We’re makin’ a local list and checkin’ it twice… and the first step is crossing off “big box” and “mega malls” in favor of items unique to the Old Pueblo. There is just something special about giving and receiving gifts that were made by hand and support local makers. We’ve compiled a list of gift items and local shopping events to help get you started!
Shop Wisely. Give Locally. Yelp On!
Sigfús Designs
Sigfús Designs are handmade polymer clay statement earrings and jewelry made by Lauren Valenzuela, right here in sunny Tucson, Arizona. Shop for a gift that gives back! Proceeds from the Sister Jose Charity Earring will benefit Sister Jose Women’s center. The center is dedicated to the care and nurture of homeless women in a welcoming and safe environment. Find the complete Sigfús collection online, select items at local boutiques and upcoming local holiday markets.
Desert Provisions
Desert Provisions is a purveyor of salt, spices, and specialty foods. They harvest the best of what the desert has to offer to bring you chile powders, salt blends, and Sonoran Sea Salt. Loved by chefs, home cooks, and food enthusiasts, Desert Provisions is perfect the perfect gift for your foodie friends! Find these goodies online and at up coming local holiday markets.
Sonoran Rosie
Sonoran Rosie is a small batch unisex skin and hair care line made by hand with plants harvested in the Sonoran Desert. Give the gift of the desert in a box! These items are all natural and ethically wild crafted. The desert holiday gift box includes: 1 Desert Rain Fragrance 2oz, 1 Prickly Pear Cactus Lip Balm 1/4 oz, 1 Creosote & Rosemary Roll-on Oil 1 oz. Find more Sonoran Rosie items ranging from beard clay pomade to sunscreen, hair texturizing spray, dried flower bundles, creosote wands and more online and at local holiday markets.
Three Wells Distilling
Give the gift of this handcrafted spirit made from seasonally picked native prickly pear cactus fruit. Three Wells Distilling Company is an Arizona producer of quality small batch craft distilled products with a focus on “Putting Arizona in a bottle. Three Wells also distills fine gin, vodka, bourbon and agave based spirits. Find their products locally at the the distillery or visit their website for local retailers or to purchase and ship! They are offering free shipping with the purchase of three or more bottles.
Annotated Audrey Art
Annotated Audrey Art is a wife and husband team specialized in designing, printing and manufacturing desert and nature-themed products using vibrant and quirky art. Their mission is “to make artful & affordable products that inspire people to have fun and bring color into their lives.” Find an assortment of their Sonoran Desert inspired products such as hand painted ornaments, holiday cards, stickers, coloring books and more online, at local retailers- Old Town Artisans, Pop-Cycle, and Creative Tribe and at upcoming local holiday markets.
Monsoon Chocolate
Give the gift of bon bons! Monsoon Chocolate is a bean-to-bar chocolate factory and cafe. The gourmand in your life will surely appreciate a box of their beautiful bon bons or chocolate bars. Visit their Tucson shop to build a box of confections!
Creative Tribe
Visit the new Creative Tribe shop at La Encantada mall. Creative Tribe stocks some seriously beautiful products from local artists and makers as well as other small businesses around the country. Put together a gift box for your creative friends and family from their selection of craft supplies, local art, paper goods and stationery. Special Holiday Hours: December 15th through 23rd 10am to 9pm. Creative Tribe is closed Mondays, including December 24th.
Why I Love Where I Live
Why I Love Where I Live highlights all things local at their shop located in the MSA Annex. They create products that celebrate Tucson in addition to stocking the entire shop with items made by local artists in the city. They have everything from home goods to clothing, hats, stickers, paper goods and more.
Local Shopportunties
Find more local inspiration at these upcoming holiday markets. Each event is linked to an event listing on Yelp that allows you to sync them to your personal calendar and generate directions to your shopping destination!
Made In Tucson Holiday Market– Saturday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Meet Tucson artists, take a peek into their processes, and buy locally-made goods! Artists will not only be selling their creations, but will be showing you how they are made. The market will be hosted on Fourth Avenue, near Seventh Street and Fifth Avenue.
MOCA- Museum Store Market– Sunday, Nov. 25, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrate Museum Store Sunday on November 25 with an outdoor holiday market, food trucks, and more! Featuring local makers, designers, and MOCAshop vendors!
CULTIVATE Tucson– Saturday Dec. 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (early bird entry 8 am with ticket purchase)
CULTIVATE Tucson is a collective that builds pop-up events in order to introduce makers, designers, small businesses, and non-profits to each other; share emerging talent and spaces; and create, a thriving, honest, creative community.
RAD Market– Saturday, Dec. 1, 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
A showcase for local makers, artisans, creators and vintage collectors. Shop handmade jewelry, art, mix and mingle at the braid bar hosted by Belle Starr Salon and visit with the local shops of RAD. The marketplace will be hosted on the corner of 6th avenue and 6th street.
Mercado Holiday Bazaar– Dec. 14-15, 10am-6pm & Dec. 16 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Head to the Mercado District, which includes the Mercado San Agustin and MSA Annex for the three day holiday bazaar featuring 60+ makers, artists, and collectors!
Bring Yelp With You.
The free Yelp mobile app is the fastest and easiest way to search for businesses and events near you. Download it now to get started! Follow our Shop Local bookmark collection for more locally owned shops!
