Toy Joy on 2nd Street is a treasure trove of wonderfully odd gifts
You made up a list and checked it off twice.
You’ve cruised around Google for buying advice.
The presents all finished, it’s time to relax.
When holiday madness mounts an attack.
A knock on the door from your cousin Hannah
That last minute party, a work Secret Santa.
Panicked about all the season what-ifs?
Here’s 5 local places for last minute gifts!
Unexpected Guest: A-town
5502 Burnet Rd
Random visits from family may seem charming in It’s a Wonderful Life, but they can be panic inducing in the real world.
The solution? Cool, local gifts family members can actually use. From local art to clever ATX t-shirts, the massive A-town has options for every relative.
A-Town has a wealth of locally made items
The best thing is A-town is amazingly Austin. Not only are you supporting local artists, but you’re taking care of Grandma Ethel’s souvenir.
I try to avoid dust collecting knick knacks. Make sure you’re purchasing something useful, yet unique to our favorite city.
My under $37 pick: Austin-centric drink coasters (4 for $35). Everyone drinks and everyone has a table they’d like to keep free of water marks. These stone coasters have screen prints of famous Austin staples like The Continental Club, Magnolia Café and Amy’s Ice Cream.
Last Minute Party Invite: WhichCraft
1900 Simond Ave. #200
Tired of running to H-E-B for that boring bottle of wine? When you get a big invite to that last minute party, grab a beer! WhichCraft, one of Austin’s newest bottle shops, satisfies two important criteria: they’re small enough for a quick visit, yet fully stocked with an impressive selection. Perfect for that last minute libation.
The X factor is a knowledgeable staff headed by Chief Beer Officer Jody Reyes. Not only can the team find you the perfect brew for your occasion, but they specialize in food pairings. Heading to a holiday fondue party? WhichCraft has you covered.
WhichCraft combines incredible selection with neighborhood feel (Image courtesy of Bruce Malone)
While they mostly carry bombers (bigger bottles that serve two), the store also has a fine selection of four and six packs chilled and ready to enjoy. A hip alternative to that plain old bottle of red.
My under $37 picks: Jody recommends De Ranke Pere Noel ($13), a slightly spicy Belgian Christmas brew and the flavorful yet accessible Krampus from Southern Tier ($9).
You Forgot Your Cousin’s Kids: Toy Joy
403 W 2nd St
With a list full of aunts, uncles, friends and co-workers, it’s surprisingly easy to forget about the kids. Especially if you don’t have any of your own. Located in the heart of the 2nd Street shopping district, Toy Joy carries everything from toys for newborns to geek-centric oddities for adults young at heart. At Toy Joy, variety is key.
Toy Joy features a wide selection of funky toys for all ages
The store is a treasure trove of weirdness. From the wall of Hello Kitty to superhero apparel, it’s fun to just walk around. They also offer free parking in the City Hall garage, making it easy for a quick, last minute stop in. This is a fantastic spot to shop for the cool kid on your list.
My under $37 picks: A baby sipper dressed like a New York coffee cup ($7.95), Melissa & Doug wooden train set ($30) and a “How to Speak Droid with R2-D2” book ($17).
Company White Elephant: Wanderland
3419 N Lamar or 4301 W William Cannon
The holiday version of Survivor, white elephants aren’t just about gift giving. They’re also about competition. There’s nothing better than watching John from Accounting and Sally from Sales duke it out over your gift.
The key to victory is getting a present that’s universal, clever and coveted. With a wide selection of unique items, Wanderland satisfies each criteria. From extension cord robots to elaborate wall hangings, there’s tons to choose from.
Prepare to get lost in Wanderland!
Everything is reasonably priced, making it easy to stay under that $20 limit. Combine that with a fantastic staff ready to help, and you’ll be well on your way to besting your cubicle mates during your holiday Hunger Games.
My under $37 picks: My pick for our Austinot blogger get-together was a coffee mug with a heat sensitive battery meter ($12). I also recommend the Space Invaders playing cards ($12) and a piano calculator ($14). Why? Because they’re awesome.
A Little Something For Yourself: Lammes Candies
Central location at 2901 Capital of Texas Hwy in Barton Creek Square Mall, multiple locations around Austin
In the bustle and rush of the holiday season, it’s easy to forget the most important person on your list: you! One of the oldest businesses in Austin, Lammes Candies is the perfect place to treat yourself for being an incredible gift giver.
Treat yourself at Lammes Candies
With multiple locations all over town, you’re guaranteed to be near one. And the instant sugar rush will help fuel you through that final push of holiday shopping. An excellent way to take care of yourself during this stressful yet wonderful holiday season.
My under $37 pick: While everything is delicious, my personal favorites are the Dark Chocolate Longhorns.
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
What are your go-to local stores for last minute gifts?
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