Austin Shopping: Shop Like An Austinite This Holiday Season!

Time to brush up on shopping Austin like a local!

Austin likes to keep it weird. Why would holiday shopping be any different? Here are five ways you can shop like an Austinite during the holiday season and grab some unique gifts for your loved ones.

Shop The Blue Genie Art Bazaar

Austinites like to keep it weird and local, so head to the annual Blue Genie Art Bazaar to shop like a true Austinite. You’ll find kitschy items and original works from over 200 local and regional artists.  Artists like Kelly Stiles of Moonfinder (image above) who likes to marry natural materials, ancient techniques & new technology to create one-of-a-kind pieces.  There’s something at Blue Genie for everyone whether you’re on a budget or not!

 Dates: November 24 – December 24

Time: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m daily

Location: 6100 Airport Blvd.

 Visit The Paper + Craft Pantry

If you are going to be shopping Austin, you should know about Springdale.  It is an up-and-coming creative mecca, and one of it’s highlights is the Paper + Craft Pantry!  This retail shop is so Instagrammable it hurts. Lucky enough to live at the Guthrie? Drop in and shop some unique holiday cards, stationery or gift a crafty experience.  There is plenty of parking space so you won’t have to battle the crowds! That’s a plus in Austin!

Hours open: Varies | check here for times

Location: 1023 Springdale Road #6B

Shop SoCo , SoLa or SoFi

Shopping Austin’s South Congress district  (locallly called SoCo) you will find dozens of local Austin gems that provide great gift giving options! Stop at Big Top, Limbo Jewelry,  Parts and Labour and more. Invite a pal and pit stop at Perlas, Guero’s or Homeslice to make it a day of shopping, dining and drinks. It’s also an excuse to head on over to Jo’s Coffee to grab a caffeinated beverage and nab a photo on the “I Love You So Much” mural.  For a little less crowded area with lots of local boutiques check out South 1st Street (SoFi) and South Lamar (SoLa) too, just a few streets away! And… if you lived at the State House on Congress, all of SoCo would be right out your door! Just sayin’. 

Go Thrifting!

Austinites like to keep it eco-friendly. Thrifting and re-purposing is one check on the “I’m officially an Austinite” list. This method might take longer but think of the ways you’re saving the environment AND keeping it weird. If this is your style, here’s a few thrifting options that will have you shopping Austin like a pro!

1. Buffalo Exchange – a UT Campus staple
2. South Lamar’s Moss Designer Consignment– for the brand-lovers in your life
3. Austin Pets Alive! Thrift Stores – multiple locations and it supports our furry friends…
4. Goodwill of Central Texas – also multiple locations and helps provide jobs, job training and at-home support for thousands of Central Texans
5. Top Drawer Thrift – for a true, quirky Austin shopping experience
6. The Next to New Shop – shop while supporting the outreach ministry sponsored by St. David’s Parish
7. Uptown Cheapskate – a Best of Austin finalist, shop high-fashion on a thrift budget
8. Austin Creative Reuse – A DIYers dream!  Recycle your unwanted scrap and pick up anything you need for that homemade gift!

Check Out The German Christmas Market

The German Christmas Market is one of the unique holiday Austin shopping experiences. There is food, entertainment and authentic German, handcrafted Christmas ornaments, nutcrackers, Schwiebogen, smokers, decor and more! Oh, did we mention there will be hot spiced wine and Christmas Stollen made by The New World bakery. If you lived in the Beverly apartments, you would be right across the street and stumbling distance from some of Austin’s best live music venues. 

 Dates: December 1

Time: 10 – 5:30 p.m.

Location: The German Free School Building | 507 E. 10th St, Austin, TX 78701

*Special early preview for members on November 28 – 29

For Next Year: The Christmas Affair

The Christmas Affair has come and gone for 2018, but we highly recommend adding this to your calendar for next year. ‘Tis the season of giving back and this event does just that! The Junior League of Austin hosts the four-day holiday market that is a vintage celebration of the season with a French flair. The funds raised provide funding and volunteer hours for programs such as Coats for Kids, FIT-Food In Tummies and over 30 local community non-profits!

Want more ATX holiday shopping ideas?  Check our article on local boutiques in the Domain!