Shop Small Biz Gift Guide

Big things come from small businesses.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Small businesses were hit hard this year; shop small this holiday season.

Here is a list of some of our favorite small businesses that could use your support this holiday season. Austin-based and beyond, there is plenty to love on this list. If you’re short on gift ideas, we hope you’ll find some from these incredible businesses.

Lys Santamaria

We got to know Lys through our Brand Together program earlier this year and fell in love with not only her exceedingly unique work but also her inspiring philosophy of spreading good energy to the world through her handmade pieces. She learned beadwork from an indigenous group when she was living in Canada, and now her WOC-owned small business is based in ATX. She offers completely original handmade beaded jewelry like earrings, necklaces, and rings, as well as enamel pins, mosaic art, reusable masks, cards, and online classes.
Soy Society Wellness

Soy Society Wellness is an Austin-based candle company with an emphasis on aromatherapy. The owner Jasmine Cormier is a certified yogi who is passionate about health & wellness, mindfulness, and the sharing of her own knowledge. Soy Society offers essential oils, scented soy candles, candle making workshops, and team-building opportunities. You can purchase online or around Austin, TX at places like Whole Foods on Lamar and Lilla & Beth.
Fifty-Nine Parks

Selling posters that celebrate the National Parks, screen-printed right here in the USA, Fifty-Nine Parks’ eclectic mix of artists design their prints in an effort “to get poster fans into the parks and parks fans into posters.” 5% of each poster sale—before profit—is donated to The National Park Service.
Rebel Cheese

A vegan wine and cheese shop with delivery and contactless pick-up service, Rebel Cheese offers a wide variety of gourmet goodies for gift baskets, including local Texas beer and a great wine selection. Their online ordering system is super easy to use. My go-to items are the Left Coast pinot noir, brie cheese, and a Dripping Springs chocolate bar.
Moots

With plenty of hand-embroidered masks, blouses, home decor in stock, most of Moots’ items are one of a kind. Buy four masks and get one free, and they also offer free shipping for any face mask purchases over $45!
The Little Gay Shop

The queer community is institutional to art and culture. For too long, queer people have not received the compensation or exposure they deserve. The Little Gay Shop exists to support, celebrate, and ignite the queer community by creating a larger audience of patrons and exposing local artists to different demographics. We live by the adage, “By Queers for All.”
The Little Gay Shop was founded in 2019 with the goal of becoming a one-stop-shop to purchase artwork exclusively designed by LGBTQIA+ people.
Amoeba Music

Without a doubt, Amoeba is the largest indie music store out there, but honestly, there’s a reason for that. Founded in 1990, they’ve survived the decline of CD sales all throughout the 2000s and 2010s, and now I’m praying that Amoeba Music will survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Having shuttered their iconic Hollywood location this year, Amoeba is surely struggling just like everyone else during this time, but they have such a vast catalog to offer that anybody with even the slightest interest in music or movies should be rooting for them to pull through. Of all the record stores I’ve been to, Amoeba’s prices are consistently the most reasonable, and they always offer free shipping for anything bought on their website.
Kicking It ATX

Kicking It ATX is a lifestyle and sneaker store/social hub. They’re located in the Domain and have such a wide variety of sneakers and apparel to choose from. You can also go there to watch a game, grab a drink, and just hang out with other people interested in streetwear apparel and sneakers. It’s a super cool spot to hang out at and support. They are also currently the only black-owned business located in Domain Northside.
Austin Java

A Texas-native roaster originally established in 1995 as a local coffee company, Austin Java has grown into multiple locations, providing full-service menus and a strong coffee community. Focusing on sustainable practices with a forward-thinking attitude, everything from their bean and farm selection, to specialty blends and even their bagging runs on this principle alone.
South Congress Books

We need local bookstores, perhaps now more than ever. SCB features old, used, and vintage books, and the retail store is a fixture on South Congress. They also have a cool collection of vintage prints, posters, art, select LPs, objects, and various other gifts and unique finds.
Old Thousand

In our humble opinion, Old Thousand has the best General Tso’s chicken you’ll find anywhere, and their brisket fried rice feels like something you could only find in Texas.
The Austin Shaker

This self-proclaimed “Best Little Hooch House in Texas” has a cult following for those with a propensity for the finer vices in life. Now with three Austin locations, it is convenient for most in the area. What makes this shop special are the owners, Kiki and David, who are true lovers of all spirits. They can assist with just about any taste. In addition to a great selection of the finest spirits, they also have a great assortment of stemware, shakers, and other libation accessories. Last but not least, if you happen to be in the store before December 13th, pay close attention to the shelves as they have hidden several “hard to find” whiskeys in their stores. Enjoy!