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Welcome to 2020! With the promise a new year brings, many of us have resolved to improve our lives in a number of ways. Health, happiness, and fulfillment are part of the equation to living our best life.
But how do we go about doing so? Many of us take the usual roads and quickly find ourselves stuck in our previous patterns. With an eye towards keeping those resolutions with some outside-the-box suggestions, here are six local ways you can keep your New Year’s resolution in 2020.
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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 are six local places for last-minute gifts!
Random visitors can be half pleasant surprise, half panic-inducing. A-Town makes it easy to snag a last-minute gift that shows your unexpected visitors you truly care. Everything from boutique clothing to local art is on offer at this long-standing Burnet Road shop.
And did I mention local? A-Town specializes in hard-to-find and one-of-a-kind gifts made by Austin artisans. And the best part is, it’s mostly stuff your guests can wear or use. From cool coasters with ATX landmarks to handmade jewelry, you can avoid the knick knacks and get your loved one something they’ll truly enjoy–all while supporting local brands and businesses. A win for everyone.
5502 Burnet Road – Website
Tired of running to H-E-B for that boring bottle of wine? When you get an invite to a last-minute get-together, then grab some craft beer! WhichCraft, one of Austin’s premier bottle shops, excels in both service and selection.
The X factor is an extremely knowledgeable staff. Whether you’re headed to a holiday potluck or traditional Christmas tamale feast, the WhichCraft crew will pair the perfect beer to your food stuff of choice.
Here’s a pro-tip: if you can’t find something on the shelf that suits your mood, then get a couple of tastes (or pints if you have the time) from one of the 30 on-tap beers. Once you find a favorite, grab a couple crowlers to go, and you’re officially set for the soiree. A hip alternative to that plain old bottle of red.
1900 Simond Ave. #200 – Website
➡️ Keep reading: Kick Back at These 4 Bars in the Expanding Mueller Community
From toy cars and trains to mind-bending puzzles and furry friends, Terra Toys is an oasis of enriching playthings for kids of all ages. Nearly everything in the store is designed with hands-on play in mind. You won’t find video games or electronic gizmos on the store floor.
This fits perfectly when it comes to last-minute gifts. The Terra team members are pros at helping customers select the best gift for a kid you may not know very well. And with their focus on ensuring stock is filled with mentally-nourishing toys, you can feel good that your gift will not only entertain, but also enrich.
2438 W Anderson Lane – Website
Need a dopamine hit of pure holiday happiness? Wander into a Toy Joy location and prepare to be delighted. An explosion of lights, sounds, and color, I’d recommend swinging by even if your shopping is done for the season.
In the context of gifts, Toy Joy shines with pure variety. When I worked downtown, every company White Elephant came from these masters of holiday magic. It’s the epitome of Austin weird, sure to make your random gift one everyone is lobbying to steal.
403 West 2nd St. / 4631 Airport Blvd. #114 / Austin Airport by Gate 11 – Website
➡️ Keep reading: 6 Locally-owned Austin Toy Stores
Have a gamer on your holiday list? Instead of running to GameStop or Amazon, considering swinging by Game Over Videogames for all your button-mashing needs. While many of today’s hot titles are on the shelf, the bulk of the shop is dedicated to retro experiences.
From ancient Atari 2600 games to classic Super Nintendo titles to the original X-Box, Game Over is a old school gamer’s dream. They also sell retro consoles, including modern machines that can play every game in the box stuffed into your best friend’s closet.
And everything can be tried before purchase, so you can get your game on before making the buy. An easy one-stop shop for all your last-minute gamer needs.
110 N I-35, Round Rock / 911 W. Anderson Lane / 3005 S. Lamar, #B105-B – Website
➡️ Keep reading: Game Over Videogames Keeps Retro Gaming Alive
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.
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.
5330 Airport Blvd. / Lakeline Mall / Barton Creek Mall / 2927A W. Anderson Lane / Market at Round Rock, 110 I-35 – Website
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
What are your go-to local stores for last-minute gifts?
The original version of this article was published Dec. 11, 2014.
We always have unique content on the Austinot, and we love to give things away. You know, like event tickets, locally-made products, and other cool stuff. We only send out our Best of the Austinot newsletter two times/month. It’s where we give you a recap of our best articles and give stuff away. Interested? Subscribe to Best of the Austinot here.
Don’t look now, friends. Christmas is right around the corner! If you’re done with shopping (or even if you’re not), there’s a full slate of standout live music to dig this weekend. This time around, we recommend upbeat synth-pop, a soulful crooner, and music at Austin’s favorite holiday shopping experience.
I’ll be taking next week off, so Happy Holidays; enjoy the weekend; and listen local!
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Happy Holidays, awesome Austinites! Not to terrify you or anything, but as of this article, there are 13 shopping days left until Christmas. But don’t panic! There’s relief from the madness in the form of killer Austin music. This weekend, we suggest snarling Southern rock, a beautiful Christmas party, and high-quality ’70s psych rock. Stay cool, Austin, and always listen local!
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Music is the lifeblood of Austin. Anyone who tells you different hasn’t spent a Saturday night on Red River or discovered a random artist during SXSW. On any given night, there are 100 shows to choose from in the greater Austin area. Music is a piece of who we are.
But the vein is starting to clot. Rising cost of living, higher venue rent, and dozens of entertainment options force world-class artists to stagnate.
Enter Black Fret, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support, both financial and practical, to Austin musicians. On Dec. 7, 2019, during the annual Black Fret Ball gala, the group awarded $250,000 to 19 local artists. It was an evening of heart, community, and giving.
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It’s the holiday season, intrepid Austinites! With the calendar filled to the brim with parties, company hootenannies, and gift-buying galore, it’s easy to sleep on our fantastic live music scene.
To help, this weekend we recommend one of Austin’s premier soul bands, introspective folk, and a series of standout Saturday shows at the Saxon. Enjoy the weekend and keep on listening local!
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It’s easy to get swept away in holiday chaos. From Black Friday deals to office parties to last-minute gifts, December is a swirl of madness. As a result, the meaning of the season often gets lost: the joy of giving to those in need.
With dozens of local charities looking to aid needy Austinites, giving back to the community is only a click away. To help you choose where your donation dollars should go, here are 10 worthwhile organizations to consider assisting this holiday season.
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Howdy, Austin! With Thanksgiving only a week away and another holiday season looming on the horizon, let’s take this weekend to dive into some rad Austin music. This week, we recommend a dynamic electro-indie duo, stylish soul/funk, and a local legend’s album release shindig. Enjoy the music and always listen local!
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Howdy to the weekend, fellow frozen Austinites! As many of you deal with delayed openings and icy cars, be comforted by the flood of hot Austin music to look forward to. This weekend, we recommend an incredible music festival, ’90s alternative rock, and an Austin great’s record release.
Enjoy the weekend and listen local!
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Everyone has a home base, a place in town where they feel welcome, comfortable, and relaxed. For me and many of us at The Austinot, that place is Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches.
It’s easy to explain why. Not only does Batch produce exquisite baked goods, but the exceptional craft beer tap list, awesome bottle selection, and family-friendly environment sets it apart from the rest. Whenever I’m planning to meet friends, Batch is my go-to recommendation.
But with a new brewery open as of this past weekend, our venerated local hangout is wading into uncharted waters. Luckily, Batch has approached this new venture with the same heart and spirit of adventure that created Austin’s kolache haven in the first place. And with an initial offering of brews you won’t find anywhere else, there’s nowhere to go but up.
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