
(Facebook Photo/Local Nomad)
Black Friday is just a few days away (though you’ve probably been getting ads pushing the retail holiday for weeks now) and many people will head to a variety of malls and big box stores to buy their holiday gifts.
Although you might hit up some of those same corporate retailers yourself for a few purchases, local places could use some business, too. After all, Small Business Saturday is on Nov. 25, reminding us that smaller shops could use our help. If you’re unsure of where to start, here’s a list of places to begin with.
Bunky Boutique
Two locations in metro Phoenix

Photo courtesy of Bunky Boutique via Facebook
According to its Instagram page, Bunky Boutique has supplied metro Phoenix residents with desert fashion, unique apparel, and gifts since 2007. Founder Rachel Malloy personally selects each item in the shop, where you’ll find myriad clothing for men, women, and babies as well as accessories and home goods like candles in a hip setting. Bunky stocks rectangular zodiac pendant necklaces, wristlets, essential oil rollers, and a cactus milk bath soak—and nearly all of it has desert vibes. One of Bunky’s signature items are the AZ Love shirts that feature the outline of the Grand Canyon State with a heart in the center, marking Phoenix. Bunky Boutique has one shop in downtown Phoenix and another in Gilbert.
State Forty Eight
Three locations in metro Phoenix
State Forty Eight was founded by three men who share a deep passion for all things Arizona. Find apparel and accessories for men, women, kids, and even dogs. Nearly everything is branded with the State Forty Eight logo.
Pixie Sticks Dog Boutique
3939 E. Williams Field Road, #103, Gilbert

Photo courtesy of Pixie Sticks Dog Boutique via Facebook
As you might expect, a dog-loving family started Pixie Sticks Boutique, where customers can find adorable dog products and grooming services. Pet owners can purchase bandanas, clothing, toys, and treats for their furry friends. The shop has quite a collection of cute clothing. For instance, Pixie Sticks just got in a Let’s Go Barbie collection that comes complete with pink heart-shaped dog sunglasses and hair clips, a pink Barbie dog dress with a bow, and an acid-wash blue denim vest with the iconic Barbie logo emblazoned on the back of it.
Changing Hands Bookstore
Two locations in metro Phoenix
Changing Hands Bookstore has two locations in metro Phoenix, both of which carry plenty of books. The Tempe location has been in business since 1974 while the central Phoenix location opened in 2014. Find a plethora of titles across many different genres at both locations. Both shops also stock a variety of items that would make great gifts, besides books. This includes wind chimes, journals, kitchen accessories, and Japanese pottery.
Wijaya House
1706 E. Warner Road, Ste. 1, Tempe

Photo courtesy of Wijaya House via Facebook
One of the newer shops in our list, Wijaya House is a coffee, flower, and book shop all rolled into one. Purchase a floral arrangement, some new books, or a fresh bouquet of flowers for your loved one here. Shoppers also can find gifts like necklaces here.
Queen Creek Olive Mill
Two locations in metro Phoenix
If you have any devoted home cooks in your life, a gift from Queen Creek Olive Mill can be a great one. Find premium olive oils and vinegars infused with high-quality ingredients, like the Meyer lemon, bacon, or roasted garlic olive oil that can elevate any meal. Queen Creek also sells stuffed olives, spices and sauces, kitchen tools, and even apparel.
Stinkweeds Record Store
12 W. Camelback Road, central Phoenix
Since 1987, Stinkweeds has supplied metro Phoenix with plenty of music and is one place where you’ll want to go to buy your music-loving friend a gift. Find music on vinyl, CD, and cassette here. Stinkweeds also stocks books, magazines, shirts, and audio equipment, plus other accessories. Check out the store’s blog to see what’s new in the shop. Stinkweeds is currently under construction but will remain open during the build.
PIP Coffee & Clay
2617 N. 24th St., Phoenix

Photo courtesy of PIP Coffee & Clay via Facebook
The name of this central Phoenix hot spot says it all: PIP Coffee and Clay is a coffee shop that’s also a pottery studio. If you don’t have any interest or time in learning how to throw clay on a wheel in one of the many classes offered by PIP, you can purchase some premade ceramic goods. This spot is also a gift shop where you can find earrings, T-shirts, and lots of unique pottery.
MADE Art Boutique
922 N. 5th St., downtown Phoenix
Located in Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row Arts District, MADE Art Boutique sells a variety of goods that are mostly made by artists. Find apparel, cards, home goods, jewelry, paper goods, and stickers. More specifically, you can find custom candles with Arizona scents like creosote and sage and not-so-Arizona scents like Monsoon Storm from Surprise-based Stone Wood Studio. On the MADE website, you can read short bios on some of its featured artists, making your purchase all the more special. This boutique is located inside of a small house, which makes for an adorable setting.
Local Nomad
100 E. Camelback Road, Ste. 168, Uptown Phoenix

Photo courtesy of Local Nomad via Facebook
Find clothing, jewelry, accessories, bath and body products, and a variety of home goods made by makers and artists from all over the world at Local Nomad. The light-filled shop places a special emphasis on locally made items. Some Arizona-made items include plates from Material Research, candles by Cicada, chocolate goods by Monsoon Chocolate, and incense sticks by Rituals Incense.
The Mercantile
Two locations in metro Phoenix
With one location in Old Town Scottsdale and another in central Phoenix, The Mercantile is a destination that’s home to about 70 vendors. Find clothing, home goods, and a wide range of items. According to Instagram, the central Phoenix location has a custom hat bar, Poppies gourmet popcorn, and custom denim jackets among many other items. We’ve also found candles from the Crass Candle Company and seasonal apparel. You’ve bound to find some gems at these two extensive markets.
READ MORE: Find your next read at one of these 5 unique Phoenix bookstores
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