Finding the right gift is hard.
We get it. After the holidays are over each year, you think you'll prepare better for the next. But the months fly by and... you don't. But that's okay! Time moves fast after August, and catching a break to think about Christmas gifts can be rare to come by. That's why we've rounded up this list of thoughtful, Austin-centric gifts. We hope this guide helps you cross everything off your list this year with presents that go further than that ol' candle you've been meaning to regift for ages. This is your Austin Gift Guide.
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photo via facebook
2129 Goodrich Ave
Know someone who is always ordering Thai food on UberEats? Yeah, us too. Well, how about instead of them spending $50 on one order, you gift them a class so they can learn to just make their own Thai food! Thai Fresh offers a variety of classes where you can learn how to make Pad Prik King, Pad See Ew, Curry Pineapple Fried rice, and other delicious Thai dishes.
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photo credit: radio/east
Keep the holly and jolly going after Christmas with the local music fan in your life. One of the most festive concerts on our calendar right now is going down at Radio/East on New Year's Eve. It's gonna get out of this world with the enigmatic Golden Dawn Arkestra, plus some cosmic vibrations via the incredible sounds of Superfònicos and Hard Proof! You can still grab tickets... and we're also giving away a pair!
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photo credit: Something Cool Studios Facebook
$50 per person
For that burgeoning street artist who still needs to muster up the courage to draw on the chalk walls in the Epoch bathrooms, gift them a graffiti workshop from Something Cool Studios. Learn the history of street art as well as tips and tricks by pro muralists from around the city. While you're there, check out their other classes that cover cool things like mosaics, silk screening, and guitars.
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If you know someone whose sole party trick is playing Wonderwall on the guitar at parties (or somebody who wishes they could do that), we have the perfect gift to take their skills to the next level. Blk Vinyl offers guitar lessons for all skill levels, perfect for anyone ready to carry the burden of being able to play guitar in the "live music capital of the world."
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photo credit: purr-fecto cat lounge facebook
30 minutes for $15
If you know any cat lovers (or recent cat-loving-converts), we're sure they'd love the idea of spending time with a bunch of them at this cat cafe. Hands down, this is a way better experience than being pummeled by a ton of dogs in one room... Now, there is a chance that—since they're all adoptable—your friend may walk out of this experience with a new pet cat, but that's on them. Not you.
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photo via culturemap austin
$125 / class
Learn from the (pit)masters. KG BBQ is nationally renowned for its tasty BBQ (as evidenced by an appearance on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives and placement in the Michelin Guide), so you're getting knowledge from the best. Join chef KG on the journey of perfecting the smoked brisket at your own backyard. Brisket can be a challenging cook and it takes a lot of patience and knowledge. KG will share all the tips and tricks he learned from the pitmasters he has worked for and his own ways to guarantee you the shortcut to best results!
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photo credit: underclub
Got a person in your life wearing the same underwear from high school? Help them get their booty right with an Underclub subscription. Underclub, a local Austin company, delivers a pair of designer underwear every month so your loved one can ditch their well-worn pairs slowly over time. (We know you love them, Jake, but they are more holes than cloth at this point.)
Don't know their size? Your gift will allow them to customize their preferences once redeemed!
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photo credit: Roosevelt room facebook
$75-$100 per class
If anyone you know could stand to be better at mixing cocktails for their house parties, why not give them a gift that keeps on giving? Austin's beloved cocktail destination, Roosevelt Room, hosts a variety of cocktail classes to teach anyone how to master the art of making Manhattans or Old Fashions.
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photo via alamo drafthouse
Starting at $19.99 per month for Classic Pass
For the film buff in your life, or the person going on perpetual first dates, consider giving them a Season Pass for Alamo Drafthouse. They'll be able to see one regularly priced movie per day and reserve a seat seven days in advance. That's over 300 movies a year for those who would commit to maximizing their passes. That's a lot of time away from your phone and TV. Because watching something on a bigger, more communal screen is better for you... right?
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photo credit: Circuit of the americas facebook
Circuit of the Americas - Karting
One fun race: $39 per person
These ain't the janky go-karts you grew up with. Karting at Circuit of the Americas brings the thrill of racing to a more accessible level for everyone who isn't an Earnhardt. With fifteen hair-raising turns, S-turns, and a hairpin turn that comes off a sweeper turn, give the gift of thrills to anyone who can handle it.
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photo credit: texas state parks website
$70 per person, $25 for additional household members
For anyone who talks about wanting to see ______ park in Texas (we have way too many to list), give them the gift of access with the Texas State Parks Season Pass. Gain unlimited free entry to all 89 parks as well as discounts on camping, park stores, and equipment rentals. A tiny gift that comes with acres of possibilities—count us in.
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Congratulations - Santa's got nothing on you!
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