Let’s face it — Austin is just one of those places that finds a special place in your heart and never moves out. For those unlucky few who have to move away from Austin, no matter how brief their stay, the lack of Austin struggle is real. And with the million and one things to do in Austin during the holidays, this is a time for those heartstrings to get tugged and the homesickness to really kick in. One way to help fend off the homesick illness is with a special gift that is oh so Austin. Of course, it’s not really possible to shove a hike up Mount Bonnell or a night at Alamo Drafthouse into a FedEx box, but these gifts should help bring back some fond ATX memories.
Truly Texan Foodie Stuffs
Not too surprisingly, the thing that people tend to miss the most about Austin is the food. Taco Tuesdays just aren’t the same outside of the Lone Star State. And though we don’t have the monopoly on barbecue, we tend to do it pretty well. Pack up a box of these items with a big dash of love and your person will know how very much you care.
One Word: Barbecue
They may not be able to make their pork ribs fall off the bone quite like places like Salt Lick and Franklin BBQ, but they can at least get those flavors close when cooking at home. Items like Stubb’s BBQ sauce and the Salt Lick cookbook should do the trick. And if you’re looking to really spoil someone, get them a BBQ party in a box with this special Are You Yeti? BBQ Package from Rudy’s BBQ.
Everything’s Spicier in Texas
Austin has some great homemade hot sauces, and nothing puts a little extra kick in someone’s homesick step like a bit of Yellowbird Sauce or some very necessary taco topper — the Torchy’s Diablo Sauce. You could also show your love (or hate) with some downright ridiculous sauces from Tears of Joy, including their 1 Million Scoville Pepper Extract. Yikes.
HEB/ Whataburger Care Package
They aren’t lying when they say “here, everything is better” — just try shopping at other grocery stores after having an HEB in your life. Hell, you can be living driving distance from Kona coffee growers and still not be able to find anything Texas Pecan or Taste of Austin flavored like those from the Cafe Olé line. Just go crazy on those aisles to put together a care package of HEB brand goodies.
While you’re there, grab some Whataburger snacks, too. You may not be able to ship a Whataburger or a dozen taquitos and have them still taste great, but those salt & pepper fries sure are yummy. And the condiments? Oh man, once you’ve had Whataburger spicy ketchup, there’s just no going back.
Wake and Bake — Some Treats
You can never go wrong with pancakes in the morning, and the Kerbey Lane pancake (and baking) mix hits that comfy spot. They even have a gluten-free version! Your gift recipient could also get creative and mix up a batch of honey butter to spread on some biscuits with a gift from Two Hives Honey. Have them mix in some pecans from Austinuts, and it’s a truly Texas morning.
Because You Can Never Give Enough Sugar
At the risk of getting Maroon 5 stuck in your head all day, sugarrrrrr is almost always a great gift, and Austin has some wonderful confectioners with sweet treats to offer. Of course, Lammes Candies is the classic Austin sweet shop, and pecan praline packages are as Texas as you can get. If you’re looking to really dazzle that special someone, Maggie Louise Confections makes chocolates so beautiful, they may never actually want to eat them. They have some lovely holiday gift boxes including an advent calendar, Starry Nights for Hanukkah, and the Texas-themed Happy Holidays Y’all. And if you really want to get your person chocolate wasted, you’ll want to shop at Delysia Chocolatier — their holiday section combined with a Texas boot made of chocolate will make you a friend for life.
Because Food Won’t Last Forever
Of course, food is great, but some people really want something that will last. These gifts will certainly help to bring back some cherished memories.
Longhorn Gear
What starts at UT changes the world, and spreads out into it. Can you just imagine how hard it is to find a Longhorn hoodie or a burnt orange beverage bottle in Australia? Send a HookEm-gram across the pond (or just across state lines — Oklahoma, maybe?) with one of our many choices of gifts for Longhorn fans.
Homesick Candle
At Homesick Candles they want to “fill your house with home.” They offer up a range of hand-poured candle scents for all 50 states. The Texas Homesick Candle “includes a hint of leather, a bit of fresh cotton, and just a touch of sage.” It may not be as accurate as BBQ and beer smell, but it should do the trick.
Austin Humor
Who wouldn’t enjoy this book of the hilariously relatable El Arroyo signs? Not anyone we know! There are now THREE volumes available featuring the hilariousness of the El Arroyo sign. Available at various stores around Austin or online here.
Austin City Gift Baskets
Thanks to Austin City Gift Baskets you can “give the gift of local Austin flavor.” There they fill each basket full of Austin goodness by combining the authentic, original, and diverse tastes of Austin. Holiday baskets include the Seasons Greetings Snack Basket, Austin Ornament Basket, and the Austin Snowflake Basket.
Featured photo from Homesick Candles
