Shopping the day after Thanksgiving has become just as much of a tradition as the holiday itself. And while it’s the big box retailers who offer the best Black Friday deals, the small businesses are the ones who have the greatest impact on your community. That’s why we at Delysia Chocolatier encourage you to shop local for Small Business Saturday on November 30th.

Austin has thousands of small businesses. It’s one of the reasons we love doing business here; we’re part of a community who really cares about shopping local. We’re fortunate to have partnerships with some amazing Austin small businesses.

Since you’re going to shop for holiday gifts anyway, you may as well spend your money at places where at least 52% of what you spend will stay in your community. We’ve compiled a handy list of some of our favorite shops and boutiques around town. Please note that this is not a sponsored post.

ATown Austin Lifestyle Store
Part of the same group who owns Luxe Apothetique and Blue Elephant – both amazing small businesses in their own right – but with more emphasis on local artists. From locally-made jewelry and upcycled fashion to unique t-shirts, baby gifts, uniquely Austin products, and decor…you could spend hours browsing through ATown’s  offerings. It’s hard to buy for other people when you’ll find so many gifts for yourself!
5502 Burnet Rd.

BookPeople
We’d be seriously remiss if we didn’t mention BookPeople in a small business roundup. Since 1970, they’ve been Austin’s leading independent bookstore and scoring numerous big-name authors for signings. It’s a huge store with so much more than books. It’s impossible to walk out of there empty-handed.
603 N. Lamar Blvd. 

Because who wouldn’t love their very own bottle of blood orange olive oil or blackberry ginger balsamic vinegar?

Breed & Co. 
From hardware to housewares, Breed & Co. has it all, including a gourmet food section. Full disclosure: Breed & Co. carries a large amount of Delysia Chocolatier products, including build-your-own truffle boxes.
2 locations: 718 W. 29th St. and 3663 Bee Cave Rd.

Con’ Olio Oils & Vinegars
For the person who is impossible to buy for, look no further than Con’ Olio’s unique collection of olive oils and vinegars. Because who wouldn’t love their very own bottle of blood orange olive oil or blackberry ginger balsamic vinegar? The best part is the variety of flavors, sizes and price ranges, along with excellent customer service to guarantee you’re happy with what you’re buying. Also, they sell our Balsamic Truffles.
3 locations: 215 Lavaca Street (Downtown), 10000 Research Blvd, #130 (Arboretum), and 12918 Shops Parkway, Ste 550 (The Shops at the Galleria)

Etcetera, etc.
This cute little boutique in the heart of the 2nd Street District has the sweetest owner, Emma, and even more adorable clothing and accessories. If you’re looking for a holiday party dress – and don’t want to see someone wearing the same thing – this should be your only stop.
411 W. 2nd St.

From hardware to housewares, Breed & Co. has it all

Faraday’s
We like to think of Faraday’s of what Williams-Sonoma used to be like. This unique retail kitchen store has everything you’d want for budding chefs and seasoned gourmands alike.
12918 Shops Parkway, Suite 540

Hat Box
The modern haberdashery seems like it went the way of the dodo but Hat Box is still kicking. Their staff is extensively-trained in all things hats and will work with you to find that perfect chapeau for any season. How fabulous would your brother look in a smart new fedora?
2 locations: 115 E. 6th St. (Downtown) and 11401 Century Oaks Terrace Ste. 129 (The Domain)

But what really sets [Terra Toys] apart, besides the popless bubbles, is their bag artist program. They’ll give you the paper bags, you take them home to decorate, then bring them back and you’ll earn 10 cents per bag.

The Quickie Pickie
We may be going on out on a limb to recommend this convenience store/cafe/bar as a great place to shop but hear us out. You could create a fabulous gift basket using local products, including beer and wine, and then grab dinner to go. The Quickie Pickie, like The Whip-In, is one of those places that will make you say, “This is SO Austin.”

Terra Toys
Terra Toys has all of the whimsy you’d expect from a locally-owned toy store. It’s large, has a beyond-impressive selection, and is sure to make you feel like a kid again. But what really sets them apart, besides the popless bubbles, is their bag artist program. They’ll give you the paper bags, you take them home to decorate, then bring them back and you’ll earn 10 cents per bag. It’s what got them around the Austin bag ban!

The Quickie Pickie  is one of those places that will make you say, “This is SO Austin.”

Texas State History Museum Store
The Bullock Texas State History Museum is an Austin must-do in of itself. But the store at the museum’s entrance is a trove of unique gifts, many of which are locally-sourced. Ornaments, cookbooks, dinnerware, shirts, books, and toys – all with Lone Star state flair – await for those who want just a taste of going Texas is like. Bonus: museum members get 10% off their purchases and you don’t need to pay museum admission to shop there.

We know this is just a small snippet of the local businesses we love and we know there are TONS that we missed – any of the shops on North Loop Blvd. are worth visiting, as well as the shops on SoCo. But if you’re really hard-pressed for time and aren’t sure of what to buy, let us remind you that Delysia’s chocolate is always the perfect size.