gifts - The Austinot

Top Local Stores for Last Minute Gifts Under $37

December 11, 2014 by Bill Tucker 1 Comment

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. [Read more…]

Cherrywood Art Fair: East Austin Holiday Shopping, Family Fun

December 9, 2014 by Kelli McDonald 1 Comment

If the poster of a cat wearing cowboy boots on a carousel horse is not enough to persuade you to attend Cherrywood Art Fair, then perhaps the local art, live music and food vendors will convince you.

In its 13th year of offering family friendly activities, the Cherrywood Art Fair boasts over 80 artists and makers selling and exhibiting their work, 12 live music acts on an outdoor stage and many of Austin’s best food trucks.

The fair is produced by the Chula League, an East Austin non-profit that supports the arts, art education and beautifying outdoor spaces.

The Cherrywood Art Fair takes place at charming Maplewood Elementary, an historic, mid-century school located in East Austin at 38th and Maplewood. Many of the fair’s young volunteers attended school there and participated in [Read more…]

Last Minute Things to Do on Christmas Eve in Austin

December 24, 2013 by Matthew Champion Leave a Comment

If you’re anything like me, you’ll probably be out scrambling for gifts today and won’t have time for many of the things on this list. But if your Christmas errands are complete and you find yourself and the extended family with some free time, you may want to have a look. Below are a few ways to make the most out of your Christmas Eve in Austin.

Hit the Bazaars

I put this one first for my fellow shopping procrastinators because I know they’ll be scanning with sparse free time.

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

Vintage Ware Booth at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar (Photo credit: Armadillo Christmas Bazaar)

The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is open until 11 PM tonight and they have gift-wrapping on-site. Entrance is $7 for adults and kids are free. They offer a variety of unique gifts from local artists, plus live music from local artists (Jitterbug Vipers go on at 3:30 PM today and they are fantastic). And, of course, beer. [Read more…]

Six Reasons You Can’t Miss This Year’s Blue Genie Art Bazaar

December 3, 2013 by Guest Blogger 3 Comments

Blue Genie Art Bazaar at Marchesa Hall and Theatre

This guest blog article is by Kendra Wright.

Us Austinites get a pitter patter in our hearts and a lil’ extra pep in our step when we can shop local and funnel our hard-earned benjamins back into our community. From food trailers to mom & pop boutiques, we love to get behind the little guys.

As the holiday season approaches and you begin cracking open your wallets, the Austinot has found a way to stay true to our “go-local” mantra and point you toward high quality, original gifts for loved ones. [Read more…]

Gifts that Give Holiday Market Starts Today at Pine Street Station

December 7, 2012 by Brittany Highland Leave a Comment

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Not to send you into panic mode, but there are only 18 shopping days left before Christmas! If you’re like me, you may be stumped about what to get for those people who have everything. Or you may be holding out for a unique and beautiful gift that shows that you really put some effort in!

For either case, it sounds like you need to visit the Gifts that Give Holiday Market today or tomorrow. It’s happening at Pine Street Station, where the HOPE Farmers’ Market happens every Sunday (5th St. and Waller). [Read more…]