We have an amazing family of bloggers at the Austinot. Each writer has a unique perspective on our city’s hidden treasures, and isn’t selfish about keeping them secret. To that end, we’ve rallied together to produce our very own Austin Gift Guide for the 2013 holiday season.
Enjoy gifting your Austin-loving loved ones with these locally-oriented ideas!
Rocket Electrics Bike Rental
Recommended for anyone with a spirit of adventure who knows how to ride a normal bicycle. Definitely something to do to entertain out of town guests and show them our city in a unique way.
Can you tell Austinot founder Eric Highland is a huge Rocket Electrics fan? “Rocket Electrics is one of my favorite finds since creating the Austinot blog. Imagine being able to ride around the city of Austin effortlessly without worrying about parking, traffic, or adding to traffic congestion and pollution. After renting your electric bicycle, stop by Rainey Street, South Congress, Downtown, East Austin, food truck courts, the Capitol Building and more. Just ride right up, lock the bike and away you go.”
Eric’s not done yet! “You can take one of Rocket Electrics’ guided tours or venture out on your own. The rental fee is nominal, the people there are great and without a doubt I give them 5 out of 5 stars. I couldn’t recommend this as a gift for yourself or for friends more highly.”
Price: Day rentals begin at $38
Website: RocketElectrics.com or visit in person at 1608 E. Riverside
Austin Eats Food Tours
Photo credit: Leah Overstreet
Recommended for the lover of local food concepts or the tourist foodie who wants someone else to do the planning. There are over half a dozen tour options to choose from and each tour features 6-8 eateries.
Austinot blogger Cris Mueller says, “My passion for local flavor is nearly insatiable and Austin always manages to satisfy! Although many new food concepts arise regularly in Austin, for me, hometown favorites like Austin Eats Food Tours rise to the top when I’m looking for a day of fun while supporting the local community.”
Price: $75 for a tour or gift card.
Website: AustinEatsFoodTours.com
Hot Lava Obstacle Course Pass
Recommended for families and the fitness-conscious who are looking for out-of-the-box exercise options.
A faithful Hot Lava patron himself, Austinot blogger David Thomas doesn’t pull punches: “Hot Lava Obstacle Course is a great way for families to get together and exercise. It features a variety of obstacles, a gymnastics floor, and lava pit.”
Price: Day passes are $10 and month passes are $40 (6 mo. and one year passes also available)
Website: HotLavaObstacleCourse.com or visit in person at 8303 Burnet Rd. Suite 4
Growler Room’s Stainless Steel Growler
Recommended for craft beer lovers. You’re looking at a double-walled, vacuum sealed 18.8 Stainless Steel Growler with a no-leak cap.
Austinot blogger Edgar Barguiarena has nothing but good things to say about his gift recommendation. “An ideal gift for your discerning craft beer lover, this growler is also condensation and BPA free, while holding 64 ounces of your favorite craft beer. Starting at $45, the Growler Room also offers customized versions of this growler. Full growler fills can start as low as $10 and the Growler Room features amazing beers from all over Texas.”
Price: $40 and up
Website: PubGlasses.com or visit in person at 6800 Burnet Rd. Suite 2
Austin Wooden Bangle Bracelet
Recommended for Austin-lovers who enjoy decorating their wrists and would appreciate this one-of-a-kind conversation piece.
Austinot Editor Brittany Highland is biased when it comes to the “Ten Things About Austin” wooden bangle bracelet, available exclusively on Austinot.com. “From a food truck to the UT Tower to a pedicab, this bracelet represents ten things we all love about Austin. It is designed and made in Austin, so your gift dollars stay local. Even the wood is produced in the United States.”
Price: $22 (limited time offer: use BLACKFRIDAY discount code at checkout for 10% off your purchase. Discount available through Tuesday, December 3rd)
Website: Austinot.com
@theAustinot asks:
What do you think of these local gift choices? Should our Austin Gift Guide become an annual tradition?
Cover photo via Flickr CC, courtesy of atmtx.
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