The Saturday after Thanksgiving — and day after Black Friday — is often dedicated to buying from local and/or small businesses. These small-lot gifts tend to lend a more personal touch to holiday giving, and can have a huge impact on the people who produce them.
In that spirit, the city of Buda is hosting Shop Small Saturday on November 30 from 9 am-7 pm. Around 40 local businesses are expected to participate, all the while offering exclusive products, discounts, and festive experiences.
There will even be a trolley service that stops at key locations up and down Main Street, from City Park to Buda Mill & Grain, making it easy to explore all the festivities.
To extend the holiday spirit year-round, Buda EDC is also launching a community gift card program.
Powered by Yiftee, this program includes a limited-time BOGO offer: For every $100 in gift cards purchased through Christmas, shoppers receive $20 in bonus bucks (some restrictions apply). While this BOGO bonus is only available through Christmas, you can almost certainly count on additional specials popping up throughout the year.
But wait, you might be thinking, isn't November 30 the return of the big Texas A&M vs. UT rivalry game? Not to worry.
From the north end of Main Street to Buda Mill & Grain, the game of the day will be on display. Join the official watch party at Willie's Joint, or stop in at Brooklyn's Down South, Mudbugs, Budaful Tavern, or Main Street Pizza to refuel with some bites and drinks as you wander in and out of shops between plays. The Salon Off Main will even have the game on, if you need to duck in for a trim.
Other places to stop for a shopping break include Gotji's Kitchen Food Truck, Jake's Pizza Pit Stop, Progress Coffee + Beer, Buda's Healthy Nutrition, and A Snowball's Chance.
Need a nudge of inspiration before you start shopping? Map out your route with these gift suggestions:
A fashionable family
Find apparel for him, her, and even the littles at Red Door and Mercantile at the Mill & Grain. For more feminine fashionistas finds, hit up Little Blue Bird, Ellipsis, and Grace Monroe. Don't forget the pups and stop in at Shaggy Dog.
Grace Monroe.Photo courtesy of Buda Economic Development Corporation
Home for the holidays
Mercantile at the Mill & Grain pops up again, but Posie is also a top spot for cute home goods and accessories. Cheeky signs for both indoors and out await at Old Main Street Station and there's plenty of unique art from Assemblage Gallery, while furniture treasures abound at Mockingbird Made, Old Town Buda Antique Mall, Antiques & More, and Retro Ranch ATX.
Sweets and other treats
Looking for stocking stuffers? Stock up on old-fashioned candy from Buda Drugstore and Soda Fountain or upgraded pantry and hosting staples like olive oil, jams, nuts, and other delectable nibbles from Dos Olivos.
Dos Olivos.Photo courtesy of Buda Economic Development Corporation
For coffee enthusiasts, pick up a bag of beans from Embrace the Grind, Meridian, and Summer Moon.
Proof Liquor has an array of interesting whiskeys while Water to Wine has a bottle — or a case — for your wine-obsessed friend.
Someone embracing a healthier lifestyle in 2025? Set them up for success with natural remedies and supplements from Zoi Market.
Gifts of experience
These are for the friends and family who love to get out and do something. Outfit outdoor enthusiasts and get game-day ready at Hays Co Outfitters, present a plant from Saint Montogren's Florist, cheer on a cyclist with supplies or services from Buda Bike Company, supply a quilter with materials from B&B Quilting, invite someone into the humidor a The Cigar Vault, or give a certificate to classes at Inspiring Minds Art Center.
Inspiring Minds Art Center.Photo courtesy of Buda Economic Development Corporation
R&R in 2025
There's also something to be said for just taking it easy. Give the gift of a relaxing massage at The Massage Studio and Zoi Spa, and head into 2025 with a serene outlook.
Photo courtesy of Buda Economic Development Corporation
