I love giving gifts! It’s one of my favorite things, but that doesn’t mean I have them ready to go. In fact, I mailed a birthday gift to my friend Ujaala the other day...it was an entire month late. In hopes of helping you, and maybe myself, here’s a list of some of my favorite local Austin shops. Let me know if your favorite is on the list and send me your top shopping spots.
Plant lovers check out, Succulent Native on N Lamar. If you’ve been following Shannon (owner /my plant fairy godmother) since the beginning, they started as a little bike cart on South Congress! Now they have a beautiful brick-and-mortar store filled with indoor and outdoor plants and succulents. The staff is super friendly and will help you find the perfect pre-made arrangements or make something completely custom!
If you want to experience the most beautifully curated shop, and my personal go-to stop for all gifts, then you need to go to Moon Thyme off Manor Road. Moon Thyme is a collaboration between two local creators, Milk Moon and Sweet Thyme Design. Their shop focuses on ‘the art of living with intention through thoughtful offerings for the home and body.’ If you’re in need of a packaged gift, they have wonderful sets ready to go. My favorite giftsets include the housewarming, mama care package, or calm care package.
A couple years ago I took a candle making class with my friend Elise at Slow North off Anderson Lane. After the class we were able to shop in the store and I’ve been hooked on their custom candles ever since! Slow North is a family business that carries home goods made with clean and safe ingredients. A few of my favorite finds are their candles, incense, and paper goods (they have the best greeting cards!).
Stag Provisions for Men, as the name implies, is the spot for the fellas. I once hear a guy on South Congress say he was looking for a bandana and I awkwardly interrupted him and told him to go here. I hope they guy listened and bought a dope bandana, and maybe he thinks of me when he wears it. :) They have the perfect accessories like beanies, wallets and money clips, dopp kits and travel bags.
All my crystal energy lovers need to go to Crystal Works on 12th Street. Crystal Works is a family business local to Austin since 1974. The small shop is tucked away in a shopping plaza off Lamar and truly feels like a Zen experience when you’re inside. A few of my favorite items include the handmade jewelry, tarot cards, incense, and small ‘pocket’ crystals.
And finally, for the hat lover in your life, ahem…me… Maufrais on South Congress is the place. Not only does it carry some rad hats but the shop is so Instagram worthy! Their hats are ready to be worn out the door or you can customize. I highly suggest branding or burning the hat for a more weathered and personalized look. My favorite crown shape, the coffin, was created here and I couldn’t be more obsessed. I think I talk about this style almost weekly. :) The shop also carries really amazing hat bands made from horsehair, leather, and silk ribbon. You can literally find a style for everyone here!
I hope you can support these local business this holiday season (and always) so they can continue to create wonderful and rad items for us all. And if you still need some gift help send me a message!