Once Thanksgiving turkey and the last bit of pumpkin pie have been eaten, it’s time to put your shopping prowess to work and get cracking on presents! Here at The Austinot, we work hard to put together a local gift guide like none other, with an emphasis on local businesses you may not visit often. Have a foodie in your life? We have that covered. How about furry family members? We’ve got something for them, too!
So let’s get to it, shall we?
For the Hobbyist and DIY Lover
CRAFT
“The Junkyard” at CRAFT is full of et cetera crafting supplies like tea tins, doll parts, corks, and old encyclopedias (Credit: Diana Ascarrunz Photography)
For the crafters and DIY-ers in your crew, consider signing them up for a class at CRAFT. The east Austin crafting destination provides a variety of classes ranging from woodworking to sewing. Unsure of what would be a good class? No worries! Craft offers studio time for rent. A monthly membership costs $40, or a pay-by-the-hour plan is available at $10 per hour.
4704 E. Cesar Chavez St. – Website
➡️ Keep reading: “CRAFT Hosts Workshops and Open Crafting Hours in East Austin”
Make It Sweet
The local baking supply store offers a variety of classes to take your baking game to the next level. Learn to make the elusive French macarons, savory tarts, cakes, and more. Or you can simply pick from a wide range of bakeware and tools that’ll make for great presents.
9070 Research Blvd. #203 – Website
Blue Moon Glassworks
Jim Berry demonstrating glassblowing to a class at Blue Moon
The stained glass shop gets its name from the phrase, “once in a blue moon.” The shop opened its doors in 2001 and soon added a roster of classes to give Austinites a once-in-a-blue-moon opportunity to learn glassblowing! Some of the upcoming classes include stained glass snowflake, fused glass Christmas tree ornament, and a special two-day class on making glass beads.
108 W. 43rd St. – Website
➡️ Keep reading: “Light a Fire and Blow at Hyde Park’s Blue Moon Glassworks”
For the Green Thumbs
Plant Party
Plant Party is a beautiful terrarium studio in east Austin, offering terrarium building workshops. The builder picks everything from the terrarium container, to the plants, to the decorations. A terrarium build makes for a fun group or solo activity, or even a Christmas present. The workshops last an hour to an hour and half, and cost $45-75. The cost covers a small terrarium, three plants, and decorations. Upgrades are available for purchase on site. Plant Party is also home to several local artists’ wares that you can give as gifts.
1200 E. 11th St. #105 – Website
333 Succulents
Two friends decided to make the most of their Topo Chico habit and started upcycling the glass bottles into beautiful terrariums. With a mission to add a little zen to customers’ lives, 333 Succulents brings cute Topo Chico succulents to new homes. The local business takes orders via email and delivers in the local Austin area. It will be setting up shop at the upcoming Holiday Art Market at Still Austin Whiskey Co. The market will run from 12-5 p.m. on Dec. 17, 2017, so make sure to stop by.
For the Foodies
Con’ Olio Oils & Vinegars
Austin born and bred Con’ Olio provides a unique twist to the usual food-gifting ritual. The store serves as a tasting room, with a variety of olive oils and vinegars. Premium olive oils from all over the world, with different flavors and pairings, can be found here. The store also has a wide range of gift sets available, just in time for the holidays. Different gift sets contain combinations of olive oils, charcuterie, tools, and even sweet treats. Con’ Olio is the perfect place to try, and gift, something new.
215 Lavaca St. – Website
Tiny Pies
Key Lime pie with toasted marshmallow on top
Tiny Pies is offering a special Pecan Pie Bites this holiday season. The little squares are packed full of pecans, brown sugar, and Steen’s Pure Cane Syrup, and promise to be delicious to the last bite. Prices range from $24.95 for a 12-pack to $39.95 for a pack of 24. Tiny Holiday Pies are also available for purchase. Tiny Pies now offers country-wide shipping, so go forth and send someone the best pie they’ll ever have, baked right here in Austin
2032 S. Lamar Blvd. – Website
➡️ Keep Reading: “How Austin’s Tiny Pies Ended Up on Tables Across the U.S.”
For Furry Family Members
My BFF Grooming
Treat your four-legged family member to a doggie spa with My BFF Grooming. The best part is that My BFF Grooming will come to you. The at-home service is thorough and includes services like pawdicures, facials, and a bath. Pet parents can even select mood music to make sure their pup has the best spa day experience.
Zilker Bark
Poe by Zilker Bark
Have a fun photo session for your pup with Zilker Bark. Both Andrew and Alex are talented photographers and love taking photos that display the uniqueness of your pet’s personality. Zilker Bark offers dog-only, and people and dog, photo session packages. Prices range from $125 to $325, depending on the chosen package.
Great OutDogs
Aptly located within walking distance from the Auditorium Shores dog park, Great OutDogs is full of toys, treats, and other goods for pets. It stocks a great collection of collars and clothes for dogs, plus a number of toys to choose from. Doggie beer and ice cream are up for grabs, too!
1210 Barton Springs Road – Website
➡️ Keep reading: “Austin’s Best Bazaars, Fairs, and Markets for Your Holiday Shopping”
For Everyone
Take Heart
This little shop on the east side has more than enough goodies for everyone. Take Heart is home to several local and national artists’ wares. The store is stocked with housewares and goods, which are thoughtfully designed and beautiful. A wide range of apothecary, soaps, knick knacks, and jewelry are also available for purchase. Take Heart is a great spot for finding everything from stocking stuffers, to toys for the young ones, to candles and mugs for the home decorator in your circle.
1111 E. 11th St #100 – Website
Trafficwocky: Austin Traffic Poetry & Whatnot
This clever collection of poems adds humor to Austin’s sore spot: the traffic. It’s a witty compilation of poetry by TexMex Mopac, and is sure to improve any Austinite’s strained relationship with our notorious stop-and-go. Trafficwocky makes for an ideal present to the poetry enthusiast, book worm, or really anyone who’d appreciate a chuckle.
Prima Dora
Prima Dora on South Congress is stocked to the ceiling with housewares, souvenirs, accessories, and knick knacks that are just as unique as our beloved city. Prima Dora has something for everyone, on any budget.
1912 S. Congress Ave. – Website
Herb & Root
A local Austin company, Herb & Root makes oil-based perfumes from sustainable sources and natural ingredients. It carries a variety of fragrances, from rose to chamomile, and many others. Almost every fragrance is available in body salve, oil, and perfume form. The packaging is made from recycled materials and covered in charming graphics. Herb & Root has a variety of gift sets to choose from, or make your own set by mixing and matching from the extensive collection.
➡️ Keep reading: “The Ultimate Local Austin Gift Guide”
@theAustinot wants to know:
Where will you be shopping local this holiday season?
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Great list! Might I add AustinMoonlight.com to it? They are a local company that makes art based on Austin’s famous Moonlight Towers. (“Party at the moontower!”). Very cool, and very Austin.