Support Small Business at These Dallas Shops This Holiday Season
From local clothing boutiques and indie bookstores to spas and bakeries, support your community.
Jeff Bezos doesn’t need any more of your money. Neither does the Walton family for that matter. As tempting and convenient as it may be to shop from big box stores or online global overlords for all your holiday gifts, take a moment to consider supporting local Dallas businesses run by people who might live right in your own neighborhood. You’ll have your opportunity on Small Business Saturday, coming up on November 26. The day encourages consumers to shop local and support the little retailers that often struggle to keep their doors open.
Of course, we encourage you to support the businesses listed below throughout the year. Both online and instore, explore local women- and Black-owned boutiques to quirky gifts, spa services, and artwork to fulfill your holiday shopping needs while keeping money in the community—instead of funding a CEO’s sixth house or joyride to outer space.
Bishop Arts District
This all-women retail collective showcases apparel, jewelry, home accessories, and gifts, including a plethora of Thanksgiving- and holiday-themed merchandise for entertaining. As one of the area’s few local clothing boutiques, you’ll also find a variety of clothes for men, women, children, and pets.
How to support: Shop in-store, online, or purchase gift cards.
Highland Park
Dallas local Elisa Summers started this high-end fashion boutique featuring established and emerging designers (Jonathan Simkhai, Marni, Aje, and Coperni among them). Shop for head-turning apparel, as well as home decor, candles, and other accessories, as well as books and stationery that make wonderful gifts.
How to support: Shop in-store for merchandise or gift cards, or shop online.
Local Eats & Drinks
Various locations
Gift cards for food and beverage always make a great gift or stocking stuffer. But instead of handing out envelopes filled with cards supporting massive corporate chains willy-nilly, purchase from fantastic local establishments instead. Some of our favorite spots offering gift cards include À Table (a new organic and locally sourced meal delivery service), Red Stix Asian Street Food, Mozzarella Co., MIXY, Lexy’s, and Monarch. Of course, if you have a favorite place that you don’t see here, call to see if they offer gift cards and chances are you’ll be in luck.
White Rock Hills
Home to more than 500 art classes/workshops with mosaics, sculpture, painting, and jewelry making, a gift certificate from the Creative Arts Center will thrill the makers in your life. And who knows, their next creation may be their next gift to you. Full circle.
How to support: Purchase a gift certificate online.
Deep Ellum
This fun shop features a variety of unique gifts and accessories, but it’s the DIY succulent bar where you can create your own plant-based masterpiece to give as a gift. Pick a vessel, select your plant(s), and accessorize to your heart’s content for cool terrariums and other green-thumb masterpieces.
How to support: Shop in-store for gifts or gift cards, or call 469-730-2264 to purchase gift cards over the phone.
Multiple locations
Fall and winter holidays without sweets would be like the Fourth of July without fireworks. And whether you’re looking to bring a gift to your host or hostess, ship a cake, pie, or other treats to a loved one across the country, or purchase gift cards for people to satisfy their sweet tooths at a later date, these four iconic North Texas pastry purveyors have you covered.
How to support: Click on each website above for details on ordering gift cards or sweets for pickup, delivery, or shipping.
East Dallas
Makers Connect near White Rock Lake and the Dallas Arboretum makes it easier than just about anywhere else to support local artisans with more than 65 makers selling their wares from a space on Garland Road, as well as the ability to order custom items in some cases. Best of all, they’re located right across the street from two other great indie businesses—Good Records and Aquarium Boutique—should you need a vinyl version of the Hamilton soundtrack or a giant angel fish tree-topper complete with its own goldfish bowl.
How to support: Stop by for in-store shopping or purchase gift cards online.
Preston Center
If we’ve learned anything from that “Santa Baby'' song, it’s that lots of people like a little bling under the tree. For more than 30 years, Matthew Trent has been cranking out extra special pieces (including classics like Romeo Hoops and Burnt Edge Dangles) that will surely put you way higher up on the Nice List this year.
How to support: Stop by for in-store shopping or purchase online.
Victory Park
Brighten up any room with floral bouquets from a shop known for tasteful-yet-creative arrangements, with many available for same-day delivery. Personalize your selection or snag a specially designed masterpiece featuring everything from succulents or orchids. Or give them a budget, opt for the Designer’s Choice, and prepare to be wowed with the results.
How to support: Stop by for in-store shopping or purchase online.
Garland
You get two shops for the price of one at this fashionista one-stop-shop. At Karin Wiseman Collection, gather bagfuls of jewelry designed by the store’s namesake, plus vintage home decor, barware, and small gift items like candles, soaps, and lotions. Meanwhile, the Frocksy specializes in women’s vintage clothing and accessories. Enjoy goodie bags at participating Downtown Garland stores on Saturday, plus free bubbly and karaoke at these two concepts.
How to support: Stop by for in-store shopping or purchase Karin Wiseman online.
Park Cities
Stop in to pamper yourself with services catered specifically to men or women and a few that anyone can enjoy, whether it’s a double glow facial or some Botox to freshen things up before party season commences. Gift certificates make it easy to treat others to a little relaxation or self-improvement. Plus, starting December 1, they’ll be running 12 Days of Christmas specials (but they’ll have them available for more than the usual dozen days).
How to support: Stop by for in-store shopping or book services and purchase gift cards online
Deep Ellum
Remember IRL bookstores? The fine folks at Deep Vellum Books have been keeping the harder-to-find retail mainstay alive since 2013, highlighting books published under their own imprint. Buy a custom mug and receive a free cup of coffee or tea while you meander through the store and soak in all that new-book smell.
How to support: Stop by for in-store shopping or purchase online.
Bishop Arts District
The name says it all. Sure, most marijuana isn’t legal in these parts, but CBD in its many relaxing forms (including Delta-8 and Delta-10) can be purchased almost anywhere. This fun destination specializes in everything from body products and novelties to edibles and drinkables like CBD-infused coffee and tea beverages for enjoyment while you’re in the shop or to take home.
How to support: Stop by in-store or shop online.
Oak Lawn
Located in the heart of the gayborhood, this enduring gift shop has transitioned from the heyday of VHS and DVD rentals to a go-to spot for funny, kitschy merchandise, rainbow-themed everything, men’s underwear and swimwear, plus all sorts of intimacy products for every possible sexual orientation, LGBTQIA+ or otherwise. You might even still find a video or two lying around.
How to support: Stop by for in-store shopping.
Victory Park
Discover more than bottles of wine and spirits (though they have plenty of those) by customizing your order, selecting a carefully curated gift basket, or scoring local delivery for parties of any size. This locally owned shop packs a potent punch into its smaller-than-the-chain-stores operation and its knowledgeable staff can help you discover an unexpected joy under just about any screw cap and cork.
How to support: Stop by for in-store shopping or purchase online.
Inwood Village
Save up to 75% this weekend on a variety of items, including athleisure clothing for men and women (including their wildly popular fringe sneakers), as well as a nice selection of gift items. Gift cards for boutique shopping as well as on-site CardioSculpt or StrengthSculpt workout classes are also available.
How to support: Stop by for in-store shopping or purchase gift certificates and book classes online.
Victory Park
Vivi’s is a locally-owned shop that caters to all of their clientele’s needs, carrying an assortment of products from clothing to meet every mood and one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and loved ones to pet toys and adorable accessories. They also provide in-store monogramming, gift wrapping, and more.
How to support: Stop by for in-store shopping or purchase online.