Cool Austin Gifts for the Holidays

December 17, 2020 by Sarah K. Wolf

Tis the Season to Shop Local

Last minute shopper? Stuck on what to stuff in your stocking? Tired of giving all of your money to Amazon? Here are a few of our favorite local gifts that support Austin businesses and good causes.

Camper Mugs from The Liberty

These mugs are stylish yet sturdy, and perfect for hot chocolate, tea, or let’s be real - hot toddies. Stop by the Liberty to grab these limited-edition mugs, and maybe grab a socially-distanced cocktail while you’re at it. Don’t forget to tip your bartender.

Dominoes from Kinda Tropical

These dominoes from Kinda Tropical don’t just look super cool (though they totally do), they also support a great East Austin spot and their teams during these crazy times. Need more gift inspiration? Kinda Tropical has all sorts of merch sold through Fine Southern Gentlemen, like koozies, postcards, and tropical hats. These dominoes also come with special “house rules” - who’s ready to play?

Hoodie from Nickel City

A hooded sweatshirt is about all you need to stay warm during an Austin winter and this Nickel City piece will make you super stylish while you WFH or quarantine this year.

Ornaments from the Paramount Theatre

Ornaments from the Paramount Theatre not only make a super thoughtful gift (and perfect stocking stuffer), but they also support a local icon. The Paramount is over 100 years old and a true Austin treasure and they need the community’s support to keep their programming going, so buy an ornament or ten this year.

Face Mask from Emancipet

We never thought we’d be gifting masks to each other for the holidays, but here we are! These Emancipet branded masks are made by Kingsted, so you know they are cozy and comfy and come in two colors. Your purchase of these masks or any other Emancipet swag helps this nonprofit provide veterinary care to all - and that’s pretty awesome.

Donate an Art Box

Stuck on what to give that loved one that already has too much stuff? Sponsor an Art Box through Texas Cultural Trust. This art box includes basic art supplies, materials, and ideas for how to stay creative at home and is given to a child in a Texas Title I school. You can feel good about your donation AND pass on bonus good karma points for the holidays.

Austin Craft Kits, Cocktail Kits, Dessert boxes, and More

August 06, 2020 by Sarah K. Wolf

Getting Kitschy with DIY Kits During Our Stay-Home Summer

Let’s face it, this summer is a bummer! A lot of us have been home since March, staying safe and trying to keep sane during These Crazy Times™. Local Austin businesses have had to pivot, and many are creating new ways for you to enjoy their goods at home and keep yourself entertained. We’ve rounded up a list of our favorite DIY kits in Austin, from cupcakes and macramé to jewelry making and booze. Try these out and stay safe, y’all!

Crafty Kits

Oui Macramé

Perfect for macramé beginners, these kits start out teaching you the basics of this knotty art, starting with small pieces and growing from there. In your kit, you’ll receive detailed instructions, all of the supplies needed to create a beautiful macramé piece (stones! feathers! wow!), and maybe even a few surprises… Available as a subscription box or single project kit. Watch our CBS segment with Casey from Oui Macramé to get the full scoop. Shop Oui Macramé kits.

The Art Garage

Creative Kits are available through The Art Garage, specializing in painting and tie-dye kits that are perfect for the kiddos. Kits are available for pickup, shipping, or delivery, making it easy to bring crafty entertainment straight to you. Shop creative kits.

The Cathedral x atxGALS

Opening a coworking and event space before a pandemic certainly has its challenges, and the ladies of The Cathedral are handling their new dynamic with creativity and grace. Offering online workshops paired with art kits, the artists of atxGALS are leading exciting digital classes from “Paint a Cactus” to embroidery and more. Shop workshops.

Girls Empowerment Network

GEN has rolled out Spark Kits, which include 25 self-guided activity kits made for girls 3rd-8th great so they can create some magic of their own from home. Feeling generous? Sponsor a Spark Kit for only $35 and help a girl feel connected and confident. Shop Spark Kits.

Treat Yo Self!

Mindy’s Bakeshop

It’s always a good time for cookies, and with DIY Cookie Kits from Mindy’s Bakeshop you can decorate your own with as much icing as you want! Seasonally themed and perfect for sharing. Shop Cookie Kits.

The Cupcake Bar

Now this is the type of mail subscription we need! The Cupcake Bar has launched a Sweet Subscription Box program, where cupcake fairies will deliver a unique cupcake box straight to your doorstep. They bake the cakes, you add the flair. Shop cupcakes.

The Cavalier

It’s Tiki time! The Cavalier offers Tiki Kit subscriptions with cocktail recipes, fixins, themed mug, and playlist for each month. It’s *almost* like you’re on vacation! Shop Tiki kits.

DrinkWell

Cool down in August with the “Hell or Highballer” happy hour series from DrinkWell. Join them every Thursday for a virtual happy hour focused on the highball, and tickets to happy hour include cocktail kit and recipe, bar snack, and guided spirits tasting. Shop happy hour kits.

5 Local Picks for Mother's Day in Austin

May 07, 2020 by Sarah K. Wolf

This Mother’s Day, shop small and support Austin businesses when they need you most - Mom will love it! We’ve rounded up some sweet gift ideas for Mom (including dog moms!) that are easy to get, even when you’re staying home.

1. Send Mom a Puppy: Mom will love this gift and she doesn’t have to clean up any mess! Austin’s favorite dog photographers Zilker Bark have teamed up with HEB for their new “Send a Puppy” program. It’s easy to go - simply visit their site and for only $5 you can send an adorable puppy photo to someone special. The best part? It helps raise money for Meals on Wheels.

2. More cheese, please: The perfect gift for the foodie parent, Antonelli’s Cheese Shop is now offering virtual cheese tasting classes so mom can enjoy her bites wherever she may be. Antonelli’s is offering four types of classes: 1) Private tastings for groups of 20 with video chat (perfect for the whole family!). 2) Check out a class via Facebook Live every Wednesday 6-7pm. 3) A special meet-the-maker class co-hosted by John Antonelli. 4) Cheese 101 in a Box - the best option for shipping.

3. Tea time: Mozart’s Coffee Roasters has prepared ADORABLE Mother’s Day High Tea & Coffee boxes just in time for the big day. Need something a little boozy? Check out their “Cake by the Lake” and pair your cake with a bottle of bubbly or wine.

4. Local love: One of our favorite shops, Parts & Labour, is offering a variety of ways to shop their store while staying safe. You can book a private shopping session, shop online and pick up curbside, or shop in-store with a limited-amount of customers to keep it cool and safe. Favorite items from Parts & Labour include this incredible cat tote bag (shout out to cat moms!), cute hoops, and Texas necklace.

5. Brunch to-go: Can’t take mom out to brunch? Bring brunch to mom! The ABGB is offering a family-style brunch box that includes an avocado toast sampler (yum!), muffins, bottle of bubbly, orange juice (can’t forget that for mimosas!), strawberries, and chocolate truffles. Time to spoil mom, she deserves it!

Limited Edition T-Shirts Help Austin Small Business Community

April 16, 2020 by Sarah K. Wolf

The generous folks at Fine Southern Gentlemen have launched their Austin Will Survive online store, helping small businesses raise funds during the times of Coronavirus. You’ll see lots of favorites and friends on this list, like Toy Joy, Cheer Up Charlies, Blue Velvet, White Horse, and yours truly. Shirts are only available for a two-week period (so shameless plug - grab your Good Party shirt today!) and are a stylish way to support your local community.

Austin for Aussies raises money for Australian Animals

February 10, 2020 by Sarah K. Wolf

We did it! Thank you, Austin! We recently hosted Austin for Aussie Animals, a fundraiser for Australian animals hurt by the recent drought and fires. Thanks to the support of the community, Good Party, ZilkerBark, and Central Machine Works were able to donate over $4,700 to WIRES. We partied hard with Tiny Tails to You Traveling Petting Zoo, Girlfriend ATX, dog tarot readings, ZilkerBark photos, custom t-shirts by Texas Rich, and an epic raffle with items from local businesses. We couldn’t do it without, thanks for giving a damn y’all. Check out our photo album, and stay tuned for more events that give back!