Shop Local for the Holidays

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?

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