as the firm was No. 701 on the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of the nation’s fastest-growing companies.
Price: $77 for an annual membership
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