Try this new way to explore and shop all at once. | Photo by ATXtoday
Looking for a fun way to gamify your holiday shopping while keeping it local? The 2025 ATX Small Business Passport has you covered.
Here’s how it works: Visit as many of the 13 participating shops as you can before Wednesday, Dec. 31. Each purchase you make earns you a stamp, plus community brownie points.
Once you reach five, 10, and 12 stamps, you earn a discount at participating businesses of your choice to be redeemed in January 2026. Plus, the first 50 shoppers to fill their passport get a special goodie bag.
Here’s a gift idea from each shop to help you get started.
Kindred Spirits | If you want your giftee to think of you whenever they’re relaxing at home, this quilt throw is the perfect way to stay on their mind.
“Luther” by Kendrick Lamar and SZA was the most-streamed Spotify song in Austin this year, followed by “DtMF” by Bad Bunny, and “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” by Billie Eilish. (Austin American-Statesman)
Number
$1,786. That’s how much Austinites are poised to spend on holiday shopping this year, according to WalletHub. If you think that’s high, just wait until you hear about Cedar Park’s budget: $3,028.
Trending
Willie Nelson is still alive, despite recent rumors spread by AI via social media. The 92-year-old musician of legend posted on Instagram to dispel the rumors, so we’re celebrating with 92 facts about his life.
Opening
The Inn at Green Pastures, a 63-room boutique hotel, is now open in Bouldin Creek. The Inn is located inside a 120-year-old Victorian farmhouse and is home to Mattie’s at Green Pastures — take a peek at the grounds.
Ranked
Austin slipped on WalletHub’s annual ranking of the “Most Fun Cities in America,” ranking No. 8. Houston took the crown for most fun city in Texas, ranking No. 6, which was Austin’s ranking last year.
Sports
The Longhorns have a bright future. Texas football is the No. 8 recruiting class of 2026, despite holding the No. 13 spot in the College Football Playoff Rankings. (KXAN)
Listen
The Texans will face off against the Chiefs this Sunday in a must-win race for the playoffs. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Houston Texans with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Pets
Cats are naturally mysterious — but their health doesn’t have to be. With Basepaws Cat DNA Test, you’ll uncover your cat’s breed mix, genetic traits, and potential health risks that other tests miss. Get 47% off for Cyber Week and gain science-backed insights into your feline’s health.*
Category
Business
💼 Let’s get down to business
Help us welcome the new class of ultra-talented Austinites. | Photos via Forbes
The Capital City is home to tons of young talent, but don’t just take our word for it, because at least six of them landed a spot on the 2026 edition of the coveted Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
Let’s meet our local trailblazers.
Jose Bethancourt | 28 | Finance
An alumnus of UT Austin, Bethancourt co-founded Method Financial: a service that helps businesses like SoFi, Robinhood, and Credit Karma see how much debt a consumer has (with permission).
Naweed Tahmas | 29 | Transportation + Aerospace
The founder of Aeon developed AI-enabled tactical missile systems and works with the Defense Department.
Eunice Ajim | 29 | Venture Capital
Hailing from Leander and born in Cameroon, the founder of Ajim Capital deployed funding to 20 early-stage startups during the company’s first year in business.
A foaming toilet cleaner that tackles stains, rings, and odors with zero scrubbing. Splash Foam Cleaner offers a hands-free way to achieve a sparkling clean toilet in three easy steps: pour, let it foam, and flush. It’s that easy.
Nothing says “happy holidays” like a fancy candle, so that’s my local shopping pick of the day. This gardenia mint candle from 7th Street Candle Co. is calling my name, but if you really like your recipient, you can also gift a monthly candle subscription.
