Support Small Business at These Austin Shops This Holiday Season
Support your community—and score cool stuff.
There are a bunch of shopping holidays—Black Friday, Cyber Monday, the January sales—but none are more important than Small Business Saturday. In recent times, small local businesses were the hardest hit by things like the pandemic and inflation, while the big CEOs in tall glass buildings sailed out on their yachts virtually unscathed. Infuriating right? Well, on November 26th let’s make a collaborative effort to stick up for the little guys. The ones who work darn hard, handcraft products with love, and give back to the community. In doing so, we’ll also reduce our carbon footprint and get awesome non-mass-produced goodies for ourselves, our friends and our families this holiday season. Cancel that Amazon order, walk right past that Target, and avoid Macy’s (MK went out of fashion a long time ago, darling!), and fill your basket with Austin’s best local treasures from local women’s boutiques to minority-owned bookstores.
East Austin
If you’re shopping on East 11th, chances are you have a taste for vintage. At Charm School Vintage, items are handpicked with love with an eye for fun, functionality, and timeless style. If it’s handmade, one of a kind, displays its culture’s history or has traveled the world, it’s here. Apothecary products, independent designer jewelry, and ethically-sourced crystals are also stocked.
How to support: Stop by in-store shopping, order or browse their events online.
North Austin
2022’s not exactly been a good year for women in Texas. If you or someone you know is feeling charged, then a trip to BookWoman is in order. The only feminist bookstore in Texas specializes in books by and about women, and also offers t-shirts and gifts with a powerful message behind them. Girl Power!
How to support: Stop by in-store shopping, order or browse their events online.
Downtown
Want something a little out there for a weird and wonderful bestie? Museum of the Weird, one of the world’s last true dime museums, also has one of the world’s best and most bizarre gift shops. It’s got cult fandom tees, figurines with two heads, games that make Cards Against Humanity look tame, and a lot of things with crazy eyes.
How to support: Pay a visit to the museum and shop in the gift shop at the end.
Multiple Locations
Pop-and-pop company Barkin Creek currently operates three Austin locations and one coming to Rainey, each specializing in handcrafted, small-batch gourmet dog meals and premium treats. Looking to splurge on the fur baby even more? The store also has on-site daycare, spa facilities, toys, accessories, and ‘pawsome’ celebratory dog cakes.
How to support: Stop by for in-store shopping or purchase online.
North Loop
Flourish specializes in house plants and plant design, with a beautiful collection of pots and planters, handmade ceramics, candles, smudge sticks, and incense for sale. The retail store is an expansion of Mingle Jewelry, handmade and also available on-site.
How to support: Stop by for in-store shopping or purchase online.
Airport Blvd
The Little Gay Shop is like one of those year-round Christmas stores, except dedicated to all things Pride. All your rainbow must-haves are here, from books and t-shirts to greeting cards, stationery, and masks. And, best of all, there’s a brilliant selection of artwork for sale exclusively designed by LGBTQIA+ artists.
How to support: Stop by for in-store shopping or purchase online.
Online
Healing queen Raina Rose’s organic herb-infused oils, balms, butters, and soaps are safe for the whole family and handmade here in Texas. Our pick is the Magic Face Oil, which you can use for practically everything—moisturizer, under-eye brightener, make-up remover, and more. It’s so good that celebs from Megan Mullally (Will & Grace) to Aubrey Plaza swear by it.
How to support: Follow its Instagram for pop-up store information or purchase online.
South Lamar
For those who prefer memories to materials, how about tickets to a show? Austin’s performing arts scene will surprise you—in a good way, promise. ZACH is a non-profit that creates intimate theater experiences, employing over 300 talented local actors, musicians, and designers. Forthcoming shows include A Christmas Carol, Cinderella, and The Cat in the Hat.
How to support: Stop by the box office or purchase tickets online.
South Congress and 38th Street
Urban Betty’s Chell Neff has created a line of unscented hair products in response to her own personal struggle with migraines triggered by scents. Her clean shampoos and conditioners are free of all the bad stuff—phthalates, sulfates, silicones, parabens, dyes, pore-clogging oils and formaldehyde/formaldehyde releasers—and never ever tested on animals.
How to support: Stop by for in-store booking or book and purchase products online.
Domain Northside
The cat’s out-the-bag for Austin’s once-hidden gem, with Texan A-Listers from Beyonce to Megan Thee Stallion coveting the jewelry designer’s wild and gorgeous bespoke creations. Step into Austin’s only all-girl metalsmithing studio, storefront, and art-gallery and you might even catch Nina herself at the back working her magic. Jewelry aside, the store also sells gifts and products made by women.
How to support: Stop by for in-store shopping or purchase and sign up for classes online.
East Austin
Stationery nerds, welcome to your dreamland. The Paper + Craft Pantry houses independently designed stationery and paper goods from local artists such as Kathy Phantastic, Meg Ya Look, and Little Green Press. They also host community-focused creative workshops where you can learn everything from chalk lettering to leather bookbinding. A portion of profits from their in-house line is donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Black Mamas ATX, to boot.
How to support: Stop by for in-store shopping or sign up for workshops online.
Burnet Road
These two surprisingly well-stocked little import shops are Austin’s only exclusively Japanese markets. Expect Japanese specialty food, ingredients, candy, sake, beers, household goods, and origami alongside a bevy of stocking-stuffers. They also have a brilliant onigiri counter, but you better hurry—the tasty rice triangles usually sell out by late lunchtime.
How to support: Stop by for in-store shopping or purchase online.
Mueller
Cuteness overload. This local Austin boutique has something for everyone—gemstone bracelets, slippers with emojis on them, kimonos, travel-themed stationery, candles, and so much more. You’ll probably end up with a few gifts for yourself, as it’s all so irresistible.
How to support: Stop by for in-store shopping.
East Austin
Give your home some Texan twang with an offering from this team of young gardeners putting together stunning arrangements of potted cacti and other succulents. They’re always full of ideas, so customers can expect a wide variety of new and interesting plants, pottery, and art upon each visit.
How to support: Stop by for in-store shopping or purchase online.
Hill Country Galleria
Your one-stop-shop for fashion, gifts, homeware, and crafts, New Origin Shop was founded by Sierra Lewis on a mission to provide unique and affordable goods to customers eager to support independent makers and small businesses. In addition to their own line, Sierra’s brother Frederic also owns handcrafted beaded jewelry retailer Soul Rebel Jewelry.
How to support: Stop by for in-store shopping or purchase online.
Downtown
Margot Blair Floral is an Austin wedding staple, and now her colorful, romantic arrangements can be purchased for life’s smaller moments. Fareground food hall houses their retail cart, peddling single stems, bouquets and gift boxes. While you’re there, make a day of it by wandering the other local stalls.
How to support: Stop by for in-store shopping or purchase and sign up for virtual flower classes online.