With the holiday season fast approaching, supporting local businesses is one of the last things people think about. Picking up a cute card and gift at a local Target is enough for some, but why settle for generic when there are handcrafted artisanal goods just around the corner? Supporting local businesses and artisan shops can help to make your gift giving more special and unique this winter. Houston has an extremely diverse shopping scene, and whether you’re strolling down 19th street, or walking around the Montrose area, there are always plenty of small, locally owned shops to look around. Finding gifts from locally owned businesses will not only result in a thoughtful gift for your friends and loved ones, but may also make your shopping experience more memorable. Local vendors come together to host flea markets in various parts of town, most of which aren’t too far from the campus. Here are a few places to shop this holiday season that can help you support local artists and find meaningful gifts for your loved ones.
Flea at Silver Street
The Flea at Silver Street is hosting a Thanksgiving event this Black Friday weekend. The Black Friday weekend flea market will host all kinds of vendors selling handmade collectibles, jewelry, home decor and more. The flea market also showcases local food trucks and other hole-in-the-wall eateries. You can find them at 2000 Edwards Street on Black Friday weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sawyer Flea
Located in a similar area, the Sawyer Flea is another curated outdoor market. They host every third Saturday of the month and post regular updates on their social media. Catch them on the corner of Sawyer and Edwards on Saturday, Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Manready Mercantile
Nestled in the Historic Heights, Manready Mercantile is a locally owned business that focuses on apothecary goods and supporting locally made items. The store offers a wide variety of products, ranging from whiskey soaked campfire jerky to eclectic, vintage fashion. The shop was originally run from the owner’s home, but can now be found at 321 W 19th Street.
Jubilee
Another store located in the Historic Houston Heights is Jubilee. Jubilee has been a staple of the Houston scene for over 21 years. Located at 325 W 19th Street, Jubilee supports local jewelers and showcases trendy home decor within its walls. They’ll be participating in the 19th Street Sip and Stroll on Nov. 15, an event where customers can pick up sips of drinks and stroll as they browse through boutiques, antiques and more.
UH Farmer’s Market
If you’re looking for a more alternative gift approach, you could always try foods! The University of Houston hosts a Farmer’s Market on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Vendors set up tents on different locations on campus and have a variety of products. Pop Soap, one of the vendors, sells all vegan, handmade products. From soap bars, bath bombs and beard oils, they’re sure to have something for you! The next two Farmer’s Markets will take place on Nov. 14 and Nov. 28.
The Impeccable Pig
The Impeccable Pig is a family owned boutique based out of Dallas, TX. The store was opened in 2002 and has found a home at 714 Yale Street. Not only do they provide fashionable clothes and accessories for women, they also support local non-profit organizations that embrace women’s empowerment, such as the Genesis Women’s Shelter and The Family Place.
Recent Comments