Arizona gift guide: Local goods to give this holiday season

From handmade items crafted in Arizona to unforgettable experiences across the state, allow this listicle to inspire your local gift-giving this holiday season!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and that means it is the season to give! In a world where everyone seems to have what they need and more, sometimes choosing the perfect gift can be the biggest challenge. Shopping locally is the best way to give a unique gift while supporting your local economy—which is one of the simplest ways we can fight the inflation of mega corporations!

Where to start, though? If you live near one of Arizona’s several mining towns, you can give a locally-made copper gift. Or maybe you want to go on an adventure and find the perfect rocks and minerals to give or succulents to transplant. Maybe you want to be silly and give a Frito Lay treat—which is based in Casa Grande—or even a round to fill a Ruger, another famed Grand Canyon State Company. We also cannot forget the amazing Pin Drop Travel Trailers, which are based in Flagstaff and Miami.

Maybe, just maybe, your creative gifting skills are running low. If that is the case, let us take some of the stress out of it for ya. Here is a list of creative, local gifts and experiences at different price points, divided into five categories of gift-giving:

• One-stop shops, where you can find everything Arizona
• Self-care for the crunchies, where you can find locally made and sourced personal care
• Fits for the fashionistas, where you can buy locally designed clothing
• Foodies and wine aficionados for those who love the flavor
• Unforgettable experiences, for the minimalists among us

Here’s to a fun and meaningful season of giving ahead! 

One-stop shops

These stores and websites rep everything Arizona and offer various gifts for your friends, neighbors, or family members. It doesn’t even matter if they live in Arizona or not, as gifting an Arizona treat to an out-of-stater can remind them of your thoughtful and loving self all year long. I certainly love to give Arizona goods to my family across the country!

Blue Planet

Located in downtown Chandler, Blue Planet has all things Arizona, from desert-themed items to local brands to prickly pear candies and more. Prices range from very little–under $5–to the higher end. It is perfect for finding a stand-alone gift or even a stocking stuffer!

Arizona Gifts

This online shop has something for everyone. How is that possible? Check it out, and you will see tasty treats, home decor, keychains, pre-made gift baskets, sun care, souvenirs, and more. Most items here have a minimum order, though, so this is perfect if you want to give gifts to coworkers or several family members, or just have a few things on hand to offer throughout the year.

Birdytell

Here, you can find locally made foods, towels, and soaps. Or you can order one of the several amazing gift boxes! The premade boxes range in price from $45 to 155, and there are customization options as well. Birdytell makes sharing some of the Grand Canyon State Glory very simple. Just be warned: It is hard to peruse this site with true selflessness. You’ll want some of the goods, too (cue your list for Santa).

Native Art Market

Arizona is home to many reservations, and it is the only place in the United States where one of the native languages, Diné Bizaad, is recognized (this is true for the Navajo Nation). This beautiful fact is enough to make us want to put our money to work by buying Native-made goods for one-of-a-kind presents with tremendous meaning. The Native Art Market in Scottsdale is one easy way to do this. Both Old Town and the parking lot of the Talking Stick Casino host these markets and often include experiences beyond just shopping. Last year, live flute music was included in the gift-buying experience.

Cactus Sports 

If you live by a coliseum, it is easy to get official sports gear. If not, you can stop by Cactus Sports in Tempe, where you can buy all things Sun Devils to represent ASU. For a college student, a football lover, or to inspire youth to look into school, getting gear from here is a great option! 

Self-care for the crunchies

Cocamidopropyl betaine, decyl glucoside, cyclopentasiloxane: Do you know what any of these ingredients are? If it bothers you in the slightest that these are common ingredients found in body wash, deodorant, and shampoo, you may be a little crunchy. Scrolling through reels, it is easy to see that many of us have gone “crunchy.” I personally raise chickens, garden, cook from scratch, and make tallow balm, and I am far from alone in this lifestyle.

This lifestyle is not limited to homesteaders, homekeepers, environmentalists, or cooks. It could be as simple as caring about the ingredients you put in and on your body. These three companies offer locally made and locally sourced body care and holistic care, presenting fantastic offerings for those of us who have gone crunchy (or at least just prefer real ingredients!).

Spring + Vine

Located in Tucson and focused on natural ingredients, Spring + Vine offers natural soaps in either standard bars or cute shapes such as saguaros! Scents vary, and this herbalist doesn’t limit herself to soap. In fact, there are mugs, incense, jewelry, workshops, and more available through her website and shop located on Tohono O’odham land in Tucson. If you want to spoil someone, consider signing them up for the year-long soap membership, which delivers soap and surprises four times throughout the year at a rate of $120!

Daisy G’s

Imagine a natural deodorant that actually stops the smell, a natural lotion that moisturizes without greasiness, and a soap that cleanses without drying. All of this imagining is grounded in reality with Daisy G’s, a body care line made right here in the Sonoran Desert. Available online or at a slough of farmers markets, this is a natural body care line worth giving. I personally encountered them my first autumn here when accidentally stumbling upon the Prescott Fall Craft Fair (if you haven’t checked this out, here is information on the upcoming Prescott Holiday Craft Fair, which is similar). Years later, their wares have been reordered and sit proudly on the counter, used frequently and enjoyed often.

Desert Willow Botanicals

You know that friend with allergies, chronic hangovers, stomach issues, and sinus problems? Desert Willow Botanicals offers solutions for these issues with their line of holistic tinctures that work so well that they come with a money-back guarantee. The owner, Willow, is a second-generation herbalist who moved to the Phoenix area post-college with the goal of spreading holistic health solutions. You can order these tinctures online or find a stand at one of many farmers markets. That’s how my husband and I found this company. Walking around the Chandler farmers market during allergy season, we were floored with disbelief when we tried a sinus clear tincture sample and, within minutes, actually felt relief! Our medicine cabinets have been stocked with Desert Willow Botanicals ever since. So, if you have a friend who has tried everything, consider introducing them to a holistic remedy that actually works.

Fits for the fashionistas

Style is one way that we can quickly express ourselves to the world around us. Whether we like cozy and comfy or glamorous and fabulous, fashion can be a fun way to show off our imaginations and lifestyles. Arizona is fortunately home to several fashionable brands, making for a fantastic present of expression, imagination, and style.

Yoga Democracy

Produced in-house in Carefree and sold in Scottsdale, Yoga Democracy makes clothing that is fashionable, practical, and environmentally conscious (aka, also good for the crunchies!). Their website conveys a statement that summarizes what this brand is all about: “Our materials are made of recycled plastic bottles and fishing nets. We use a no-water dyeing process that cuts down on waste. We take every scrap of material that passes through our shop and turn it into something of use and beauty.” With yoga wear a popular style in most settings, Yoga Democracy makes a fantastic fashion present that also helps make an impact on your carbon footprint. 

State Forty Eight

Arizona was the 48th state conducted into the USA—incidentally, the last mainland state. Regardless of its position of importance to the government, those of us who call it home know that Arizona is inspirational with its unmatched beauty, diverse weather climates, and stunning sunsets. State Forty Eight clothing is more than just a cleverly rhymed and historically accurate name. It is a line of fashion designed with the inspiration of Arizona, making it a perfect present to remind your loved ones of how grand this 48th state truly is. 

EarthWild

Started in Chandler under the former name of CampBound, EarthWild is an apparel brand with a carbon-neutral seal geared towards protecting the wild: life and lands. Their cotton clothing is cute and dons simple messages of protecting and loving the planet. Gift a shirt to your favorite fashionista or your best outdoors-centric friend!

Foodies & wine aficionados

This category is pretty much for anyone, because who doesn’t love to be wined and dined?! Good food and good wine are the foundations of our sensuous existences, and as long as someone isn’t sober/doesn’t drink—this distinction can be important—a fine bottle of local wine makes a fantastic celebratory gift! If they don’t indulge, or just simply prefer other tantalizing tastes, consider offering the perfect foodie gift of olive oil or fresh produce.

Caduceus Cellars & Merkin Vineyards

Owned by Tool’s frontman Maynard James Keenan, Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards offers more than just novelty names; these wines take all of the finesse of local vines and turn it into palatable and decadent libation. With lower-priced bottles, such as the Chupacabra, starting at $28 and ranging to much higher-end vintages, there is a perfect bottle for anyone. Support local and chuckle along with the names of these opulent offerings. Wineries for buying are located in Jerome, Cottonwood, and online.

Rune Wines

The only solar-powered and off-grid tasting room and vineyard in Arizona, Rune Wines is reshaping how Arizona Wine should be. Their club and bottles are named after key characters and settings from Norse Mythology, and tastings often take place outdoors with full panoramic views of the stunning surrounding mountain ranges. You can rosė all day or sip on cider starting at $24 and indulge in richer reds for under $40. Rune Wines ship in Arizona, or you can pick up the perfect gift by visiting the Sonoita-based winery.

Olive Mill

The Queen Creek Olive Mill is part of Mesa’s Fresh Foodie Trail for good reason. It offers fresh-pressed olive oil from olives grown on-site, as well as shelves lined with a mecca of joyful treats. This good food haven has a cafe that you can indulge in while shopping for house-grown plain or flavored oils, brined olives, charcuterie additions, and so much more. If you are not sure what to give, consider a gift card or even the meaningful experience of treating them to a day at the Olive Mill for a bite and a perusal.

Farmbox Arizona

Mostly available for delivery throughout Central AZ, this farm box is a great gift that keeps on giving. Starting around $30/box, Farmbox Arizona gathers farm-fresh produce, eggs, and other pantry staples from local farms and delivers them straight to your door. Ordering a box for a friend is a great gift for someone who may be fascinated by fresh food, may be in need of good produce, or simply has everything else that they need. The best part is you can sign up to send one or several boxes—your pick! 

Unforgettable experiences

Years ago, my friends and I decided that while gifts were nice, we would rather find reasons to spend more time together creating memories. Since we all had “big-kid” jobs and could buy the things we wanted for ourselves, we opted to buy experiences for one another, which often involved tickets for two of us: one for me and one for you. This is a great option to practice for the person who has everything, the person who cannot stand clutter, or the person you want to build an even stronger connection with. Whatever the reason, here are some amazing Arizona experiences to enjoy with your loved one.

Hot air balloon rides

Hot air balloon rides are a one-of-a-kind Southwest experience that can be had in Phoenix or Tucson. Prices begin at $200-600/adult, prices depending on private or group exploration.

Barrett-Jackson

This winter, my in-laws arrived in Arizona and were excited to go to the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale. Since they live in the Mitten, they weren’t at the auction to purchase, just to look. Let this be an inspiration for an affordable gift of experience! Depending on the day, entrance tickets to view the auction start at under $20. So, for less than $40, you can create a fun and stimulating afternoon of looking at the world’s classic, fastest, and most intriguing cars. 

Copper Queen Mine Tour

Located in the historical mining turned arts town of Bisbee, the Copper Queen Mine Tour is a wonderful way to learn a little about the rich mining culture of Arizona. Only $16/adult ticket, purchasing this experience as a present can be the perfect excuse to take a daycation. Across from the mine tour is the historical and haunted Copper Queen Hotel, a street further is the artwalk alley, nearby is the delicious restaurant The Table, and down the way from that is a fantastic little bookstore! Bisbee is a beautiful experience in itself, boasting mining culture, haunted history, and awesome architecture and art.

Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel

Being born and raised in Arizona typically translates into never going to the Grand Canyon—pretty silly since we are the Grand Canyon State! Starting at $90 per adult round-trip ticket, you can change that this holiday season. The Grand Canyon Railway departs daily from Williams and is more than just a train ride. This experience includes musicians, snacks, and special events that can only enhance your travel to the Grand Canyon. With many package deals and holiday sales, this experience can be a grand hit.

Side note: If you have never seen the Grand Canyon, it is truly awe-inspiring, and you should take this as a sign that it is time. When I first took my mom, she stepped out of the car, walked up to the edge, and the tears seamlessly rolled down her cheeks as she was completely in awe of the beauty. This is an experience many people have.

Footprint Center

Located in Phoenix and associated with the Phoenix Suns, the Footprint Center is great for shows, games, concerts, and more. With an ever-changing roster of events, it shouldn’t be too hard to find an outing that you and a loved one can enjoy together. 

National Parks Pass

This one is for the travelers! Arizona boasts three national parks and several monuments, all covered by the $80 it takes to get a National Parks Pass for a year of unlimited entrances. Whether a local or national road tripper, the National Parks Pass is perfect for the natural beauty peruser and can even lead to a road trip together, as a pass covers a car full of people! 

Gift give away!

Whether you want to give gifts or experiences, the holiday season is a great way to show loved ones some thoughtful energy while also using your money to stimulate the local economy. So as you go out to do your holiday shopping this year remember that:

1. It is best to stay within your means—your loved ones will understand that you thought of them even if you can only pick out a pretty rock off of the ground.
2. Small things can have big meaning, and experiences count.
3. Your money has power; spend it empowering your community whenever possible.

Here’s to happy holidays ahead! 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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