The unique character of Austin is defined in large part by the many small businesses that reside here. Our "Favorite Things" committee has hand-picked these items that are either locally-crafted or fair market trade items. KMFA encourages you to consider buying local when selecting the perfect gift for each person on your list.
Special thanks to our KMFA Favorite Things Holiday Gift Guide presenting sponsor:
We've bundled these options up for you so you can do all your holiday shopping right here with KMFA's Favorite Things Gift Guide.
SPOTLIGHT LOCAL BUSINESS
TERRA TOYS
If you've been in Austin a while, you know. If you're newer to Austin or have been living under a rug - Terra Toys is an Austin tradition at the holidays. Home grown and locally owned since 1978, this wonderful toy store specializes in gifts for the kid in all of us! We especially enjoy their music section which offers the perfect gifts for a budding young musician.
A few of our favorites include:
This durable child's sized guitar is a genuine instrument for children to learn on. Comes with 3 traditional strings, 3 plastic strings and access to an online song book, it's everything your little music maker will need to learn!
This timer is shaped like a classic marble bust of Beethoven. Times up to 60 minutes. Will play "Fur Elise" when the times up! Stands just over 5in tall. Contains 3 button cell batteries (LR44). Mozart bust also available.
These little music boxes fit in the palm of your hand and are available in over a dozen songs from Swan Lake, "Music Of The Night" from Phantom of the Opera, and Brahms Lullabye to holiday classics like "White Christmas," "We Wish You A Merry Christmas," and "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer." They are perfect for stocking stuffers or a Secret Santa gift for anyone who loves music.
Shop in person for their complete collection of childhood treasures at 2438 W. Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78757
Open Monday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. | Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Shop online anytime at terratoys.com
SHOP LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
Mozart's Coffee Roasters is more than just a groovy coffee shop on Lake Austin, they have everything from campfire mugs to sweet treats for the holiday season, in addition to locally roasted coffee blends and a full service bakery!
Mozart's Holiday Trio features three pf Mozart's most popular blends, designed to please coffee lovers of all types.
Each gift box includes:
- Christmas Blend - a dark vienna roast that warms you up for the colder days of Holiday Season
- ATX Holiday Blend - a deep medium roast that will bring you the joy of the Holidays
- Mozart's Blend - a daily favorite blend that will bring joy to your everyday coffee experience
Mozart's is offering a 10% discount on the Holiday Trio gift box for KMFA listeners. Enter the discount code: KMFAHOLIDAYS (case sensitive) at checkout.
Visit their gift shop in person at 3825 Lake Austin Boulevard, Austin, TX 78703
Open 7:00 a.m. to Midnight throughout the holiday season
Gift shop hours: M, W-F, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. | Sat & Sun, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Shop online at mozartscoffee.com
OTHER LOCAL FAVORITES
These unique pots make for a sweet and personal gift that can be funny or sentimental. Lightweight and durable, Mod Pots have a drainage hole and include a complimentary, removable wood tray. They are constantly innovating and offering new designs (follow their Instagram page for the latest designs). When you buy from Mod Pots, you're buying from the original creator of the message pot. More importantly, you're buying from real people who work tirelessly to provide a customer-focused retail experience.
The famous "i love you so much" mural is a must-stop photo opp for locals and tourists alike. The mural was initially spray painted onto the wall following an argument between Amy Cook, a local musician and her then-girlfriend, Liz Lambert. You don't have to be making up with someone to give this pot that pays homage to our weird little city.
Find Mod Pots at these local gift shops:
Austin Gift Company, Prima Dora, Clover + Maven, Painted Tree Boutiques
Shop online at modpotsshop.com
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When Sue Patrick opened her doors in 1975, we were flocking to the theaters to see Jaws and Saturday Night Live was making its television debut! Over the last 45 years, Sue has shown up everday in the latest fashion to give her customers something truly special and often too rare: customer service! From missy, petite and plus women's blouses to UT, Austin or Texas-themed gifts - Sue always has that perfect something for anyone on your list.
Austin Snow Globe with Liberty Goddess
This limited edition globe showcases ZACH Theatre, The State Capital, UT Tower, Pennybacker Bridge, Frost Bank Tower and Jenga (The Independence) as well as the Sixth Street Music District and 2nd Street Area and, of course, the famous Austin bats fly when you shake it! The detail of the capital includes the Goddess of LIberty Statue with her Gold Star and the black musical base plays "Deep in the Heart of Texas." Packaged in a decorative see-through box, this Sue Patrick exclusive is the season's most original gift!
Shop in person at 5222 Burnet Road, Suite 150, Austin, TX 78756
Open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Shop online at suepatrick.com
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Zhi Tea has been an Austin Treasure for 17 years. Put simply, they love tea and love to share it. Their charming little shop serves up a wide variety of single-origin teas from around the world, high quality matcha, herbal teas, puerh teas, and dozens of their own amazing artisan blends made in house.
Matcha has become all the rage and this high quality matcha set is essential for making the perfect bowl. The tea bowl is handmade and just the right size for traditional matcha tea preparation. This traditional Japanese Match Tea Ceremonial starter kit includes one ceramic bowl, one bamboo whisk and one matcha scoop made of sustainable natural bamboo and intricately crafted. A Matcha set is a great gift item for any tea enthusiast!
Shop in person at 1023 Springdale Road, Building 7A, Austin, TX 78721
Open Tuesday-Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Shop online at zhitea.com
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Find inner balance and wellness online at Earthy Enchantments, an online store offering a curated selection of natural products for mind, body, and spirit.
Prickly Paradise Taracotta Soy Candle
It's the easiest succulent you'll ever care for! These enchanting Terracotta Mint Candles are a delightful centerpiece for any space, inspired by the vibrant spirit of a desert garden. Encased in a beautifully designed 10.5 oz jar, this unique candle showcases a charming arrangement of succulents and cacti, bringing a touch of nature indoors.
Shop online at earthyenchantments.com
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Ghost Pepper Glass is a public glassblowing studio on the east side of Austin off Airport and Springdale Road. It's first and foremost a space for artists and craftspeople to dream big and work together to create that which can only be made by hand. They offer classes for absolute beginners, equipment rental for experienced professionals, a retail space for gift givers, and everything in between.
These handmade drinking glasses are crafted using traditional blown glass techniques and feature a mesmerizing peacock-inspired pattern. Each glass is individually made with care and offered in four stunning color variations: ruby, emerald, sapphire and amethyst. The combination of blown glass and rich vibrant colors creates a unique and visually stunning piece that is both functional and beautiful.
Shop in person at 979 Springdale Road, #100, Austin, TX 78702
Open Tuesday-Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Shop online at ghostpepperglass.com
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Pet lovers, Paul and Cara Allen, were frustrated with the lack of good options for pet care needs. Big box stores offered a variety of convenience, but lacked expertise, service, and a caring environment that was part of the neighborhood pet store of the past. After years of trial and error, they decided to open their own pet store - one that redefined pet care and created the personal touch of the neighborhood pet store. Now with 350 franchises nationwide, Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming is the neighborhood pet store. You can find locations around Austin to serve you.
Don't forget about your furry family this holiday. The Woof Gang franchise offers a toy collection that's all about keeping your pet engaged and entertained for a happier life. Choose from a wide variety of holiday-themed toys and pick up a tasty holiday treat while you're there!
Find a local franchise near your neighborhood!
Learn more at woofgangbakery.com
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Padlock Co. is a spoon, bowl, and kitchenware carving company based in Austin. Each piece is carefully hand carved, so each item may have some sort of slight defect in a beautiful and unique way.
Gifting a heart spoon from Padlock Co. is good luck...and truly a one-of-a-kind gift for anyone who loves to spend time in the kitchen. It can be used to stir, mix, eat or serve food. Each one is slightly different than the other and finished with a food-safe oil. Each spoon is 11-inches long.
Shop in person at Blue Genie Art Bazaar.
Shop online at Padlock Co.'s page on Etsy.
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100% Natural Soy Candles Hand-poured in Manor, Texas
The folks at Flame Candle Co. believe scents can truly transform any environment into a calming sanctuary, evoke memories from the past, create a cozy environment for a gathering of friends and family, or set the mood for a quiet night in. The only problem is most candles contain plastics, chemicals, and harsh products. That's when they decided to make candles with all the "good," without all the "bad." This passion led to researching fragrance and essential oils, and making candles in their kitchen in Manor, TX. Then, with the support of friends and family, they put themselves, and their candles, out into the world because they wanted to give everyone the opportunity to enjoy these candles. Now, you have the chance experience this joy, as well.
Two of our favorite scents include:
Take a sunrise ride through the Texas pasture with Aged Leather + Amber. This timeless scent of woodsy amber and classic leather evokes a ruggedness of working cowboys. It's the perfect scent to use everyday to enhance any space.
Enhance your state of mind and cognition with FOCUS, a combination of eucalyptus and wild white sage from their Aromatherapy Collection. Eucalyptus has been used for centuries to promote mental clarity, while sage has been shown to alleviate stress, serve as a natural mood booster, and enhance memory and cognitive function.
Shop online at flamecandlecompanytx.com
Flame Candle Co. offers local delivery and offers free shipping on orders of $50.00 or more!
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If you've got a bibliofile on your list, you have to make a trip to BookPeople. Located at 6th and Lamar, this locally owned independent bookstore has been voted best in Austin for over 20 years. With visits from some of the most interesting and important authors for the past 50 years, BookPeople is THE destination bookstore in Texas!
Our "staff picks" from the shelves this year:
The Boy Who Said WOW! by Todd Boss
Inspired by the beautiful true story of a nonverbal boy moved to speech at his first Mozart concert, this piture book is a testament to the power of art and the boundless joy it can bring. When Grandfather comes to take his grandson to a concert, Ronan is quiet as they leave the house, quiet in the car, and quiet at the concert hall. But when the performance is over and the beautiful music fades out at last, Ronan opens his mouth... and lets out a big "WOW!" But its not just any old WOW!, but Ronan's very first WOW! That one word fills up the hearts of Ronan's family, the musicians, the audience, and - when the recording goes viral - the world!
Check out our interview with author Todd Boss here.
Mr. Texas: A Novel by Lwarence Wright
Sonny Lamb is an affable, if floundering, rancher with the unfortunate habit of becoming a punchline in his Texas hometown. Most recently, to everyon's headshaking amusement, he bought his own bull at an auction. But when a fire breaks out at a neighbor's farm, Sonny makes headlines in another way: not waiting for help, he bolts to the farm where his heroic actions make the evening news.
Real Men Knit by Kwana Jackson
When their foster-turned-adoptive mother suddenly dies, four brothers struggle to keep open the doors of her beloved Harlem knitting shop.
Shop in person at 603 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX 78703
Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Shop online at bookpeople.com
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Rosemary started Spread and Co. back in 2016 - stemming from her love of making homemade jams and pickles and pairing them with cheeses at home. Originally the plan was to take those passions and start a food truck serving picnic boxes, along with the house-made preserves, but between that seed of an idea and after being inspired by the "Grazing Platter" scene in Australia, the company evolved into a combination of the concepts. Now they have two locations and a catering menu and do everything from corporate gifts to grazing boards and tables!
Spread and Co.'s grazing boards are what started it all for this locally owned company. Using the finest cheeses and cured meats from the United States and beyond to their made-from-scratch bread, pickles, dips and jams - you're never going to have another party without one! Great for office potlucks or holiday entertaining. They can typically accomodate orders with 24-48 hours, but it's the holidays... so don't wait too long!
Visit them for breakfast, lunch or to order in person at:
Cherrywood - 2406 Manor Road, Ste. B, Austin, TX 78722
Open Monday-Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. | Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Laguna Gloria - 3509 W 35th Street, Austin, TX 78703
Open Wednesday-Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. | Open late Thursdays til 8:00 p.m.
Shop online at spreadandco.com
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Milam & Greene was created by founder Marsha Milam, whiskey expert and Master Blender Heather Greene, and Kentucky veteran Master Distiller Marlene Holmes. Forbes magazine called their bourbon one of "the Best Whiskies in the World." We agree.
These exquisite spirits make a great gift for the whiskey connoisseur on your list. Find them locally at Twin Liquors, SPECS, and other fine liquor stores. You can also order online or visit their quaint tasting room just 45-minutes outsite of Austin in Blanco, Texas.
Shop online at milamandgreenewhiskey.com
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Located in the vibrant Crestview neighborhood of Austin, Parker + Scott is a sustainability-focused general store founded by Jess and Ian Haisley in 2022. The store aims to provide a comfortable and curated shopping experience, reflecting the values the Haisley's cherish as a family and a community.
Desesh Bamboo Handle-less Dish Scrubbing Brush
It's the holidays - so there are likely dishes to be cleaned! These ergonomic handle-free bamboo dish scrubbing brushes from Parker + Scott offer a great alternative to your plastic dish scrubber. Each set of four contains two brushes with firm bristles and two with medium bristles - allowing for more versatile cleaning. These little scrubbers make for a great stocking stuffer for any household.
Shop in person at 2113 West Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78757
Open Monday-Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Shop online at parkerandscott.com
SPOTLIGHT LOCAL PRODUCT
Williamson County's first and most award-winning winery, The Georgetown Winery features their own exclusive wines made and produced from Texas and California grapes. These award-winning wines are made locally at their sister winery, The Thirsty Mule, located in Liberty Hill, Texas.
Sweet Cranberry Wine - Holiday Edition
A seasonal favorite, and perfect host/hostess gift for any holiday soire is their Sweet Cranberry Wine - Holiday Edition. A blend of grapes with a subtle hint of cranberry makes this an excellent choice to raise a glass to family and friends this holiday season!
Visit their tasting room in person at 715 South Main Street, Georgetown, TX 78626
Tuesday-Thursday 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Shop online at georgetownwinery.com
FAIR TRADE FINDS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
If you're looking for something a bit more worldly but also want to shop with your conscience, check out one of these local Austin gift stores that provide a global maker-to-market experience. When you shop these local stores, you're supporting a network of artists and entrepreneurs around the world living their dreams of artistic freedom and financial independence.
Ten Thousand Villages is a pioneer of fair trade, doing business differently by putting people and planet first. That means you can trust that every purchase and donation you make directly impacts the life and community of its maker in an under-resourced community. They will even print out the story of your item and it's maker to add a personal connection between the artist and the person who recieves it.
Never worry about having enough ice for your holiday party again! These stone drink chillers are handcrafted in Pakistan by artisans working with Dominion Traders, a third-generation family business that pioneered fair trade practices in Pakistan's stone industry and work with artisans regardless of religion or ethnicity. The best part? Get a perfect cool drink that's never diluted by melted ice!
Shop in-person at their NEW retail location at 417 West 2nd Street, Downtown Austin.
Open Monday-Friday from 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Saturdays from 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Sunday from 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Shop online at tenthousandvillages.com.
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Small World Goods, originally Gadabout Goods, was founded by Bibi, a life long gadabout. Traveling and living abroad since childhood, she dreamed of creating a business with people and crafts around the world, and working to expand opportunities for those with few.
We LOVE this perfect little travel bag! The Original Duffle fits everything you need for a weekend or a few days away from home, is easy on the shoulder, looks pretty darn neat, and rolls up to pack away easily when not in use. When not off adventuring, it makes for a great gym bag too! And a little canvas pouch comes clipped inside for easy access to your essential bits and bobs.
Visit Small World Goods at 1630 East 6th Street.
Open Wednesday-Sunday from 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Shop online at smallworldgoods.com.
PURCHASE WITH A PURPOSE
If you want to spread twice the holiday cheer you might consider a gift card from I Live Here I Give Here so the person on your list can give to their favorite local charity. You get a gift to give, and they give a gift to a worthy cause.
Do you have someone on your list that literally has everything?! Or maybe you are looking for a unique way to give a gift while supporting a local nonprofit. I Live Here I Give Here has the perfect solution with their Giving eCards. Make a donation to the person's favorite I Live Here I Give Here nonprofit in her/his/their name! It's the gift that gives back!
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LOCAL GIFT SHOPS
LOCAL ARTISAN BAZAARS & POP UPS
Is your Favorite Thing missing? Email us and let us know and we might add it to the list!
Keep checking back as we'll be adding more of our Favorite Things throughout the holiday shopping season!