Sure, you can go to an upscale chain store to find something wonderful and precious for your very special holiday someone. But why do that when you can get wonderful, precious and completely unique presents they’ll never forget from one of these divine local establishments?
The Menagerie
Since 1978, The Menagerie has offered an expertly curated selection of fine jewelry, home and holiday treasures that never fail to exceed expectations of those with discriminating taste. Their gorgeous holiday items (including ornaments featuring hand calligraphy), luxury bath treats such as Niven Morgan lotions and new and estate silver are bound to thrill. Their selection of vintage and new silver flasks, magnifying glasses, cocktail ware, cufflinks and button covers are especially appealing for the stylish men on your list.
Feather Your Nest
Incredibly soft and beautiful Bella Notte throws, luxurious Sferra sheets, gorgeous Juliska dishes, perfect cashmere slippers, vintage linen embroidered tip towels and classic Nest candles are just some of French-country-inspired bounty at Feather Your Nest. They’re having a big pre-holiday sale right now, so pick up something for yourself, too.
Audrey Kelly
We have a huge crush on Audrey Kelly. This Westlake boutique is all about the stories behind its so-perfect selection, and it lives up to its namesakes (Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, if you were wondering). Just a couple of examples: insanely luxurious cashmere throws from Johnstons of Elgin, long (long)-time supplier of cashmere to the likes of Hermes, Burberry and Chanel, and a perfume made by House of Lubin especially for Grace Kelly (“Gin Fizz”) the year she won the Oscar. There’s lots more. Just go.
Mecca Gym & Spa
Mecca is the perfect retreat for Austinites, and a gift of services from its spa will endear you in long-term fashion to your beloved giftee. Its Fifth and Lamar location is not only iconic but convenient to all, and its massages, facials and other services are truly out of this world. Be sure to advise your lucky recipient to stop by the café for a neighborhood-themed smoothie (The Hyde Park, the Travis Heights, etc.) on the way out. Austin-perfect.
Bay Hill Designs
Bay Hill is a full-service design house, but it’s also a great retail destination for lovely home items. Their preserved boxwood-leaf placemats and wreaths stand out from the flood of seasonal items and attract response in any season, and such unique items as monogrammed vintage linen tea towels, Fortuny napkin rings and elegant barware are sure to please.
Eliza Page
Combining exquisite jewelry design and highly individual vision, Eliza Page embodies the quintessential Austin story. Their refreshing, invigorating Second Street store features stunning and unique designs from both Austin-grown designers — including Shaesby, Christine Fail and Lisa Crowder, among others — and cutting-edge international sensations. The friendly and knowledgeable staff makes it easy to find exactly what you need to thrill your special ones.
Prize
Located in the Second Street District, Prize offers a carefully curated selection of Austin-perfect items from around the world. The vegan and “cruelty-free” (also beautiful) bags of Matt + Nat and Cornelia Guest, respectively; the “gurgling” fish pitchers and the beyond-madly beautiful saffron-colored clutches and crisp Royal Highness robes and PJs all meet the comfort/strange-beauty ratio required of discriminating Austinites.
Prize
