[Photo above: THE SCOUT GUIDE: AUSTIN, a great source for finding leading Austin retailers.]
As a leading local Austin brand and purveyor of business gifts and personal gifts, at VETA NELL we are often asked "what would be an ideal Austin gift" or "what are the top gifts from Austin" or "what are the best Austin brands?" Obviously, we want people to select VETA NELL candles as an ideal Austin-based or Texas-based gift, but we are happy to share our knowledge of Austin's best brands and Austin's top gift ideas! We are experts here because we try to place our own products in the most trustworthy "best of Austin" lists and in leading Austin boutiques, so we've done the research.
Austin's Most Famous Brands: Here is a quick list of Austin's most famous brands or Austin's top consumer brands which you may want to use, if you're seeking a gift from an iconic Austin brand.
- YETI: coolers and other outdoor gear
- Kendra Scott: jewelry
- Tecovas: western boots and accessories
- James Avery: jewelry including local-inspired pieces
- Skinny Pop popcorn brand
- High-Brew Coffee brand
- Whole Foods: founded in Austin with a huge flagship store in downtown, Whole Foods is a great source of delicious and local food and specialty items
Austin's Top Gift Shops: Here are links to 3 articles from sources we trust on top gift shops in Austin, for choosing quality Austin-based gifts. At these shops, you can find luxury gifts, whether for business gifts or personal gifts. Gift ideas will include home decor, artistic gifts, scented gifts (candles, diffusers, etc.), and office gifts. All can be gift packaged and delivered to your gift recipients.
- Tribeza magazine: "Top Gift Shops in Austin"
- Modern Luxury magazine: "Best Austin Founded Local Shops"
- TSG: "The Scout Guide: Austin"
Austin's Top Gift Ideas (as outlined by "The Free Tour Shop"):
- Local artisan crafts (we suggest VETA NELL hand-made luxury candles:)
- Cowboy boots
- Live music memorabilia such as concert posters, T-shirts, or vinyl records featuring your favorite Austin artists to commemorate the “Live Music Capital of the World”.
- Blues Album from a local Austin artist or band would make for a fantastic souvenir, capturing the soulful essence of the city’s musical heritage. Some interesting venues in Austin include Antone’s Nightclub and The Continental Club.
- "Keep Austin Weird" merchandise, t-shirts, magnets, etc.
- T-shirts from local establishments like Loro, Bouldin Creek Cafe, Waterloo Records, Magnolia Cafe, or Home Slice Pizza
- Tote bags adorned with iconic Austin landmarks, colorful designs, or witty slogans reflecting the city's unique culture
- Texas-themed gifts: bring home a piece of Texas with souvenirs that showcase the state’s iconic symbols and imagery. From Texas-shaped cutting boards and coasters to Lone Star State-themed kitchen accessories and home decor items.
- Cookware: state of Texas-shaped cookie cutters, cast iron skillets, or cutting boards, adding a touch of Texas flair to your cooking and entertaining.
- “The Austin Cookbook” by Paula Forbes for an expert guide to Austin’s diverse food scene. Published in 2018, this cookbook covers everything from Tex-Mex and barbecue to Southern favorites like chicken-fried steak, offering a comprehensive exploration of Austin’s culinary landscape.
- Barbecue sauce or spice rub
- Hot sauce featuring ingredients like jalapenos, habaneros, chipotle peppers, and more, and bring home a taste of Texas heat to enjoy long after your trip.
- Local honey or jams
- Artisanal chocolates
- Texas wines or spirits
- Texas pecans, a staple ingredient in many Texas dishes
- Local coffee or tea
Summing up: here's good advice from a local, which sums up some ideal "Austin gifts":
"Each year we send 'Austin boxes' to people for Christmas. It usually includes locally roasted coffee beans, some cured meats, some candy, a candle, some stickers, and photos or magnets of Austin. We get almost everything on South Congress at Big Top Candy Shop, Paperwork (formerly called Parts & Labour), Prima Dora, and the Hudson Meat Market."
We hope this article helps you find authentic Austin gifts, and we hope you will pair your Austin-based gift with hand-made luxury candles and accessories from Veta Nell.
