We understand the pressure of gift buying this time of year. Like you, we want to give presents that not only make our loved ones happy, but that also support our local community. We have contacted some of our favorite local Austin businesses in hopes of providing a little gift giving inspiration this holiday season for both kids and adults in our Shop Local Austin 2014 Holiday Gift Guide.
If you are thinking of hitting up the stores for Black Friday, be sure to first check out these special offers and ideas from Austin-area businesses. And don’t forget to Shop Small on Small Business Saturday, happening on November 29, 2014.
A growing body of research shows that experiences make people happy. Stuff doesn’t. Make your people happy this holiday season.
Give a gift card to The Contemporary Austin – Art School and you are giving a personal experience that won’t soon be forgotten – along with a rewarding new skill! Classes for beginners and dedicated amateurs alike are taught by professional artists and are held at the inspiring 12-acre Laguna Gloria campus. Gift cards can be used for classes for adults, teens, or children.
Give a gift membership to The Contemporary Austin and you are giving a year of experiences with some of the most interesting artists working today – along with benefits including exclusive opening receptions, free admission to the popular Rooftop Architecture Film Series, discounts on special programs and events, and much more.
Locations:
The Contemporary Austin at Laguna Gloria, 3809 W. 35th Street
The Contemporary Austin at the Jones Center, 700 Congress Ave.
Website: http://www.thecontemporaryaustin.org/
Music Forever Music Together offers an internationally recognized, research-based music and movement program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and the adults that love them. In weekly classes, participants sing songs, dance, play with simple percussion instruments, have fun with chants, finger plays, rhythm games, and a rich variety of other music and movement activities. Take advantage of this holiday special: 40% off Music Forever Music Together Gift Certificates. Use the promo codes listed in the image below when ordering online. Makes the perfect gift of experience for your little ones!
Location: Classes in Mueller, Cedar Park, Brushy Creek, Round Rock, Bee Cave, Steiner Ranch, and Oak Hill
Phone: 512-358-4278
Website: www.musicforevermt.com
Wild Orchid Salon has three Austin locations providing a variety of hair and skin care services including haircuts, color processing, ombrÃ, balayage, keratin smoothing treatments, hair extensions, eye lash extensions, facials and waxing. You are sure to leave looking perfectly fabulous! Treat yourself for the holidays or purchase a gift certificate for that special someone!
Looking for a great stocking stuffer for the health conscious person in your life? Primal Pit Paste is a truly organic, all-natural deodorant that actually works! Based in Austin, Primal Pit Paste was born from a quest to find natural and safe personal care products for an entire family to use that are free of toxic chemicals. The all natural deodorant is paraben-free, aluminum-free and actually works—you’ll decide to GO PRIMAL. A healthy, organic deodorant that actually works for all types of moms, dads, kids and athletes alike!
Use code: GOPRIMALAUSTIN
Be sure to enter our Primal Pit Paste giveaway here!
Terra Toys, an Austin original since 1978, is a locally owned, independent toy store that carries classic toys from around the world. Terra Toys is an Austin favorite that offers toys that promote classic and creative play. Make-believe, discovery, and interactive toys are stacked to the ceilings, with rare and unusual kinds you can’t find anywhere else. Be sure to check out the Terra Toys Top Ten List for 2014 for some toy buying inspiration for all ages!
Take advantage for FREE Gift Wrapping for all items purchased in the store!
Location: 2438 W. Anderson Lane
Phone: 512- 445-4489
Website: http://www.terratoys.com/
Perfect for getting that last minute holiday shopping without the kids done, Ashley’s Playhouse is a drop-in licensed childcare center for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old. With supervised, structured play in a creative and fun environment, children learn best by doing what they love most — playing! With indoor and outdoor play spaces, daily activities, weekly themes and a schedule that meets your needs, Ashley’s Playhouse is a place that parents and children alike can’t wait to return. Use Ashley’s Playhouse for extra hands during the holidays or throughout the year for date nights, errands, regular or backup care. Open year round; Monday-Saturday for drop in care, and on Sundays for private parties. Hours: Monday-Thursday: 7am-10pm; Friday: 7am-Midnight; Saturday: 8am-Midnight.
Holiday Special: Take 1/2 off registration with code HG14! This code is for online orders only and expires January 15, 2015.
Location: 13343 N. Hwy 183, Suite 200, Austin (183 & Anderson Mill, next to Kerbey Lane Cafe)
With every purchase of the fun children’s book Double Decker Dream Machine Goes to Mexico, or of an upcycled, hand-stamped “Feed Love Pray” bracelet, local author Jessica Monnich donates money to help feed a needy child in Acuna, Mexico lunch for two months!
Jessica makes the bracelets out of vintage spoons, purchased at local flea markets. Here’s a picture of the one Heidi bought!
Visit Jessica’s Etsy shop and enter the shop coupon code SHOPLOCALAUSTIN to get a 20% discount on your very own stamped spoon bracelet! This code expires on December 3, 2014.
Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/lovemarriageandbabyc
Catherine Prystup is mama to three kiddos ranging in age from 2 to 15. Looking for more wisdom on how to spend your days? Head on over to LiveMom.com, a resource website for Austin-area moms (and dads, too!) where you will find more of her awesome wisdom.
