Everyone’s got someone who is difficult to shop for on their holiday gift list. Don’t feel like popping into the nearest chain store for some cheap mass-produced t-shirt or punting and getting a gift card? How about sourcing something special from local merchants and artisans? Here’s a list of ideas to get the creative shopping juices flowing:
For the foodie:

- Gorgeous truffles, salted caramel chocolate bars, brown butter Texas pecan brittle, and drinking chocolate from The Chocolate Makers Studio
- Big Kid S’mores from Amy’s Ice Creams
- Pie of the month club from Royer’s Pie Haven (if 12 months of pie is too much, there are also 3-month and 6-month plans)
- Butcher’s Box from Salt & Time
- Cheese of the month club from Antonelli’s Cheese
- Kitchen gadgets, from fancy knives to cute microwave bacon cookers, from Serve Gourmet
- A public or individually curated barbecue tour from Texas Q Tours
For the booze hound:
- A lovely bottle of Garrison Brothers Whiskey
- Local beer sampler pack (I recommend brews from Real Ale, (512) Brewing, Jester King, and Austin Beerworks.)
For the history buff:
- Presidential memorabilia and collectibles from the LBJ Museum Store
- A signed copy of Historic Austin Restaurants!! (Or Austin Beer, or Austin Breakfast Tacos, or the Austin Food Blogger Alliance cookbook — or ALL FOUR!)
For the artsy-fartsy cousin:

- Jewelry by ameliabeth (there’s a fantastic selection of earrings at the Blue Genie) and/or Vinca
- Fancy yarn and knitting needles from Hill Country Weavers or The Knitting Nest
- Eames chairs prints by Zane Thomas, via Nakatomi
For the gamer who needs a little less screen time:
- All sorts of low-tech but high-interest games, from chess to Magic the Gathering to Settlers of Catan at Dragon’s Lair
For the nester:
- Home goods like tea towels, aprons, and pottery by Austin artisans from Coterie Market
- Hilarious “mistaken lyrics” coasters by MAKEatx, which you can find at the amazing ATown
- Handmade soy candles in scents like “Cuddles” and “Crazy Cat Lady” from The Burlap Bag
What cool local goods and shops have you encountered this holiday season?
[facebook]
[retweet]
I received the Amy’s S’mores last year from my awesome SIL and I can attest they are YUM!