Where to Shop Local in Austin for the Holidays
December 1, 2023
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Shopping local is as important as ever. The cost of living in Austin has risen considerably in the last few years, and the retailers and designers who make Austin unique need our support! Our neighborhood, East Austin, is a great place to do your local Austin holiday shopping. There are many cool, indie shops featuring local artists and one-of-a-kind items to elevate your gift-giving experience!
If you are looking to shop local Austin businesses this year for the holidays or anytime, consider these great East Austin shops and studios. We present the Heywood Hotel East Austin Holiday Shopping Guide for 2023!
Shopping Near Saltillo and East 6th St. in Austin
Amanda Deer offers dainty everyday jewelry with classy, minimalistic lines. Stop by their flagship East Austin store on E. 5th St. where you can view their full collection and even have a permanent bracelet customized for you by their team of jewelers.
Along E. 6th St, Prisma Vintage is a seasonally curated vintage resale store selling amazingly affordable and designer finds from the 1950s to 1990s.
Just across the street, City Alchemist is a cute little store that serves all of your “witchy” needs, including stones, crystals, books and candles.
Small World Goods is relatively new to the neighborhood, but it’s a welcome addition offering ethically sourced items from Asian and African artisans. The small and thoughtfully curated shop on E. 6th Street offers a variety of goods ranging from hand-dyed lumbar pillowcases to authentic tribal jewelry.
Looking for minimalist and natural clothing that not only looks good, but also is good for the environment? Esby is the place! Esby’s apparel is designed in Austin and manufactured in the US.
Blk Vinyl is a great little record store specializing in rock and pop featuring ‘60s and ‘70s prog, psych, and garage as well as a large selection of jazz and R&B.
Shop the East 11th Street Shopping District in East Austin
A favorite boutique destination in East Austin is the 11th Street Shopping District. Take Heart offers a thoughtful selection of minimalist and handcrafted home decor, accessories, gifts and art and remains a Heywood staff favorite.
And if you are looking for a gift for the favorite guy in your life, look no further than Helm Boots. Helm Boots’ line of men’s footwear is not only gorgeous, it’s 100% produced in the United States.
Trying to impress your fashionista sister or friend? Charm School Vintage carries an expertly curated selection of vintage clothing, sustainable jewelry, apothecary products and crystals.
Apartment F designs and curates an assortment of homewares, textiles, vintage rugs, artwork, apothecary, and much more from around the globe.
Lovecraft Vintage is a woman-owned boutique featuring hand-selected vintage, local designers and independent brands. Their curated collections focus on neutral colors and minimalist styling.
Vintage Bookstore and Wine Bar is the perfect spot to cap off your East 11th Street shopping tour. This beautifully restored historical building features a curated selection of books and gifts along with a coffee and wine bar. Best of all is the cozy seating and welcoming vibes throughout.
And just down 11th St., make sure to visit Kindred Spirits. From the same owner and creative force behind Take Heart, Kindred Spirits is a women’s shop with an emphasis on casual clothing made with natural textiles, minimalist jewelry, and accessories. A beautiful shop and enjoyable shopping experience.
Head northeast and shop with pride at The Little Gay Shop. Purchase artwork, books, and curios created by LGBTQIA+ makers. Whether you are interested in clothing with a statement or a Dolly Parton rainbow mug (which is also a statement), The Little Gay Shop will help you celebrate all things queer!
And a block up on 13th, be sure to check out Marcela Homrich. Local freelance illustrator Marcela opened a store front next to her creative space to share all her textiles, prints, and jewelry that she loves to create.
Canopy: A One-stop Spot for Art and Craft Goods in Austin
The Canopy collective space is a great destination for artist-made goods. The Canopy community occupies four acres off Springdale Road in East Austin. Visitors can browse store fronts and galleries and see artists in the studios where they work. You can check out their listing of artists and studios.
Every November, the entire Canopy community opens their studios for the annual East Austin Studio Tour, which presents an incredible opportunity to see and purchase art and goods directly from the makers. Here are a few of our favorites who have studio hours year-round.
Everything at Son of a Sailor is handmade in the owners’ studio at Canopy. This wife and husband team creates lifestyle goods including jewelry, leather accessories, collectible toys, wooden homegoods and more.
Right next door, check out Yard Dog Gallery, an unconventional gallery that highlights work from American Folk Artists from the US, Canada, and Mexico. The gallery spent 24 years on S. Congress and now calls the Eastside home and is open Thursday through Saturday.
Also located at Canopy and available by appointment, Keith Kreeger creates perfectly minimalist ceramics, all handcrafted and sturdy enough for daily use. His work is favored by Austin’s most stylish restaurants.
One of our favorite jewelry designers, Lisa Crowder, is also located at Canopy. Make an appointment to visit her studio, where she makes and sells her contemporary designs.
Springdale Area and East
In the area around Canopy, several shops have opened in the last few years.
Blackfeather Vintage is an eclectic shop showcasing looks that range from Boho to rockabilly, kitschy to posh. We love browsing their expansive selection of clothing, accessories, and oddities for men and women.
Plant Party sells succulents, houseplants and ceramics. And, bonus, they offer free, same-day delivery in Austin if you order by 2pm. For a fun outing, book a private workshop with your friends or colleagues to build a custom terrarium.
The complex known as Springdale General features a few cute shops. Check out Clover + Maven for art, home goods and apothecary items made exclusively by women artists, makers and entrepreneurs.
The Paper and Craft Pantry has long been our go-to for stationery, notebooks, gift cards, candles, gifts and more. Their cute Eastside studio also offers crafting workshops.
Zhi Tea is an official supplier of the Heywood Hotel. Stop in their tearoom to refresh after a long day of shopping, and pick up gift baskets and samplers for your favorite tea drinker.
Shop East Cesar Chavez and Holly Neighborhoods
The area around the Heywood Hotel has a few shopping stops that we like to recommend to all of our guests.
If you are looking to get dolled up this holiday season, Coco Coquette has fun fashion toys like wigs, fake eyelashes and vintage costume jewelry. It’s a perfect destination to find your authentic (and fabulous) self, and it’s located right down the street from the Heywood Hotel on East Cesar Chavez St.!
Cloud Tree Studios on East 5th St., is a gallery and event space featuring woodwork by Brian David Johnson. Brian’s wooden vases can be seen throughout the Heywood Hotel. The gallery also often features work from other jewelers and artists. Stop in Monday through Saturday, 12pm-5pm, or Sundays by appointment.
… And don’t forget, you can always shop Heywood! Drop by our lobby and browse our gift shop shelves. We sell Heywood logo t-shirts, totes, our Heywood Blend coffee, and curated gifts from local makers. We’re open 8am to 7pm daily at 1609 E. Cesar Chavez St.
If you are looking to treat yourself or someone you love, to a stay at the hotel, pick up a gift certificate online! And for those wanting to recreate the luxury of the Heywood, at home, shop our sheet collection. Our luxury sheets are soft and wrinkle-free right out of the package, and they are durable through hundreds of washes. 100% cotton. Please email us for more information!
Featured image courtesy Son of a Sailor