



As the new year starts to peek around the corner, the season of hosting and gift giving begins! For us, this holiday season is all about making up for lost time and making new memories. To help, we’ve developed this Arizona local gift guide, stocked with some of our favorite places and party tips + tricks.
With small business Saturday this week, kick off your holiday shopping by supporting your favorite nearby maker!
How can we be mindful in both gift giving + shopping?
When we give gifts mindfully, we give from the heart. We think about what is meaningful to the receiver of the gift. How do we want them to feel? Gift giving is really an act of love a true and thoughtful gesture that shows people what they mean to you and how much you care about them!
But wait!
thereGifts that are purchased from locally owned shops are meaningful both to the receiver and to the shop owner We believe our culture has a deeper hunger to slow down and connect with our children, friends and neighbors Make a day of it grab your crew and shop local!
Enjoy perusing our top favorite gifts we are thankful for our local businesses and for you! We hope that this guide is helpful as you enter the holiday season
Taylor, Aliesha and the Atmosphere team
Not only does Jade & Clover carry an incredible assortment of gifts and accessories, but they’re also known for their DIY plant bar where visitors can build custom terrariums and plant arrangements Whether you’re building a gift or gifting the experience, Jade & Clover is sure to wow the plant lovers in your life
At Jade & Clover, they’re known for their unique variety of one-of-a-kind gifts, accessories, and a curated selection of house plants + cacti & succulents
Explore the experience at www jadeandclover com
All natural No preservatives
Handmade in small batches An Arizona hot sauce lover’s dream! Grab a bottle at a variety of local Arizona retailers or have it shipped directly to your house These gourmet artisanal sauces ignite your taste buds, enhance recipes, and push the boundaries
Cutino Sauce Co
After finding success selling “Homeboy’s Hot Sauce”, creator Jacob Cutino partnered with local pizza guru Chris Bianco to create Cutino Sauce Co
Find your flavor at www cutinosauce com
Prepare to deck the halls this year with trendy new pieces for your home and closet at W Boutique And while you’re there, grab some of their signature “boozy” candles! They make for a perfect host gift
Located in Tucson’s quaint St Phillips Plaza, W Boutique has fabulously curated clothing and gifts for men & women
Get inspired on Instagram @wboutiquetucson
Warm up those chilly Arizona winter mornings and nights with one of Tucson Tea Company’s small batch brews With 115 varieties to choose from you can find the perfect blend for everyone on your list
Founded 15 years ago as Thunder Mountain Tea, Tucson Tea Company has returned to its Southern Arizona roots with its original small-batch blends
Shop and sip at www.tucsontea.com
When you want unique, imaginative arrangements that cure the status quo, Form Floral is a must in Phoenix They’re all about causing a bit of a stir while creating the perfect vibe
What started as Malori Maeva’s home-based floral business quickly became a full-scale operation, complete with a team of experts and a gorgeous space in The Fred Phoenix
Fall in love at www formfloral com
Don’t let holiday shopping hanger get the best of you! Make a pitstop at Topo and refuel with their delicious grab-n-go burritos, street corn and soft serve Pssst their merch makes a great gift too!
Sitting amongst the eclectic lights and attractions of bustling Downtown Gilbert, this quaint food stand was designed in the spirit of the great American road trip
Top up at www topoarizona com
Looking for fun, unique and educational toys, books, games and novelties for the kiddos on your list? Tucson’s Mildred & Dildred, an entirely woman-owned business, has classic toys, games, puzzles and instruments for all infants, toddlers and children
Mildred & Dildred Mildred & Dildred prides itself on being a valuable part of the Tucson community They believe in the value and importance of imaginative play and work diligently to find the toys that encourage such play
Keep playing at www mildredanddildred com
Peruse vintage threads, hand crafted jewelry, locally made ceramics and more at Arizona Poppy on 4th Ave in Tucson
Arizona Poppy
New to Downtown Tucson, Arizona Poppy features groovy goods as unique as 4th Ave itself
Find your new faves on Instagram at @arizonapoppyshop
Impress your guests by adding edible art to your holiday gatherings! Dos Chris’ remarkable charcuterie boards, spreads, and baked goods bring the sparkle to the party
Founded by Chris J H Barbara and Chris J Barbara in 2021, Dos Chris’ recently opened their first brick and mortar storefront and have been serving up natural ingredients, flavors and style ever since
Eat up at www doschrisaz com
Pop art inspired paper prints, original stickers, and every millennial’s favorite custom pet portraits! The Painted Ladies is your go-to spot for art gifting
What started as a single word painted on a couple of old boards has now blossomed into a thriving original artwork business for the Ballard family
Shop in person at the Mercantile or at www thepaintedladies org
Known for their handcrafted bolo ties and metal jewelry, these gorgeous pieces are even more beautiful than the landscape and life forms they’re inspired by
Heliotrope
Based in Tucson, Spring Winders gathers inspiration from the desert to craft her stunning metal jewelry, bolo ties and more
Fill your cart at www heliotropemetal com
Cozy things up with festive, naturally luxurious candles and home fragrances Grab a few stocking stuffers + an extra for your own home!
Kin + Co Collective Kin + Co products are non-toxic, cruelty free, sustainably and ethically sourced as well as phthalate free High-quality, non-toxic, and clean products should be the standard for your home!
Shop the scents at www.kinandcocollective.com
Ready for another snack break?
These locally made artisan popsicles satisfy your sweet tooth without any artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners or fillers on those Arizona “winter” days
Find AZ Pops at a variety of farmer’s markets valley-wide or rent out their cart for your next event!
Peruse the pops at www azpops com
Saguaro bath bombs for the girls, leather goods for the boys, and something for everyone else in between! Pop by this 4th Ave shop to check everyone off your list
Eastland Alley Design Co finds its home in the distinctly creative artisan community, nestled in the historic Fourth Ave district in Tucson The shop proudly features products mindfully made by Arizona-based creatives Their makers are small batch, custom-made, distinctive and unique
Curate Christmas at www eastlandalleyco com
Oh, hello! I'm Sydney Houge, Atmosphere's Social Media + Events Coordinator! At Atmosphere, I aim to make guests and clients feel welcome by creating inspiring, comforting spaces and experiences
Hosting has always been a passion of mine and it always brings up a bit of nostalgia; perhaps this holiday season more than any other holiday There's a passion and drive to bring people together from all walks and stages of life Gathering together invites connection, second helpings, laughs, and cheer Hosting doesn’t have to be stressful, with plenty of preparation, good food and self-assurance, your guests are bound to have a beautiful time If you're hosting this holiday season, I'm sharing a few ways that you can make all who fill your table feel warm and welcome
Here, you’ll find a few of my favorite tips + tricks to make hosting for the holidays a bit easier Cheers!
When the weather outside is a fright, deck your halls and gifts with trendy delight! This year’s twist on classic holiday wrapping is swoon-worthy and luxe with rich tones and textures The staple item that makes this wrapping so beautiful? Velvet ribbon!. Stop by your nearest craft store to purchase a halfyard of velvet fabric Simply cut strips in various sizes and lengths to make your ribbon- the velvet edges will curl a bit, giving it a homey holiday look This holiday wrapping hack will also help cut down the (never-ending) holiday costs!
Keep it simple while adding a personal touch with clay tags! Purchase clay or make simple air-dry clay to shape with cookie cutters and etch with simple designs.
This snowy day craft doubles for holiday gift tags and adorable ornaments!
Happy Gifting!
When thinking about your tablescape for this holiday season, consider the colors you have already used when decorating your home Bringing the same tones into your table setting will bring sophistication and overall clarity to the space Layering textures and different materials make the scene feel thoughtful and set the event's mood
Keep your dinnerware, serving pieces, and glassware simple so the centerpiece can have its moment To blend the colors throughout the scene, I used an organic white plate to give it a sense of balance; while layering a more structured black ceramic plate on top so the linen napkin and name "card" would pop Thoughtful details show a guest that they're welcome at the table Consider getting creative when creating name cards - like using birch stumps with the guests' initials drawn on them
Finish your tablescape with simple flourishes, such as mini pine stems or berries, which can create a sense of celebration in the tablescape Topping off the table with elegant candlesticks will make the space truly feel like home
If you haven't already, this holiday season is the perfect time to try out the latest hosting sensation; the butter board It's as simple as that, butter on a board! It's the next best thing since the classic charcuterie board, and the two pair beautifully together They are bursting with flavor and so easy to customize The concept is simplespread softened butter on a serving board and top it with anything you'd like! Try creating a few butter boards, all varying in styles and flavors - savory, sweet, salty! Serve simply with sliced baguettes, and it'll be a showstopper at your next party!
Spice up your holiday party with a festive cinnamon bourbon fizz! This drink makes for the perfect, cozy winter cocktail For a smooth and easy serve, make a large batch that you serve from a beautiful glass punch bowl or pitcher with nearby cocktail glasses and garnishes ready to go!
Tip: Don’t have enough of the same glass to serve everyone? Mix and match will be your best friend! Gather a variety of your own, or pop over to the thrift store to collect some stunning crystal glassware.
Raising my sugar rimmed glass to you all I hope you have a very happy holiday season!
Drink recipe at www halfbakedharvest com
Cinnamon Honey Syrup (makes enough for 6+ drinks): 2 cinnamon sticks 1/2 cup honey 1 sprig fresh rosemary
Bourbon Fizz recipe
1 ½ cups bourbon 1 cup aperol ½ cup lemon juice
3 5 dashes orange or rosemary bitters cinnamon syrup (recipe above) 3 4 can sparking water, for topping
regular ice cubes
Fresh rosemary and cinnamon, for garnish
Instructions
1.
To make the cinnamon syrup. In a medium pot, bring 1/2 cup water, the honey, cinnamon, and rosemary to a boil over high heat. Boil 2-3 minutes, then remove from the heat. Let cool, then strain the syrup into a glass jar .2.
In a punch bowl, combine the cinnamon syrup, bourbon, Aperol, lemon juice, and orange or rosemary bitters. Stir to combine, chill until ready to serve. Before serving, add ice, then pour the sparkling waters over. Serve with sugared rosemary
Recipe through www.halfbakedharvest.com
The holidays can be overwhelming for many If you are looking for nearby nonprofits and charities to support, here’s our list of local favorites
The CCS mobile unit offers free showers, laundry services, haircuts, new clothing, supplies, letters of home and employment to those currently dealing with homelessness or instability www cloudcoveredstreets org
Shoebox Ministry coordinates the collection and distribution of toiletry items in the Phoenix Metro area to those who are experiencing homelessness and others who need but can’t afford hygiene items www.tccrc.org
one•n•ten
The mission of AzMOM is to provide charitable dental care and education to Arizonans, reducing health risks and suffering for those in need www azmom org
St Mary’s Food Bank serves to alleviate hunger through the gathering and distribution of food while encouraging self-sufficiency, collaboration, advocacy and education www firstfoodbank org
Their mission is to serve LGBTQ youth and young adults ages 11-24 by providing empowering social and service programs that promote self‐expression, self‐acceptance, leadership development, and healthy life choices. www onenten org
Hoofbeats with Heart works to improve the lives of the physically and mentally challenged, anchoring at risk youth and giving grief a voice through the fellowship between humans and horses www hoofbeatswithheart org