Ten Local, Small Business Spots for Christmas Shopping
I know I can’t be the only one who is a procrastinator and still has Christmas shopping to do. I’m typically not a procrastinator in most areas of my life, but I’m not a shopper. That may be understating how much I dislike shopping. This year, my family has decided to buy local for Christmas presents, and I have embraced the idea. I love supporting local businesses, and I’ve found they have so much unique, fun merchandise. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but I thought I’d share my favorite small local businesses that take the pain out of shopping.
1. Ida Red
Ida Red is a Tulsa favorite for many people. With three locations, one in Brookside, one in the Tulsa Arts District, and one at 91st and Yale, Ida Red carries many Tulsa and Oklahoma-specific products and some made by Tulsa artists! I love to go there to buy fun stocking stuffers for my adult kids.
2. Amber Marie and Company
This mother-daughter-owned business is a magical place! It would be easier to list what they don’t have than to try to tell you everything they do, but I’ll give a brief rundown. If you’re looking for home décor, holiday decorations and gifts, jewelry, or clothes, you’ve come to the right place. My only problem is that I go there for gifts and almost always end up buying something for myself, also! A big bonus for me is the complimentary gift wrapping! Amber Marie and Company has a store in Utica Square and also on 91st and Yale.
3. Magic City Books
Christmas isn’t complete without the gift of books, and there is no better place to go than Magic City Books! Founded in 2015, Magic City is an independent, nonprofit organization that not only sells books but also promotes the love of reading through author events, book clubs, and its popular annual book fair. Giving a book opens a world of adventure and knowledge to the recipient. Visit Magic City downtown on the corner of Archer and Detroit.
4. Made
After you finish buying books at Magic City, go next door to Made to find unique gifts handmade by Tulsa area artists and crafters. Items include clothing, candles, jewelry, bookmarks, toys, and so much more!
5. Kiddlestix
Kiddlestix is a locally owned toy store that makes shopping for children a joy, even for those of us who don’t like to shop. I’ve been a frequent customer for over thirty years, first for my kids and now for my grandkids. Kiddlestix has so many great choices, and if you need advice, their knowledgeable staff will offer suggestions. This year, I was not sure what to give my eight-year-old grandson. I went in and was able to do all my shopping for him and get it gift wrapped all within an hour — a non-shopper’s dream! Their location at 38th and Harvard is easily accessible to most Tulsans.
6. Mecca Coffee Company
If you have a cook or coffee lover on your list, visit Mecca Coffee Company on 41st, just east of Peoria. The delicious smell of coffee greets you as you enter Mecca Coffee Company. As you bask in the aroma, take your time and browse the collection of home goods, clothing, coffee, and kitchenware. I’m not a gourmet cook, but I have family members who are, and since I’m a frequent recipient of their cooking, I have a vested interest in their supplies.
7. Cricket and Fig Chocolate
Cricket and Fig is a locally owned shop and restaurant in London Square at 58th and Lewis. As the name implies, Cricket and Fig specializes in gourmet chocolates. You can choose which chocolates to place in a beautiful gift box. I highly recommend scheduling your shopping trip around breakfast or brunch. It’s one of my favorite places to meet friends for coffee and breakfast. It’s small and cozy, and the food is excellent! When you buy a present of chocolates, consider adding a gift certificate. Maybe you’ll get lucky, and they’ll invite you to join them!
8. Love Me Two Times
If you’re shopping for someone who loves vintage clothes, jewelry, or home décor, you need to head to 17th and Harvard and visit Love Me Two Times! One of my favorite gifts at our family gift exchange last year was a pair of vintage coffee mugs that I suspect came from Love Me Two Times. Walking through the store is like walking through some of the best parts of my childhood and adolescence of the ’60s and ’70s, a fun trip down memory lane!
9. Garden Deva
Garden Deva is another place where I must try to control my selfish interests and focus on gifts for someone other than myself. I love so many things at Garden Deva, including ornaments, yard metal signs and sculptures, custom-made metal address signs, wind chimes, and even classes.
10. Reeder’s
Yes, I’m talking about the gas station on the corner of 21st and Lewis. It is a gas station, but it’s so much more! One reason I love Reeder’s is that it’s almost as old as I am, having been founded in 1961. Located at the intersection of 21st and Lewis, Reeder’s is locally and family-owned! Besides being a rare full-service gas station, Reeder’s is a good stop for stocking stuffers. You can find candy and unique items, such as audible lollipops and emergency underwear. I love following the mother/daughter owners who post Instagram videos of their outings in Tulsa.
This list of ten barely scratches the surface of all the great local places that deserve your dollars. Route 66 has many locally owned shops and art galleries. Mother Road Market is also a great place to shop local. Keep your money in Tulsa by supporting local and small business owners, and best of all, you can avoid the mall! If you’re a last-minute shopper, I hold no judgment. Just get it done before Christmas Eve so your loved ones don’t end up with whatever’s still on the drugstore shelves.
What are your favorite local shops?
Welcome to Grand Life, the TulsaKids blog that explores the wonderful adventures of grandparenting! Join me and my grandchildren as we explore interesting activities and visit family friendly sites in Tulsa. This blog shares the joys and challenges of grandparenting as well as the various roles grandparents play in their grandchildren’s lives.
