Local First Arizona’s Last Minute Holiday Shopper’s Guide

‘Twas the week before Christmas, and all through the town,
Procrastinators panicked, all wearing a frown.
The stockings hung empty, no gifts in their place,
Perhaps the big retailers could fix this disgrace.

But box stores were a madhouse — nothing unique,
This last minute gift search was seeming quite bleak.

When what to our red, watery eyes should appear,
But a Local First elf, spreading holiday cheer!

"Don’t fret," said the elf as he pulled out his phone,
“Shop online for your presents — let AZ set the tone.”

So onto the internet we jumped with our guide,

On a hunt for great local gifts hidden inside.

To bakeries, bookstores, the spa down the lane,
To gyms and to theaters, we sped like a train!

Shopping fab local websites filled us with glee,
Knowing each gift gave back to our community.

We sent out our presents that cool desert night,
Knowing that Christmas would shine ever bright.

So remember, dear friends, as the clock starts to tick,
Shopping local online’s the best holiday trick!

Procrastinators Take Heart!

From indie bookstores to foodie faves, gyms, the arts and even zoos — we’ve rounded up the local businesses and organizations offering last minute online gifting options for everyone on your list. Our local online shopping list will help you find truly thoughtful gifts, minimize your environmental footprint and show your support for an entrepreneurially-minded neighbor!

For the Book & Music Lovers on Your List:

• Changing Hands Bookstores (Phoenix)

• Palabras Bilingual Bookstore (Phoenix)

• Brightside Bookshop (Flagstaff)

• Antigone Books (Tucson)

• StinkWeeds (Phoenix)

• Zia Records (Phoenix and Tucson)

For the Arts, Culture & Nature Aficionado:

• Desert Botanical Garden (Phoenix)

• Phoenix Art Museum (Phoenix)

• Tucson Botanical Garden (Tucson)

• Tucson Symphony Orchestra (Tucson)

• Reid Park Zoo (Tucson)

• Verde Canyon Railroad (Clarkdale)

• A subscription to Arizona Highways 

The Gift of Eating, Drinking & Being Merry

• Kingfisher (Tucson) 

• Hotel Congress (Tucson) 

• Historic Barrel and Bottle House/Historic Brewing Co. (Flagstaff) 

• Latha Restaurant and Bar (Phoenix)

• AZ Wilderness Brewing Co (Phoenix/Gilbert)

• Drink Me Tearoom (Tempe) 

• Prescott Farmers Market (Prescott)

• K4 Gourmet Beef (located in Prescott, but ship statewide)

The Gift of Health, Wellness & Creativity

• Sedona’s New Day Spa (Sedona)

• The Hike House (Sedona)

• Strawberry Hedgehog Soap Shop & Vegan Boutique (Phoenix) 

• Refuel Body & Mind (Phoenix)

• Phoenix Rock Gym (Phoenix)

• Craft Nights (Phoenix)

• Sunshine Sunflower (Phoenix)

• The Fern Grove Spa (Tucson)

• Pam's Fizzy Factory Kids Spa (Tucson)

• Sonoran Glass School (Tucson) 

Still feeling stumped?

Check out our Arizona local business directory, our Green Business Finder or our Good Food Finder website for local holiday gift ideas and Arizona businesses you’ll want to visit all year long!

If you want to make a gift of impact, consider donating to Local First Arizona. To invest in the spirit of small businesses in your community, make a tax deductible donation here.