This is a comprehensive list of Austin gift ideas for your local friends, and those you are trying to convince to move here!
You’ll find the perfect gift at any of the unique Austin businesses around town. Local businesses here are different, off the beaten path, and offer novel gifts that your people will love.
Whether it’s gift cards, gift certificates, or IOUs for local outdoor adventures, you’ll find the best great Austin gifts here!
It’s Shopping Season!
Yall, the weather is getting cooler and the holidays are fast approaching! It’s not only sweater weather, holiday season, it’s shopping season!
Austin has such a unique vibe: it has combination of creative energy, Texas hospitality, and just enough weirdness to make it a place where people feel free to express themselves, try new things, and enjoy the good things in life. It’s a city that offers both a small-town feel and big-city amenities, making it truly one of a kind.
Check out these authentic gifts to catch the spirit of Austin for your shopping this season! Some of these are amazon affiliate links, which I may make a small commission from.
Austin Gift Guide 2024
Austin Foods and Snacks
Local food and snacks are always a good idea! Whether you’re sending deliciousness through the mail or treating your friends in person, food gifts are always great ideas.
Austin’s Own Barbecue Sauce
Austin’s Own is truly a family-recipe barbecue sauce that has grown from a small batch to national distribution. They are still local though and can be found here.
Franklin’s Barbecue
Franklin’s Barbecue might be the most famous barbecue in Austin. If you aren’t wanting to send an edible gift, consider this box set of paperbacks from Aaron Franklin. This includes Franklin Barbecue and Franklin Steak.
The Salt Lick
The Salt Lick is a famous and fantastic barbecue restaurant just south of Austin. If you can’t treat your loved ones to a trip to the pit, you can send them a little bit of local flavor with Salt Lick dry rubs.
Tacos!
No Austin culinary scene would be complete without tacos, and tacos are always good gifts. My favorite tacos available for local delivery are Torchy’s, Tacodeli, and Veracruz All Natural.
Austin Gifts
The Burlap Bag
The Burlap Bag candles have amazing names (Puppy Breath, Smelly Cat, Someone in Austin Loves Me). They are made from all natural US soy beans and are hand poured in Austin, Texas in small batches to ensure quality. I happen to know the owner and have bought many candles from her. I can vouch!
Whiskey Glasses
Whiskey glasses for Austin lovers and bourbon drinkers! These glasses features a map of the city etched into the glass. Find your favorite neighborhood and sip away.
Uncommon Objects
Uncommon Objects is one of the most interesting stores in Austin. They source their “transcendent junk” from craft shows, estate sales, and markets all over. They do not sell online, so head over to South Austin to check out their one of a kind hand picked goods.
The Austin Gift Company
The Austin Gift Company features over 150 booths from local artists and artisans under one roof. With a wide selection of gifts, this is a one-stop shop. You’ll find gifts that capture Austin’s iconic skyline, images of the Texas Hill Country, and the famous Mexican free-tailed bats. Christmas gifts are abundant here too.
Austin Adventures and Experiences
Adventures and experiences are fantastic gifts! From guided walks around Lady Bird Lake to being tourists on South Congress, doing is sometimes the best gift.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Do you have a film buff on your shopping list? The Alamo Drafthouse is seriously one of the most fun places in Austin. With their big comfy lounge chairs and full food and drink menu, it’s a better way to watch a movie! You can get Alamo Drafthouse gift cards so your friends and family can redeem at their leisure.
Guided Tour of Austin
Sometimes experience gifts are the most fun kind of gifts. This book, Austin Like a Local, includes 6 walking tours and is updated for 2024. This is a great Austin gift, as it will provide hours of experiences and memories.
Viva Day Spa
Viva Day Spa is a great way to gift a relaxing time. Founded by 3 women in Austin, Viva Day Spa is one of the best med spa locations, and day spas in Austin. Treat your significant other or bff to a blissful time here. Gift certificates are available.
Austin Music and Memorabilia
The music scene in Austin is popping! It’s my absolute favorite thing about Austin, formerly the city of Waterloo, currently the Live Music Capital of the World!
Waterloo Records
Waterloo Records is a staple in Austin. Located downtown on North Lamar, Waterloo features vinyl records from local bands and more. Your favorite music lover will cherish a gift from the live music capital of the world!
Live Music Tickets
If you are looking to create a really special event for an Austin gift, check out tickets for SXSW, ACL, or even one day concerts at Saxon Pub, The Continental Club, the Moody Center or Moody Amphitheater, Emo’s, Stubb’s, Antone’s…. there are sooo many great venues here. Keep up with the latest news and event calendars to find a show you’ll love.
Other Austin Favorites
Toy Joy
Toy Joy has provided Austin with games, books, puzzles, and toys since 1987. Visiting the store is an experience in itself! It’s not only children’s toys either! They have something fun for everyone!
Austin Rocks
Austin Rocks is a funky little boutique on 2nd Street. Here you can find any Austin gifts, from guitar picks, to cool shirts, shot glasses to “I love you so much” coasters. You can absolutely find unique and kind gifts here, to tell someone you are thinking about them!
The Austin Visitor Center
Located in the heart of Austin on 4th Street, the Visitor Center can help you plan the perfect experiences in Austin. If you are still looking for the best way to give the gift of Austin, check out the visitor center.
Keep Austin Weird
Shop local yall, and Keep Austin Weird!
These gifts are way cooler than another thing from Home Goods or Target. No shade, but these unique gift items are a fantastic idea to spread the weird, lovable vibe, from Austin zip codes to Round Rock, Georgetown, Houston, Dallas, and beyond.
About the author
Kathryn Alexander is a strength coach and personal trainer in Austin, Texas. She loves hiking, college football, and the feel of a perfectly knurled barbell. Read more about Kathryn here.
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