Holiday shoppers can find something for everyone on their list in Southwest Austin. Our unofficial guide to gift-buying in the area will give you ideas to get started if you’re still making your list and checking it twice. This list is not comprehensive.
For: Austinites, visit Black Sheep Ranch
Mix-and-match coasters are adorned with Austin-themed photos of iconic landmarks, local businesses and graffiti. The store on FM 1826 also offers a variety of Texas-themed kitchen and home decor items, gifts and apparel.
11606 FM 1826
512-301-1986 • www.blacksheepranchatx.com
Hours: Tue.-Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m., Closed Mon.
For: Do-It-yourselfers, visit: Hardwood & Lace
Local company Hardwood & Lace specializes in make-and-take workshops in which instructors walk attendees through the process of hand-painting their own wooden signs with custom designs. For the holiday season the business is introducing kits customers can purchase and take home instead. Co-owner Lauren Miller said kits include the wood, paint, a brush, a stencil and instructions. “You get everything except the instructor,” she said.
6124 W. Hwy. 290 • 512-300-6368 • www.hardwoodandlace.com
Hours by appointment
For: Gardeners, visit: Vivero Growers Nursery
Succulents are the perfect gift for your friend or relative who loves plants but wants something low-maintenance. These plants are easy to care for, as they are drought-resistant and therefore require little water. Visitors to the store can also find unique pots to hold succulents, such as echeveria, a popular variety.
12000 W. Hwy. 290 • 512-587-4476 • www.viverogrowers.com
hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
For: Foodies, visit: Wheatsville Food Co-op
Visitors to the South Lamar Boulevard location can find coffees roasted by Southwest Austin-based Third Coast Coffee Roasting Co. which imports its organic coffee directly from small farmer cooperatives through Cooperative Coffees. Other Austin area-made products include snacks, such as gourmet pickled okra and sauerkraut produced by Hat Creek Provisions.
4001 S. Lamar Blvd.• 512-814-2888 • www.wheatsville.com
hours: 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m. daily
For: Teachers, visit: Reel Popcorn
Tie a ribbon on the top of a bag of popcorn from local store Reel Popcorn, which offers flavors including White Chocolate Candy Cane, Dill, nacho cheese, Coconut Curry, Wasabi Ranch, Buffalo and multicolored Cornfetti. Popcorn can be paired with a movie gift card or a printed Redbox code.
8708 S. Congress Ave. • 512-280-7335
www.reelpopcornaustin.com
hours: Mon.-Wed. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.,
Thu.-Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Closed Sun.
(The store will be open on some Sundays during the holiday shopping season.)
For: Recent Grads, visit: Fast Frame
Commemorate a graduate’s hard work with a custom-framed diploma or certificate. Clients can choose the mouldings, matting and glass used in the project and can incorporate items such as the graduate’s tassel or a drawing of the university, according to the company. The store also sells gift cards.
301 W. William Cannon Drive • 512-288-8825 • www.austinfastframe.com
hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Closed Sun.
(Open first three Sundays in December from noon-4 p.m.)
For: Out-of-Towners, visit: Austin Gift Co.
Texas Trash is a custom blend of cereal and pretzels mixed with pecans and drenched in a creamy white chocolate-flavored coating made in Midland, Texas. The local retailer also sells Austin- and Texas-themed gifts as well as antiques and crafts at its location on South Lamar Boulevard.
4211 S. Lamar Blvd.
512-326-9460
www.austingiftcompany.com
Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily
For: Brew enthusiasts, visit: Central Market
Central Market Westgate’s new Growler Station features 20 rotating beers on tap and 32-ounce or 64-ounce growler bottles available for purchase. The growler is reusable and can be refilled at the Growler Station. Beers made in and around Austin featured for the holiday season at Central Market include 4th Tap Brewing Cooperative’s Spruce Wayne, No Label Brewing Co.’s Spiced Elda M Milk Stout, and Saint Arnold Brewing Co.’s Bishop’s Barrel and Divine
Reserve.
4477 S. Lamar Blvd. • 512-899-4300 • www.centralmarket.com
Hours: Mon.-Sun. 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
For: Little Ladies, visit: Sparkle Kids Upscale Resale
Locally made by an Austin mother, Figs and Feathers hair accessories range from headbands and clips to bows. Decorated with pom poms, hand-drawn animals, feathers and lace, these accessories make a colorful gift for a young fashionista.
2810 Manchaca Road • 512-712-5365
www.sparklekidsresale.com
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
For: Furry Friends, visit: Groovy Dog Bakery & Tomlinson's Feed
Treat your pup to a holiday-themed treat made with the finest local human-grade ingredients. Groovy Dog Bakery makes treats with no added salt, sugar, preservatives or dyes. Grain-free options are also available.
4477 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 580 • 512-891-7333
www.groovydogbakery.com
Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Snoop interactive toy from Planet Dog can be stuffed with treats, prompting your dog to try and retrieve the hidden treasure. Tomlinson’s has partnered with the Honest Kitchen, a line of human-grade dehydrated pet food, to sell a Snoop toy and Proper Toppers treat combo this holiday season.
5900 W. Slaughter Lane, Ste. 480 • 512-276-2057 • www.tomlinsons.com
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
For: Sportsmen & women, visit: Red’s Indoor Range
Hearing protection, magazines and magazine loaders are among the accessories available for the avid shooter in a $20-$150 price range. Other options include gun cleaning supplies from Hoppes and FrogLube ($2.95-$30), frequent shooter cards ($150) and six-month memberships ($300).
6200 W. Hwy. 290 • 512-892-4867 • www.redsguns.com
Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
