This versatile tray can be used as a charcuterie board, a dining centerpiece, kitchen décor, and so much more. | Photo via Etsy
Pop quiz, Austinites. What’s better than shopping local? For 100 points: Shopping local from the comfort of your own home,of course. Not only is it one of the best ways to support the local economy, butlocally-crafted gifts tend to wow during the holidays (a big win in our book).
To kickstart your holiday shopping, we’ve rounded up 18 products we love from local Etsy shops — some of which hold the coveted Star Seller badge that’s given to sellers who consistently earn 5-star reviews, ship orders on time, and provide great customer service, aka less holiday stress for you.
Psst — Some of these items may sell out quickly due to limited quantities.
🎁 Under $25
Arch dangle earrings($20.25) | Get ready for plenty of compliments when you step out wearing any of Tulip and Jane’s handmade accessories and statement pieces. | Tulip and Jane — Star Seller ⭐️
Hidden squirrel mug($16.99) | For the friend that loves coffee and surprises, this whimsical mug is sure to be something they’ll love. | Creature Cups
🎁 $25-$50
Honey sampler basket($35) | For the loved one with a sweet tooth. This basket includes raw wildflower honey — regular, creamed, and with the comb — plus beeswax lip balm and a candle. | Austin Honey Company
Waxed canvas bag($70.80) | This always-stylish crossbody bag will go with whatever, carry whatever, and weather whatever. | Green is Wise — Star Seller ⭐️
Rainbow arch serving board($70+) | This is the charcuterie board of your foodie friend’s dreams + it’s available in quality carved walnut, cherry, or maple. | Warwood Made — Star Seller ⭐️
2022 Blue Genie Art Bazaar | Now-Saturday, Dec. 24 | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | Blue Genie Art Bazaar, 6100 Airport Blvd., Austin | Cost of purchase | This annual holiday shopping experience is returning for year No. 22 for a five-week run.
Carpenters Hall Thanksgiving Dinner | Thursday, Nov. 24 | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | Carpenters Hall, 400 Josephine St., Austin | Stop by Carpenters Hall for a delicious Thanksgiving Day feast with a choice between a three-course prix-fixe or a la carte dinner.
Wildflower Center: Field of Light | Now-Sunday, Dec. 11 | Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin | Wade through the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center’s annual light show, created this year by British artist Bruce Munro.
Friday, Nov. 25
2nd Street District Holiday Window Walk | Friday, Nov. 25 | 12-5 p.m. | 2nd Street District, 214 Guadalupe St., Austin | Free | Professional artists will create holiday window installations for this 12th annual window walk, which starts Friday and lasts through December.
A Sherlock Holmes Christmas | Friday, Nov. 25-Sunday, Dec. 18 | 8-10 p.m. | Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr., Austin | $10+ | Throw it back to the Victorian era this Christmas with this Sherlock Holmes story.
Saturday, Nov. 26
Peterson Brothers Band | Saturday, Nov. 26 | 8 p.m.-12 a.m. | The Continental Club, 1315 S. Congress Ave., Austin | $17+ | Catch this Austin-based jazz band brother duo on the red velvet stage. This show is 21+.
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Vroom, vroom — the MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix is returning to the Circuit of the Americas this spring. This will be the 10th time COTA has hosted the race, and it is the only track in the US to host. 🏍 (KXAN)
Around 8.3 millionpeople tuned in to watch the USA vs. Wales match at the FIFA World Cup on Monday, and Austin ranked as the top viewership market. Next on the list was Cincinnati, followed by Dallas, San Diego, and Philadelphia. ⚽️ (KVUE)
Eat
Trying to spice up this year’s Thanksgiving tablewhile keeping it local? These 10 hot sauces, rubs, and seasonings are made in Texas and guaranteed to bring the heat. We recommend the unique Austin-made PickleSmash. 🌶 (Texas Monthly)
Real Estate
Austin’s median home price is on a stabilization trend, clocking in at $474,900 for the month of October. The total is up 4% year-over-year, plus houses are staying on the market longer. (CultureMap Austin)
Plan Ahead
Secure your tickets for Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo performance for up to 30% off between now and Cyber Monday, Nov. 28. The show will take place at the Moody Center from Thursday, Feb. 2-Sunday, Feb. 5. 🎪
Stat
Location, location, location. According to our recent survey, 58% of respondents shared that they’d be willing to move out of state to get their dream home, compared to 32% in a national Opendoor report. 🏡*
Don’t let the conversation get you down — use one of these topics and the rest is gravy. | Photo by Askar Abayev
Dreading the debates and cringe questions that tend to take over holiday meals? Consider employing one of these four table topics — they may just lead to your favorite conversation yet.
🍽 Which was the best year for ACL Festival vibes?
Anyone that has attended ACL Fest since its inception in 2002 has opinions about the which year had the best vibes. Get specific with it — food selection, vendors, weather, freebies, the crowd, and obviously the lineup are up for debate.
🍽 Debate over the best (or worst) Thanksgiving side dish
Get ready to start viewing your friends and family very differently, as this question may stir up the most heated debate of the day. This list says creamed corn is the most popular side dish in Texas — do you agree?
Click below to view two more conversation starters.
Editor’s pick: That’s it from me! I’m off to enjoy my mom’s famous cream cheese rolls, tamales, and at least five different types of pie. What are you having? Happy Thanksgiving, Austin!
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We asked Kenny Vaccaro 13 questions, here.
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