You’ve probably heard it a thousand times (including from us): shop local.
But why is it important to shop locally?
- It keeps the money in our community. Keeping your dollars — and sales taxes — local means that income is more likely to be distributed in Austin, helping other Austinites make a living. Research finds that for every $100 spent on a local business, $73 remains in the community, compared to $43 from a non-local business.
- It helps the environment. Buying goods made in your own city reduces shipping, cutting back on emissions and pollution related to transporting products across long distances in turn.
- It preserves local culture. Shopping locally helps build relationships. Plus, only Austinites know how to create products that reflect our city’s distinct vibe.
- It builds community. People who are invested in the community invest in the community. Small businesses donate 250% more than large businesses to local nonprofits and causes.
With all this in mind, and amid the hubbub of the holidays, we’re launching a series to support local shopping in December.
Here’s how it’s going to work: every day in the newsletter, we’ll reveal our local shop of the day, alongside a few favorite items. (Psst — keep an eye out on Friday newsletters to also see our Saturday + Sunday picks.) Think of it as a local shopping advent calendar.
Bookmark this page, because this is where we’ll store all 31 of our store features as a resource for those buying local gifts this season or anytime of year.
31 Days of Local Shopping
Friday, Dec. 1: Prima Dora, 1912 S. Congress Ave.
This is the place to find hyper-local gifts — including this Austin bat T-shirt and Willie for President coaster — made by local artists.
Saturday, Dec. 2: Black Pearl Books, 7112 Burnet Rd.
This Black- and woman-owned bookstore is on a mission to promote diversity and inclusion through books.
Sunday, Dec. 3: Revival Vintage, 5201 N. Lamar Blvd. Beautiful used home goods, furniture, and decor are just a hop, skip, and a jump away. The best part? Many of this shop’s items — like this abstract guitar painting and fabric giraffe statue — are available to peruse online.
Monday, Dec. 4: Feels So Good, 211 Alpine Rd. E.
Gift someone with a unique, locally designed T-shirt — we’re partial to these featuring a kind possum + the some ranch style beans. Bonus: this south Austin shop sells records and vintage wares, plus offers custom screen printing and embroidery.
Tuesday, Dec. 5: City Alchemist, 1105 E. 6th St.
Give the gift of the occult at this store, where the motto is “where the witches shop.” Peruse the shop’s collection of books — because a witch can never be too informed — browse the full apothecary, or stock up on candles.
Wednesday, Dec. 6: take heart, 1211 E. 11th St.
This 12-year-old boutique is a must-stop for wellness lovers on your list, offering unique products like a Deitanseki Clay & Charcoal Facial Cleansing Bar and a CBD pain relief Sana Salve. (Psst — don’t miss the collection of kids’ + baby products for the little ones in your life.)
Thursday, Dec. 7: Major Darling, online only
This local pet boutique helps keep your pets fashionable with collars for both dogs and cats, scented candles to cut through pet smells, and bandannas galore. (Psst — you can also find Major Darling products on our website, Six & Main.)
Friday, Dec. 8: New Origin Shop, 12921 Hill Country Blvd., Ste. D2-110
This shop began with crochet and fiber wares, but now offers a range of artisan + handcrafted goods, including these colorful bow earrings and checkered silk scrunchies.
Saturday, Dec. 9: Con’ Olio Oils & Vinegars, multiple locations
Con’ Olio opened in 2009 as the first olive oil tasting bar in Central Texas. Today, the shop offers a range of oils, vinegars, and pantry goods, plus a monthly subscription box for all three.
Sunday, Dec. 10: Blue Velvet, 217 W. N. Loop Blvd.
Give your loved ones a blast from the past this year — this shop offers a range of vintage clothing dating back to the 1940s.
Monday, Dec. 11: Clover + Maven, 1023 Springdale Rd., Bldg. #6D
This east side art collective sells gifts for lovers of the arts. Check out this watercolor painting of Cosmic Coffee, this cereal milk candle, or this donut vase. Plus, if you’re looking for a gift that won’t break the bank, check out this list of options for under $25.
Tuesday, Dec. 12: BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar Blvd.
This bookshop has been around for more than 50 years, and frequently hosts locally and nationally acclaimed authors for talks + signings. We recommend checking out the signed copies collection or shopping the gifts section for the non-readers in your life.
Wednesday, Dec. 13: Room Service Vintage, 117 N. Loop Blvd.
Walk through aisles upon aisles of vintage furniture, knick-knacks, clothing, and more from days of yore. This “vintage wonderland” is nestled inside an old pharmacy and soda fountain, so the shopping experience is a vibe.
Thursday, Dec. 14: Art For The People Gallery, 1711 S. 1st St.
Sift through dozens of local prints, paintings, and other artwork at this charming shop. Don’t miss the handmade jewelry or gifts like this Austin bird bingo card.
Friday, Dec. 15: The Little Gay Shop, 1902 E. 12th St.
Shopping here is easy with The Little Gay Shop’s gift guides, which will direct you to gifts under $25, gifts for lovers of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” and gifts for the queer historian.
Saturday, Dec. 16: Terra Toys, 2438 W. Anderson Lane
You’ll be transported into the garden of playtime delights inside Terra Toys. Grab a magic set, stock up on candy, inspire a lifelong love of art, or cop a Texas-themed toy.
Sunday, Dec. 17: Tesoros Trading Company, online only
This purveyor of goods from around the world held a storefront on South Congress Avenue up until recently, but still sells online. Browse by country or category to find gifts like these Peruvian painted flowers or this Colombian beaded bracelet.
Monday, Dec. 18: Comadre Panadería, 1204 Cedar Ave.
The 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist offers a range of drool-worthy pastries, cakes, pan pari, and other sweet treats. Online orders open Wednesdays at 10 a.m. for Saturday and Sunday pickup.
Tuesday, Dec. 19: Succulent Native, 5501 N. Lamar Blvd.
Get your green whether you’re just starting out or you’re a gardener extraordinaire. Gift a Plant Love Club membership — a monthly subscription of plants, pots, and goodies — a succy love gift box, or a hanging disco planter.
Wednesday, Dec. 20: Awkward Auntie, online
The creator behind these home goods crafts the items from cement and then dyes them by hand. Expect beautiful, simple pieces like lotus candle holders, sculptural planters, and geometric soap dishes.
Thursday, Dec. 21: Toy Joy, multiple locations
Snag a cute plushie, a Settlers of Catan set, or some space-themed slime for the young ones on your list. It’s not just toys for kids at Toy Joy — grab this dumpster fire figurine for your next white elephant party.
Friday, Dec. 22: Antone’s Record Shop, 2928 Guadalupe St.
This record shop named for Clifford Antone (yes, of Downtown’s Antone’s Nightclub) first opened in 1987 and doesn’t just sell records — it also buys them.
Saturday, Dec. 23: Estilo, 2727 Exposition Blvd., Ste. 121
Find a stylish new wardrobe staple for the adults and children in your life — and don’t miss the jewelry selections — at this nearly two decade-old west Austin shop.
Sunday, Dec. 24: Madhu Chocolate, Multiple stores
Pick up a box of ethically made, high-quality chocolates at a store near you to support this first-generation family business, which has earned multiple accolades.
Monday, Dec. 25: Treasure City Thrift, 2142 E. 7th St.
The “most affordable thrift store in Austin” offers digital gift cards, making the perfect last-minute gift for a local fashion lover.
Tuesday, Dec. 26: Austin Creative Reuse, 2005 Wheless Lane
Ah, the post-holiday clean-out. Donate leftover creative materials or collectibles, or shop for some gently used tools to transform your items into something new.
Wednesday, Dec. 27: Slow North, 2700 W. Anderson Lane
Is your New Year’s Resolution to live more sustainably? You might want to make a stop at this shop, which sells natural bar soaps, laundry powders, and other home goods.
Thursday, Dec. 28: Vintage Bookstore and Wine Bar, 1101 E. 11th St.
Get a head start on your reading goals for 2024 at this local bookstore that also offers monthly book and wine clubs.
Friday, Dec. 29: Casero, 2100 Robert Browning St.
Bookmark this creative charcuterie shop for all your 2024 parties — delivery and shipping is available depending on the order.
Saturday, Dec. 30: Reverie Books, 5330 Menchaca Rd., Ste. D
It’s always the right time of year to support local LGBTQ+ creatives. We recommend checking out staff book picks or sponsoring a shelf to support the indie bookshop’s operations.
Sunday, Dec. 31: The Paper + Craft Pantry, 1023 Springdale Rd., Bldg. 6A
Engage in some end-of-year reflection with a hand-painted notebook, a cute pen set, or some fun stickers from this east Austin stationery shop. (Pro tip – check out the 2024 calendars.)
