Tis the season for sales. But before you go all in on Amazon, take a moment to checkout your favorite local shops. I promise your purchase means so much more to a small business than it ever could to a big-box store.

This is my personal list of places I genuinely shop and love. Some are local Austin gems, others ship anywhere, and all of them offer thoughtful, unique gifts. I hope you discover something new (and maybe a new favorite) on this list.

Austin Local Favorites

Parker & Scott

Great for locally made items, cute notebooks, home décor, and fun snacks. They always have unique little finds you won’t see anywhere else.
Favorite item: Very random but I stand by this fun popcorn snack!
Link: Parker & Scott

Noah Marion

Minimal, elevated leather goods and apothecary items. Everything feels timeless and beautifully made. Great for the cool man in your life… or maybe he’s not cool yet but you’re helping him out…
Would buy: Chic leather camera strap
Link: Noah Marion

Take Heart

A boutique in East Austin offering a thoughtfully chosen selection of handmade and well-designed objects for the home and self. This shop is calm, curated, and so aesthetically pleasing.
Favorite item: All the amazing incense!
Would buy: matcha set
Link: Take Heart

Lady Collective

Woman-owned, multi-vendor vintage shop off Burnet Rd. They carry unique home goods, art, and jewelry.
Favorite item: They have a great variety of brass tchotchkes. I recently got a cool brass tray that says “pocket change.”
Link: Lady Collective

Lilla & Beth

Locally owned women’s clothing and gift boutique.
**Personal opinion: I would pass on the clothes—mostly polyester, fun for a one-time outfit but not long-term.
Favorite item: I like the kitchen items including their cook books!
Link: Lilla & Beth

Alador Jewelry

One-of-a-kind restored, sustainable jewelry with a mix of modern and vintage styles.
Would buy: Cowboy boot charm, Lapis 18k gold ring currently on sale, and if I wanted to ball out, I’d buy this snake pedant!
Link: Alador

Buddy Bear

Adorable children’s clothing, toys, and gifts in Mueller (down the road from Lilla & Beth).
Favorite item: Austin Pajamas! So soft and cute, one of my favorite gifts to give.
Link: Buddy Bear

Local Austin Classes

Classes make great gifts for someone wanting to try a new hobby new or continue with a place they already love. Experiences are meaningful, clutter-free gifts that always feel personal.

Fitness Studio

Purchase a studio pass or class pack for the wellness or movement lover in your life. Some of my favorite Pilates spots are listed below.
Link: Pilates at Ritual Moves or Sharp Method (Austin)
Ascend Pilates (San Diego)
Private Pilates with Leah Mergen (Nashville)

Creative Experiences

Sea of Beads is a high-quality bead shop in Austin with classes and supplies for all skill levels. Buy a gift card or signup for a class.
Link: Sea of Beads

Austin Pottery is the best spot to shop for local handmade pottery & ceramics. The Studio offers adult classes & workshops.
Link: Austin Pottery classes

Small Businesses That Ship Anywhere

Disco Lemonade (Custom Embroidery)

Create your own custom embroidered item. They can make cool adult and kids’ denim jackets, totes, and even embroider your pet’s face onto a sweatshirt.
Favorite item: Get your own custom pet sweatshirt!
Link: Disco Lemonade IG

Shelter Sink

They focus on the highest-quality versions of every raw ingredient in their skincare, sustainably sourced and handmade in the USA. I haven’t tried them yet, but the lip oil (currently 15% off) is at the top of my list.
Would buy: Lip oil & body oil
Link: Shelter Skin

Emily Lex Studio

Watercolor paper goods made by artist Emily Lex. I discovered these watercolor books at Lilla & Beth and loved so many of the options.
Favorite item: Animals & Flowers Watercolor Workbook (15% off until Dec 1).
Link: Emily Lex

Custom Pet Portrait Artist

I found this watercolor pet portrait artist via Facebook Marketplace. He made an adorable custom print for my sister. The only way I know to reach him is through Facebook messaging.
Link: Facebook profile

Pyrros (Female-Owned Pilates Grip Socks)

Effortless style from studio to street, they have fun grip socks for your Pilates/Barre enthusiast.
Favorite item: Slouch grip socks.
Link: Pyrros

Sweet Hat Co.

Limited release, streetwear-inspired hats and jackets. Unique silhouettes, cool colors, and small-batch drops.
Favorite item: Men’s fisherman-style jacket.
Link: Sweet Hat Co

Ideas

Here are a few extra ideas so you can search your area for a local business and maybe find a new favorite brand.

Fragrance

I love a local fragrance, and discovered Milton Maison, a home fragrance brand based in Nashville. They offer elegant candles, diffusers, and room sprays that feel upscale but cozy. This is the perfect hostess gift!
Link: Milton Maison

Hats

Who doesn’t love a fun hat?! My current favorite is the “Make Your Own Luck” Trucker Hat from N.B. Goods in Nashville.

Magazine

Bring back print, baby! Search for a locally made magazine that highlights small businesses and community stories. In my search I found Edible Minnesota Magazine, which I will definitely be gifting my mom for Christmas.

These are brands and shops I personally love and want to support. They make gifting feel thoughtful and intentional, and your purchase means so much more to them than it ever will to a big-box store. It may take a little extra time to shop small, but it’s always worth it.

If you have any favorite local shops in your area, please let me know. I would love to discover something new. Have a great holiday season!

With love,

America