This is one of the main big tourist shops in Gulf Shores. Essentially this joint is right next to Souvenir City and the main distinguishing feature of the Purple Octopus other than its name and the addition of purple octopuses all over their store is that they tend to have less stuff than Souvenir City next door. Now the selection here while similar to Souvenir City does have some different things so you might want to just take the time to look in both stores to ensure you don't miss something really cool on sale that you never would have dreamed you needed or wanted. Some of the items here also seem to be of less quality than some other places. Overall since Souvenir City and Purple Octopus are so close to each other you might as well check out both. read more

A hard to miss spot with an oversized purple octopus marking the entrance to this souvenir store. Inside every item imaginable from hoodies & tshirts, mugs & shot glasses, magnets & picture frames, and much more! Customizable airbrush shop in the back offering different items for purchase. Pricing can be up and down, other stores in the area possibly selling the same item for different prices. Lots of options in the area, I'd shop around before purchasing. read more

Purple Octopus - Outside - Gift Shops Near Me - Gulf Shores, Alabama

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80% of everything here is made in China. Even personalized items are just put on with a scotch tape type of label. Very cheaply looking. I saw a cute fleece jacket a few days ago and returned a couple days later to buy. The cashier wasn't friendly. No hi or thank you was given. The zippered sweatshirt jacket is cute. read more

I much prefer this shop to souvenir city next-door. The parking is better, the selection is huge, though not as large as the other shop. I preferred this as there was plenty to choose from without being overwhelming at all the merchandise is set up and away that you can navigate the isles easily. I think there's enough room for a stroller in these isles. And there were certainly space for our family of five to, stand and decide on our purchases. Prices are pretty decent, about the same as any other gift shop you would go to. Zoeller is a family favorite so that was fun to see as well. We were greeted on entering and on leaving, and the cashiers were super patient with customers. If we were going to head back to another souvenir shop, this is the one we would choose. read more

Cute store. Hidden off the road behind a good little pizza point and beef jerky place. Loved all 3 places. Neat gifts, lots of souvenirs all reasonable priced. read more

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I went in to buy Christmas gifts and I live two blocks from here and had seen flamingo stuff in the window that I wanted to buy. Even though you pay more to go to a gift shop on the beach I am local and don't really want to go off the island. The two girls I talk to while I was shopping were awesome but when I got up to the register the black girl that checked me out never even acknowledge my existence because she was too busy on her earbuds talking to whoever. She never even acknowledge my existence by even saying hello or goodbye or thank you. Not that you care but I'll take my business to souvenir city from now on read more

Great selection, friendly staff and best prices in Gulf Shores . You will not be disappointed

We visited this gift shop hoping to find some T-shirts. The only positive thing I can comment on is the big happy purple octopus that was great for photos. They have a decent selection but the quality isn't the best. I know beach gift shop stuff tends to be tacky but this was especially so. My problem comes with the vast selection of blatantly political merchandise-- it's quite unpleasant to be bombarded with negativity when I'm here for a lighthearted, relaxing time. At the very least they could represent both sides of the political spectrum. We won't be back, unfortunately. read more

It is hard to tell one tourist-trap souvenir location from the other in Gulf Shores on the inside, but on the outside, this one has all the fun and quirk you could want and is certainly a must-stop on any trip to the area, if nothing more than for the photo-op. read more

Run-of-the-mill souvenir shop. While not as iconic as a beach trip staple as Souvenir City, I do like this shop. They have a large variety of shells and sundries, and the usual tchotchke type gifts you'd expect to see. This store is in close proximity to restaurants and other shopping, so if you're in the area, I'd recommend a visit. read more

Purple Octopus - Gift Shops Near Me - Gulf Shores, Alabama

Looks neat from the outside but when you walk in its disappointing. Cheap shirts, cheap toys and it looks like the Oriental Trading Company dumped its merchandise into the store. The staff were huddled together and seemed to prefer the company of each other than the customers. Don't get me wrong the staff were not rude just inattentive. I would suggest Souvenir City. read more

Lots of trinkets to choose from. I just wanted the candy/ice cream portion to hold the flies. That poor fudge

This is a typical beach souvenir store. They have way more shells and seashell themed items. There is more house decor and wind homes here than the other souvenir stores. The cheap beach jewelry is really cheap cheap beach jewelry. I like taking the family here because they have three "50 cent" rides.. One is a gator and two are Dolphins, which my toddlers love to ride. There is also a candy and ice cream store In the back "yabba's". Which is fabulous. The ice cream is yummy, the staff is always super friendly and fun. The candy store has tons of options... Alphabet Gummies and all kinds of candy. The candied pecans are fabulous. There is a kid only area in the back by the candy store part. We always enjoy this. It has the typical beach items... Not quite as many beach toys, but always seems way less crowded and crazy than the shark store. We always get our ice cream and candy here and then finish by sitting in the Beca table area just outside. Fun place and a must visit read more

Purple Octopus - Fun pirate prop. - Gift Shops Near Me - Gulf Shores, Alabama

I read the reviews and saw a lot of negative comments. But we had a wonderful experience. I'm not sure if the afternoon staff is just awful but we got there just after openingand The staff was very pleasant and wonderful. read more

Best souvenir shop in town if you ask me. So much to look at and enjoy in this store it is hard not to buy it all! The employees were some of the nicest customer service workers I have ever encountered and also super helpful if you ask them about anything (in my case I needed a particular picture frame and one of the employees brought me 6 awesome options to choose from), I felt like I was getting special treatment but I don't doubt they treat everyone like that. Bathroom was fine, nothing special, but the bathroom key is by far the funniest thing ever, you'll have to check it out for yourself! Great place for the family and never as crowded or MESSY as souvenir city/surf style. I cannot even express to you how hard the employees on the floor must work, nearly everything is in it's correct spot (you won't find this anywhere else it's like the worst scavenger hunt you'll ever play in souvenir city, plus I found items here that I found at souvenir city for like half the price!) P.s. their hermit crabs are so fun read more