As an Austin-based public relations agency, it’s our job to be in the know about all things Austin. This holiday season, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite local places and products so you can get something perfect for everyone on your list. From the foodie to the fashionista, here are our top recommendations.
For the Artsy Friend: Chloe Jane Gray Print, $25
We’re all spending more time at home and sprucing up our spaces during the pandemic. You can support a variety of local artists all in one place by buying prints, jewelry, pins, and plaques from Blue Genie Art Bazaar online or in person. Among our favorites are the beautiful prints by Chloe Jane Gray, featuring Texas succulents and animal skulls. Her mixture of western and trendy aesthetic is quintessential Austin.
For the Foodie: Bread on the Table by Easy Tiger, $35
Between all of the quarantine sourdoughs and the newest season of “The Great British Bake Off,” we’re guessing that the foodie in your life has ventured into breadmaking. To help him or her on the journey, purchase “Bread on the Table” written by the Austin bread experts at Easy Tiger. While you could find bread recipes online, this book was named one of the best cookbooks of the year by New York Times Books, so you know you’re getting top-quality recipes as well as those beautiful photos.
Photo Credit: Maddie Pierantoni
For the Fashionista: Pavement Vintage in Austin
Pavement is a buy/sell/trade shop offering a wide variety of new and used clothing, shoes, and accessories for men and women. With nearly 10,000 square feet of shopping available, Pavement allows you to shop for your friend who always has the best style in a sustainable way without breaking the bank. We’d recommend a single product, but they’re always getting new and unique merchandise, so you’ll have to check it out on your own. Not ready to commit to buying directly for your fashionista? Grab a gift card for use at the store on South Lamar (the second location coming soon) and let them handle the rest!
For the Jewelry Lover: “Ear-spiration” Box from Nina Berenato, $15 a month
We know – you’re searching through the jewelry store with a million options of what to buy the jewelry guru on your list. “I think she’ll like this… but this is more unique… but she could wear this one every day.” It’s too much! The “ear-spiration” box from Austin designer Nina Berenato provides the sentimentality of buying someone jewelry without the stress of picking out one “perfect” piece. This monthly service sends a new pair of handmade, sustainably-made earrings every month. At only $15 for the first box, it truly is the gift that keeps on giving.
For the Christmas Lover: Amy’s Ice Creams Ultimate Gift Collection, $64.99
If you’re anything like me, you make weekly stops to Amy’s Ice Cream during the summer for a cold treat on a blistering hot day. Celebrate your love of Amy’s all year by purchasing a Holiday Gift Collection, which contains Mexican vanilla marshmallows, hot cocoa mix, an Amy’s mug, hot fudge, pecan praline, peppermint bark, and a big kid s’mores kit! Everything you need to stay in the holiday spirit.
For the Coffee Addict: Jo’s Out of Towners Gift Bundle, $72
Austin tourists love to take pictures in front of the “I Love You So Much” mural at Jo’s Coffee, but locals know to stop inside for a brew. For the coffee lover in your life, or for the Austinite that’s moved away, remind them of home with the ‘Out of Towners’ Gift bundle, which includes a 12oz bag of Jo’s custom coffee blend by Intelligentsia, one Jo’s diner mug, a Wildsam Austin field guide, and a Jo’s canvas tote.
For the Pet Parent: Pet House Candle Sweet Cranberries, 8.5 oz, $19
Pet homes can get a little smelly, especially in the winter months when everyone’s mostly inside. This candle from Austin pet store, Tomlinson’s Feed, specializes in ridding your house of stinky pet odors and replacing them with the holiday scent of sweet cranberries. Bet you’re thinking of a friend that needs it. But hey – you’re not telling your friend that their house smells, you’re just providing a useful gift!
For the Plant Parent: Desk Plants, Sansevieria Hanhii, $26
As most of our work desks have moved from the office into our homes, we’re all looking for ways to make our workspaces more cheery. Desk Plants is an Austin-based company that sells a variety of plants specifically for this purpose. Whether you want to add a rare fern to a friend’s collection or start someone off with a simple pothos, Desk Plants has a plant (along with free online care tips) for you. We recommend this Sansevieria Hanhii; its spunky look, low price point and easy maintenance are a triple threat!
For the Sweet Tooth: Make it Sweet Virtual Class with Supply Kit, $45
Baking together for the holidays is a time-honored American tradition. These online baking classes are the perfect gift for those who crave quality time with loved ones but still need to social distance. Make It Sweet supplies boxes with pre-portioned ingredients and offers classes for all baking levels. Purchase a class for you and a friend to learn and bake together.
For the Skincare Connoisseur: SOCO Botanicals, Face Oil Elixir, $ 39.96
While we rarely see a “White Christmas” here in Austin, the cooler temperatures can still make skin dry. If you’re looking for a locally made product with transparent, natural, plant-based ingredients, we recommend SOCO Botanicals Face Oil. Surprise your friend who’s always on top of their skincare routine, and don’t forget to buy a bottle to treat yourself.
For the Drink Aficionado: Blue Norther Hard Seltzer Variety Pack, $17.99
Any drink connoisseur knows that local brews and hard seltzers are dominating the market right now. What’s more local than an Austin-based hard seltzer, created by a father-son duo, both named Austin? This holiday season, grab a case of Blue Norther Hard Seltzer to impress that hipster friend who’s always saying, “Oh, you haven’t heard of it?” The variety packs won’t hit shelves until early December, but we think it’s worth the wait.
Just Outside Austin: National Museum of the Pacific War’s Command Post Store and the Daytripper Store in Georgetown, TX
Although neither of these stores is within Austin city limits, they are near and dear to all of us here at Breakaway and offer one-of-a-kind products you won’t find else. You could visit these shops online, but we highly recommend, throwing on some holiday tunes and enjoying the drive!