12 Local Holiday Gifts You Haven't Thought Of
So, the holiday season is upon us once again, and you have to find the perfect gift for your loved ones. The job can be stressful as you not only have to decide what to buy but also where you should be shopping. But don’t worry we’re here to help! This Shop Local Month, whether your giftee is a foodie, a music lover, or the outdoorsy type; countless local Arizona businesses can help make the shopping experience a little easier with free expertise and unique gifts that are second to none.
Here are 12 local gifts you haven’t thought of:
State Forty-Eight offers an array of fashionable designs that will showcase just about any Arizonian’s passion for the state. Recently, we teamed up with them to create our new “Localist” t-shirt that not only looks stylish, but proceeds from the t-shirt help support Local First Arizona’s initiative to build an Arizona we can proudly call home by supporting and strengthening our small businesses.
What’s better for the recreationist in your life than the gift to roam one of Arizona’s many state parks. With the Arizona State Parks gift card, adventurers can use them for park entry, overnight camping, tours, and park gift shop purchases. You can purchase them online or at any of the park office locations.
Join the Local First Arizona Rural Development council for curated weekend trips that will provide one-of-a-kind vacations in Kingman (Feb. 21 -23, 2020) or the sky islands of Patagonia (May 1 - May 3, 2020). Go beyond Route 66! Through collaborations with these two communities, we were able to curate authentic experiences that will provide each traveler with a new reason to fall in love with their state.
All three 2020 Devour Week events are on sale and selling quick! Gift the gift of food with Devour The World, Devour The World or the 11th Annual Devour Culinary Classic (Saturday Tasting Packages are SOLD OUT). Another great option? The Devour Phoenix Instagift is a digital gift card that can be used at 19 of our Devour Coalition Member Restaurants. Venture out and discover new restaurants that offer delicious dishes that tell the story of Arizona – through good food!
5. Cool Threads
Looking for some cool clothes for that snazzy dressed person in your life? Why not give them a gift card to the Phoenix General. It is a one-of-a-kind store that specialize in locally sourced gifts, jewelry, household items, and clothing that appeals to the modern desert aesthetic.
For the music geeks, might we suggest tickets to one of the Musical Instrument Museum’s 2020 Winter/Spring concert series? The series includes a barrage of different musical stylings from various artists, such as The Milk Carton Kids, Iris Dement, Herb Alpert, and The Manhattan Transfer. Don’t forget to check out the museum portion as well! It is not only one of the most beloved museums in Phoenix, but also one of the most acclaimed in the country.
If you are like us, you always look forward to the holiday popcorn that comes in those festive aluminum tins. Or maybe you don’t? Well this year why not upgrade those tins for something delicious and local? POPPED Artisan offers several popcorn sets with different unique flavors, such as: Sea Salt Caramel, Lemon Poppyseed, Churro, Bourbon Espresso, and many more.
OSHO Distillery is offering a behind the scenes look into how they make their spirits. Take a tour and find your local holiday spirit. Each ticket includes an entry for two, as well as a tasting of 4 of their spirits. The best part? You will leave the tour with one free bottle to take home!
Sweets are essential to surviving the holidays, and might we say, this CENTRAL-ly located bakery spot in Phoenix is perfect for a before-work stop in. Central Baking Company offers many different confections like cupcakes, cookies, scones, cakes, and cannoli or a special order made just for you.
If you are having trouble figuring out what to get somebody for the holidays, why not gift them something that includes their pets? Consider getting professional pet photos! Flash and Hound Photography offers shoots with multiple price points that will fit everybody’s budget.
Becoming a Localist member with Local First Arizona is a great option for those with a passion for their local community. As a Localist, you will receive invitations and access to unique experiences throughout the year that support local businesses. Simply donate and give the gift of local! Did we mention you get a free t-shirt?
Cartel Coffee Lab in Tempe is currently offering monthly courses that allow groups of 4+ to learn how to roast their own coffee. The group will work alongside their head roaster who will teach them the basics such as terminology and roasting steps. Once the group is through with the demonstration, everyone will have a chance to roast a batch of coffee in one of their sample roasters. Best of all, you get to keep what you roast!