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 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 couple of our favorites include:
The Music Maker is recognized the world over for its simplicity of play, high educational value, and 100% hand-made construction! There is no better way to introduce children or adults to the joys of music because making beautiful music doesn't get easier. Includes 12 songs, pick, tuner, and spare wire.
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).
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 7:00 p.m. | Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Shop online anytime at terratoys.com
SPOTLIGHT 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.
(live music from 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.)
Sunday: 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
(live music from 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.)
Shop online at georgetownwinery.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!
(Pick-up Orders Only)
One of our favorite things on the Mozart's menu is their seasonal Cocoa Bomb Blossom. These handcrafted hot chocolate bombs are filled with hot chocolate mix and handmade holiday marshmellow. Give the gift of a perfect cup of hot chocolate with this clever invention - you simply drop it in your cup, pour over some hot milk or water, and enjoy!
Also available as a "Mozart's Christmas in a Cup" gift pack.
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
Shop online at mozartscoffee.com
OTHER LOCAL FAVORITES
BookWoman has been Austin's trusted source for feminist literature and local gifts for 48 years! It is the perfect local spot to find rare gems and local authors. Specializing in books by & about women, this indie shop also offers t-shirts, gifts & events.
Here are some titles we think will make a great gift for the bibliophile in your life:
Deep In Our Heart - Local Austin Authors
Loving Local! BookWoman has a wide range of wonderful books by local writers. Share your love of all things Austin with one of these Bat City faves.
Purple Rising: Celebrating 40 Years of the Magic, Power, and Artistry of The Color Purple
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Pulitzer Prize–winning masterpiece The Color Purple—as well as the acclaimed 1985 film from Steven Spielberg, the Tony-winning Broadway musical, and the all-new film adaptation with this gorgeously designed exploration of the novel’s enduring legacy, featuring contributions from Alice Walker, Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Colman Domingo, Fantasia Barrino, Danny Glover, and more. Available in hardcover.
The New Brownies' Book: A Love Letter to Black Families
Inspired by the groundbreaking work of W. E. B. Du Bois, this beautiful collection brings together an outstanding roster of Black creative voices to honor, celebrate, and foster Black excellence.
Shop in person at 5501 North Lamar, Austin, TX 78751
Open Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Sunday 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Shop anytime online at ebookwoman.com
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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 holiday scents include:
It’s Christmas Morning! This classic holiday scent tells the story of a cozy holiday sipping drinks in front of the fireplace. Notes of orange spice, fir, and earthy embers make this the perfect classic scent to be enjoyed by all.
Shalom Y’all. Share peace and prosperity this season with our uniquely Texan candle. Scented with a wonderfully warm and cozy spiced apple fragrance for a truly beautiful holiday experience.
Shop online at flamecandlecompanytx.com
Flame Candle Co. also offers local delivery!
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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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The Devil's Backbone Hot Honey Syrup (16 oz)
The Pretty Farmer is a homegrown business that promotes the health benefits of local honey and honey-based products. One of our favorite products they sell is this Devil's Backbone Hot Honey Syrup. You can pour it directly over meat, add it to marinades, salad dressings, or add a dash to a cocktail to give it a spicy zing! And it's only 3 ingredients!
Find The Pretty Farmer at many local Farmer's Markets or at Faraday's Kitchen Store located in the Shops at the Galleria in Lake Travis.
Shop online at theprettyfarmer.com.
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Kalanchoe Laciniata 'Christmas Tree'
East Austin Succulents is a cactus and succulent nursery selling individual cacti and succulents from small starter plants to the rare and hard to find species. A great gift idea for someone on your list with a green thumb, one of our favorite items with a holiday spin is this Kalanchoe Laciniata. Commonly known as the christmas tree plant or cathedral bells, is a small plant which is native to the Arabian Peninsula, Eritrea, and the Middle East, but it can also be found in parts of India and Sri Lanka.
East Austin Succulents has a local Austin retail location at 801 Tillery Street as well as a webshop online. They have different inventory for each, but do work together to create a unique shopping experience for all of our customers.
Visit their webshop at eastaustinsucculents.com.
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Artisan Chocolates by Krystal Craig
You know what goes good with bourbon (among other things)? Chocolate. Todd's absolute favorite are artisan chocolates from Krystal Craig at Intero Restaurant.
Krystal Craig, co-owner of Intero Restaurant in East Austin, has put together a plethora of delectable hand crafted chocoates for the holiday. Her chocolates have graced the pillows of The Four Seasons and other boutique hotels in Austin, and have been a favorite for shoppers at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar for years.
Individual holiday treats and gift boxes are available online or at Intero. And a quick suggestion from us, you'll want to get some for yourself as well as some for the chocolate lovers on your Christmas list!
Shop online or visit Intero at 2612 E Cesar Chavez St Suite 105, Austin, TX 78702
PURCHASES WITH A PURPOSE
If you want to spread twice the holiday cheer you might consider purchasing one of our picks from this section. 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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Featuring The Doobie Brothers 50th Anniversary Tour
The Austin Cares Concert is part of teh C4AC Music Series, created specifically to work with not-for-profits. Concers 4 Austin Charities (C4AC) produces critically acclaimed music events to create awareness and raise funds for charities supporting children, young adults, and musicians in Central Texas.
Looking for the "best gift ever" for the music lover on your list? Consider a pair of tickets to see The Doobie Brothers 50th Anniversary Tour when it stops in Austin on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at the Moody Center. Not only does the recipient of the tickets get an awesome concert experience, but your purchase helps raise money for three local charities including HAAM (Health Alliance for Austin Musicians), Superhero Kids, and Step Onward Foundation.
GENERAL ADMISSION & VIP PACKAGES AVAILABLE
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Fara Coffee Thermo Gift Bundle
Fara Coffee produces and exports shade-grown, hand picked gourmet coffee. They have been growing 100% SHG Arabica coffee beans on our family-owned farms in the mountainous rainforest of Matagalpa, Nicaragua for five generations. Their coffee is exported from Nicaragua to Austin, Texas where they roast each batch with special attention.
The company has a proactive objective to have the most environmentally sensitive and socially responsible coffee fincas in all of Nicaragua. Through the Fara Foundation, a portion of the proceeds from their products go back to the people of Nicaragua. So, when you give this Thermo Gift Bundle to the coffee-lover on your list, you're gift also supports healthcare, food assistance, education and eldercare programs in Nicaragua.
Find Fara Coffee at local grocers throughout Austin or online at faracoffee.com.
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Tito's "Kinda" Ugly Christmas Sweaters
Your favorite Texas spirit has sprinkled a bit of stardust in downtown Austin with their Love, Tito’s retail store—giving fans the chance to learn about their story while browsing custom items. Unique Tito’s wearables with a splash of style, golf gear for a Tito’s tee time, copper-plated barware to add some flair to your home bar...there’s something for everyone. Our favorites for holiday gift giving is their line of "Kinda" Ugly Christmas Sweaters. They come in a variety of sizes for dogs and humans too!
Tito’s teams up with incredible nonprofit organizations and supports their individual missions by donating 100% of the net proceeds from merchandise sales. Best part? You can choose where you want your donation to go. From animals, to the environment, from food, to our servicemen and women—your passion, your cause, your new favorite barware...hoodie…dog bowl. You can choose your own giveback adventure!
Visit the Love, Tito's retail store at 215 Lavaca Street in downtown Austin.
Open Monday-Saturday from 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Shop online at titosvodka.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.
One of our favoite holiday gifts to give from Ten Thousand Villages is this stunning hand-painted ornament from Manos Amigas in Peru. The makers from Manos Amigas preserve this crafting technique by creating pieces such as this delightful Santa ornament from gourd.
Shop in-person at their retail location at 4803 Burnet Road.
Open Monday-Saturday 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 think their Turkish Towels make the best gifts. Perfect as a towel, throw for the couch, scarf, or picnic blanket—the possibilities are endless. And this multi-functionality makes them a can't-live-without travel accessory for the savvy globetrotter. Turkish Towels originated hundreds of years ago for bathhouses, or Hammams. They are traditionally woven from special Turkish cotton prized for its lightweight softness and extra absorbency.
Towels measures approximately 70" x 40"
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.
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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!