Aquarius is a carefully-curated boutique in the heart of San Antonio that isn't your typical store. They offer customers a "timeless looks mingled with contemporary savvy" that leaves you feeling confident and original, and isn't that how we all want to feel?! Young business owner, Sara Ash Jessop, once a jewelry designer herself, has poured her heart and soul into this boutique to create a unique shopping experience that also incorporates local artists and their artwork. A big supporter of the local art world, Jessop has succeeded in translating that vision into her boutique. Of course, if it's the clothes you're here for then you've just hit the jackpot. Aquarius carries several popular yet niche lines that have a following but aren't found just anywhere.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Aquarius Boutique is one of the hottest places to shop for your favorite girl friends.
Kimberly's expert tip: The place to discover some of the most incredible outfits, accessories and more, including brands such as Frame Denim and Clover Canyon.
Hanley-Wood is a wonderful and eclectic little gift shop offering items such as home accents, fine china, silver and crystal. It is the perfect place to shop for that person who has everything. Although the majority of items in this classy shop are high-end, there are a good number of inexpensive items perfect for hostess gifts as well as beautiful decor items. Hanley-Wood is a popular place for brides to register. They have a wall full of elegant tableware patterns to choose from and their staff is extremely knowledgeable in the ways of the registry. You'll find great gifts for the bar, for babies and children, for the table, for your favorite Texan, for traveling and a whole lot more!
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Shop at Hanley-Wood for high-end pieces for you and your friends' and family's home.
Kimberly's expert tip: They offer complimentary gift wrapping, delivery, and wedding registry stuff.
Good Goods is a local's favorite for a wonderfully curated collection of eclectic goods for your home. They call it an interior design studio. Located just a few minutes from downtown near the historic eastside neighborhood known as Dignowity Hill, Good Goods is a little off the beaten path, but that just means it's an adventure waiting to happen. Find pieces that are a modern Texas-style, chic and truly special. Customers say they have searched for months before finding just the right pieces here, such as unique tables, chairs, rugs and artwork.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Good Goods is another original shop where you can discover hard to find items to complete your home decor.
Kimberly's expert tip: Located near our other featured store, Chica Verde, so make sure to make a stop at both stores.
Blue Star Arts Complex is one of the gems of the Southtown Arts District. Besides featuring the Blue Star Contemporary Arts Museum, the complex is home to several galleries, restaurants and bars. Brick was once home to Jump-Start, a performance company, which is still in operation. Most Sundays, from noon to 5 pm, (and during the First Friday art walks), is when Brick is transformed into a fun and funky artisan market featuring mostly handmade goods and treats. Their mission is to bring together all kinds of art forms in a space that welcomes self-expression and experimentation. The stylish and eccentric charm of the marketplace encourages shoppers to come-as-you-are and sample the array of cool wares on offer. You can find things like healthy, handmade doggy treats, one-of-a-kind artwork, such as paintings by world-renowned artist, Franco Mondini-Ruiz, jewelry and vintage clothes from local celeb Agosto Cuellar and fantastic edibles. Local Chef, Rene Guerrero, makes the most scrumptious empanadas each Sunday, made with fresh ingredients in a beautiful golden pastry. You can expect to find flavors like sweet potato, Mexican chorizo and pineapple, white bean and smoked turkey, picadillo, vegetarian borracho black bean and bacon cheeseburger.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: The Brick is always putting on artisan markets throughout the month that showcase some of the most creative and unique gifts in the city.
Kimberly's expert tip: Make sure to take some time to check out the art galleries, such as Tatum Originals Choice Goods, also located at Blue Star.
Read more about Brick Marketplace at Blue Star Arts Complex →
With over 100 million shoppers annually and well over 65,000 products in each store, Bass Pro Shops has become 'something to do' for many families. In the San Antonio Bass Pro Shop, you can go rock climbing on their famous Rock Climbing Wall, practice your gun skills at their indoor firing range or show off your archery finesse on the archery range. In addition to camping and fishing workshops during the summer, Bass Pro also offers kids events! All this in the same store where you can shop for clothing, sports gear, fishing equipment, a new boat, electronics or the latest fishing rod. During the Christmas season, families find toys for the kids, fabulous ornaments and a variety of sweets on display.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: A great place to shop for your male friends and family, particularly those who are into outdoor activities.
Kimberly's expert tip: Visit Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop during the holidays and have the kiddos take a free photo with Santa, as well as enjoy crafts, activities and games.
Whole Earth isn't just a store, it's an experience. This specialty retailer has a keen eye for innovative, high-quality products that engage those who share their enthusiasm and commitment to learning about, experiencing, preserving, and enjoying our home planet. This is a great store to explore with the whole family. It's filled with toys and nature-oriented gifts like wind chimes, birdfeeders and hammocks; quality shoes; casual, travel and active clothing; travel and outdoor gear and accessories and, of course, books! If you're a hiker or biker or at all into activity, you'll find something here you've never seen before and, yes, just have to have!
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Whole Earth offers an array of goods for active friends with refined tastes.
Kimberly's expert tip: A great place to find a unique and special gift for just about anyone, they have jewelry, candles and even locally-made energy bars!
Caliente Hot Glass is a San Antonio-based offhand glassblowing studio known for its innovation and beautiful glass art pieces. They create custom glass art, sculpture, and functional pieces that are for sale to the public, as well as commissioned pieces for residential properties, restaurants and other companies. At Caliente Hot Glass, artists enjoy the freedom to create, often while the community, either individuals or professional groups - get to observe and participate in this ancient art through classes, demos, and private events. They are now offering exclusive high-end dinners for you and your guests where you can watch live glass blowing demos as well as live cooking demos, including ones on hot molten glass!
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Caliente Hot Glass is a glass blowing studio with a boutique gift shop featuring art pieces from several different artists.
Kimberly's expert tip: Caliente Hot Glass puts on seasonal classes where, for example, you can create your own blown glass pumpkin or ornament.
It's always a joy to shop at the Historic Pearl, as it's full of wonderful and eclectic upscale shops filled with unexpected treasures! As is the case at Ten Thousand Villages, which sells truly unique and beautiful fair-trade crafts and housewares from around the world, including Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. From amethyst earrings made in Peru to a Phoenician blue decanter made in West Bank or a salt crystal glow lamp from Pakistan, they have a little something special for everyone. The store is thoughtfully curated with wares that are handcrafted and ethically-sourced, so you feel great knowing that something good is coming out of your purchase. It's a win-win!
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Ten Thousand Villages is a beautiful high end but reasonably priced boutique store featuring a wide array of imported goods.
Kimberly's expert tip: You can order these delightful wares online if you can't make it into the store.
Feliz Modern.com is a local's favorite shopping hot spot for finding that something special, either for yourself or that lucky friend. They have a little bit of everything, ad easily something for everyone, including apparel, home decor, paper, pens, pet products, hats, backpacks, cards and more. They have an exceptional collection of works made by local artists, such as t-shirts, jewelry, stickers and posters. It's an ideal place to stock up on holiday gifts and celebration supplies. Few San Antonio stores support local as much as Feliz Modern, so get in there and get shopping!
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Feliz Modern is a chic store showcasing the best of what San Antonio has to offer, no matter what kind of gifts you're looking for.
Kimberly's expert tip: Feliz Modern puts on fun events featuring local artists, such as an upcoming one with Kelly O'Connor, the creator of the Alice vs. Alice prints, along with some wine and treats at their Feliz Modern POP shop at Pearl.
Located on the east side near downtown, Chica Verde is more than just a shop, it's a destination spot the locals love to visit, largely due to the owner's passion and talent for finding "cool and weird stuff." What started out a few years ago as a retail store selling outdoor decor has evolved into an eclectic emporium of indoor and outdoor goods. If you've been on the search for months for that perfect tchotchke to complete your living room or an original gift for that hard to please friend, then look no further. While Chica Verde still focuses largely on outdoor items, such as cactus and succulents situated in funky decorative pots, they also have unique finds such as handmade bandanas, bottle openers and nostalgic incense burners. Shopping's never been more fun!
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Chica Verde is a great local shop featuring original and unique home decor and other items, both indoor and outdoor.
Kimberly's expert tip: Think of the owner, Valerie Reynolds, as more of a curator of cool stuff for your house. Start a conversation and tell her what you're wanting, and she'll probably surprise you with exactly what you need.