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Top Local Stores for Last-minute Gifts in Austin

December 23, 2019 by Bill Tucker 1 Comment

Local Stores for Last-minute Gifts in Austin
Toy Joy is a wonderland of werid, wild, and pure entertainment (Credit: 2nd Street District + Giant Noise)

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!

1/ Unexpected Guest: A-Town

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shop Atown (@shop_atown) on Dec 18, 2019 at 5:55pm PST

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

2/ Last-minute Party Invite: WhichCraft

Last-minute Party Gift in Austin
WhichCraft at Mueller (Credit: Caitlin Johnson)

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

3/ You Forgot Your Cousin’s Kid: Terra Toys

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A post shared by Terra Toys ATX (@terratoys) on Oct 11, 2019 at 1:15pm PDT

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

4/ Company White Elephant: Toy Joy

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Toy Joy (@toyjoyaustin) on Jul 6, 2019 at 5:34pm PDT

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

5/ For the Geeky Loved One: Game Over Videogames

Game Over Videogames in Austin
Game Over Videogames

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

6/ A Little Something for Yourself: Lammes Candies

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A post shared by Lammes Candies Since 1885 (@lammes1885) on Dec 17, 2019 at 2:30pm PST

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.

Filed Under: Discoveries, Local Business Tagged With: christmas, gifts

Cherrywood Art Fair: East Austin Holiday Shopping, Family Fun

December 9, 2014 by Kelli McDonald 1 Comment

Cherrywood Art Fair Poster

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…]

Filed Under: Archives Tagged With: gifts, shopping

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

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar Austin TX

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…]

Filed Under: Activities, Discoveries Tagged With: christmas, gifts

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 Location

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…]

Filed Under: Entertainment, Events Tagged With: gifts

Gifts that Give Holiday Market Starts Today at Pine Street Station

December 7, 2012 by Brittany Highland Leave a Comment

HOPE Farmers Market Pine Street StationClick Play on the podcast player above to listen to this week’s episode of the Austinot Podcast.

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…]

Filed Under: Austinot Podcast, Podcasts Tagged With: gifts

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