This year has flown by, and it’s already time to start planning what gifts to give our loved ones this year. Fortunately, Austin never fails to have a splendid selection of local options to choose from. Know a jewelry lover? Someone who practically has coffee running through their veins? Anyone who religiously follows the El Arroyo sign on social media?
Whatever style of Austin weird you need to accommodate, keep reading to learn about our favorite Austin gifts to consider for the 2019 holiday season.
For the Foodie
Austin Beerworks
Austin Beerworks is a local favorite we just can’t get enough of. Our Lead Blogger Bill Tucker recommends this brewery as one of his top picks to visit. Expect an inviting taproom, a lot of variety among the available brews, and a kid-friendly atmosphere.
Buy your favorite beer lover some of Austin Beerworks’ canned beers or opt for an electronic gift card.
3001 Industrial Terrace – Website
Other local adult drinks to gift:
Steamm Espresso
Any coffee lover is sure to love these shots from Steamm Espresso. Made with artisan espresso, as well as raw cacao and cane sugar, they’re a great gift to give this holiday season.
Fun fact? Steamm Espresso has a gift wrapping option, which saves you a time-consuming step in the process!
Other local coffee options to shop:
Tiff’s Treats
There’s nothing better than a delivery of warm, delicious Tiff’s Treats. But did you know you can take these Austin favorites home to bake this holiday season?
Buy the sweets lover in your life the new Take & Bake Cookie Kit. It has two dozen freshly mixed and frozen cookie dough balls in the classic chocolate chip flavor. Preorder today to pick up, or get your kit delivered as early as Nov. 25, 2019.
Other places to get sweet treats as a gift:
For the Book Lover
El Arroyo’s Book of Signs
Everyone who knows El Arroyo knows the local Mexican restaurant has a mass of people awaiting the next great thing to be put on the sign on West Fifth Street. “Book of Signs” has over 150 of El Arroyo’s best signs pictured inside. What a weird Austin gift this holiday season!
Koko’s Guide to Austin
Austin is a city for foodies (an obvious fact). “Koko’s Guide to Austin” is a great guide to our city. Learn the best of South Lamar, where to get the best margaritas in Austin, and more! This gift is perfect for your favorite foodie, or anyone who recently moved to Austin and is still learning their way around.
Other local book options to shop:
- “Daughter of A Daughter of a Queen” by Sarah Bird
- “Austin Food Crawls: Touring the Neighborhoods One Bite & Libation at a Time” by Kelsey Kennedy
- “Austin to ATX: The Hippies, Pickers, Slackers, & Geeks Who Transformed the Capital of Texas” by Joe Nick Patoski
➡️ Keep reading: Huge List of Gift Ideas That Are 100 Percent Austin Local
For Experiences Over Things
The Thinkery
For those with kiddos, sometimes the best gift is one the entire family can enjoy. We recommend a membership to Austin’s children’s museum, called the Thinkery. Members get unlimited free general admission for one year, as well as other cool perks. This play-based, learning experience is fun for everyone, parents included!
1830 Simond Ave. – Website
➡️ Keep reading: Austin’s Thinkery Children’s Museum Sparks Imagination for All Ages
Antonelli’s Cheese Shop
Antonelli’s Cheese Shop is an Austin classic. This local business in Hyde Park offers a ton of special classes: Cheese Tasting 101, Farm Tours, Cheese-y Sunset Boat Cruises, and so much more. Electronic gift cards are available and can be put toward any class. Anything with cheese? Count me in!
4220 Duval St. – Website
➡️ Keep reading: Antonelli’s Cheese Shop Turns 9
Other local experiences to gift:
- Austin Craft Lounge classes
- Faraday’s Kitchen Store
- Austin Playhouse subscription
- Delysia Chocolatier tasting
- Austin Symphony Orchestra
For the Person Who Loves R&R
Lovejay Beauty
Have a friend who appreciates a little pampering? One of my local favorites has a variety of classes to soothe both your soul and your skin: Lovejay Beauty’s steam and mask bar, or the yoga and mask class. Gift your loved one with a gift card to Lovejay, and let her decide what she wants most!
2124 E. 6th St. Unit 103 – Website
➡️ Keep reading: Lovejay Beauty Provides Eco-friendly Experience With Steam Bar, Yoga
EvolvE Cryo + Wellness
If you haven’t heard of EvolvE Cryo + Wellness yet, then you’ve got to check it out. This local wellness center offers a variety of services, including infrared sauna, acupuncture, cryotherapy, and more. Set your loved one up with an appointment for a relaxing spa day this holiday season! May I suggest the Million Roses Massage?
3411 S. Lamar Blvd. – Website
➡️ Keep reading: Austin-style Wellness: Adding Self-care to Your Lifestyle
Other locations that provide a relaxing experience:
For the Beauty Junkies and Fashionistas
Olive + M
I instantly fell in love with Olive + M when I discovered it earlier this year. All of these products are olive oil-based and extremely gentle. My favorite product is the Body Polish, which has really helped to clear up my skin. Olive + M also has some great gift sets that are perfect to give anyone just starting with this Austin business’s skincare line.
Nina Berenato
This local jewelry designer made waves this summer following the appearance of her Lion Mask in a Beyoncé music video (who rules the world? Girls!). Nina Berenato has a ton of beautiful pieces that would make perfect gifts this Christmas, such as the Slithering Serpent 3 Fingers Ring or Mosaic Necklace.
➡️ Keep reading: 8 Austin Jewelry Designers to Consider as You Shop Local
Some other local beauty and fashion options to shop:
Gifts for Everyone
Desk Plants
You don’t need to have a green thumb to enjoy these potted beauties! Sometimes a simple plant is the perfect gift to give during the holiday season. Desk Plants has curated a selection of plants that thrive indoors, as well as help improve the atmosphere at work (or home, if you opt to keep it there). Purchase a gift card or pick a plant to be delivered directly to the recipient!
MYSOLMAT
Meet MYSOLMAT. This business sells the most adorable, Texas-themed yoga mats made right here in Austin. This is the perfect gift for the yoga obsessed. All of the mats are made out of recyclable, eco-friendly material–and they’re all priced under $59! In addition to this cactus mat, you might want to check out the avocado print, as well.
The Steeping Room
I’m a tea lover, so I’m a huge fan of sharing and receiving teas. This tea gift set from The Steeping Room has a good mixture of holiday flavors to try out: Winter Citrus and Cranberry, The Steeping Room Christmas Tea (Organic), and White Tea with Apple and Holiday Spice.
Other fun options to gift:
- Art by J Muzacz
- Birds Barbershop gift card + limited edition mug (mug available in-store)
- Candles by Slow North
- Grocery Pups
@theAustinot wants to know:
Where will you be shopping local this holiday season in Austin?
Tacodeli starts selling their Texas Coffee Traders houseblend ground coffee in a bag in early December. It will be great for gifts or for your own home!
Love love love this list!
Thanks so much, CJ! Appreciate you wanting to support local with us.