A guide to holiday gift-buying in Phoenix http://downtowndevil.com/2011/12/08/18344/phoenix-downtown-holiday-shopping-guide/
By: Kendra Worsnup December 8, 2011 Holiday shopping is a daunting task that even the bravest of shoppers tend to wrestle with.
Bunky Boutique Address: 1437 N. First Street Light rail stop: Central and McDowell
But never fear! Phoenix is home to some of the most amazing boutiques sure to provide a plethora of choices for all the lovely people on your list, within all budgets. Many of the boutiques are only a light-rail ride away and by shoppping locally, you’re helping Arizona, too. You’ll practically be Santa Claus.
Although Bunky Boutique may be a little pricier than the aforementioned shops, it is worth the extra cost. Bunky Boutique carries brands such as Out of Print, Spindle and Canister, Hippy Tree, Amy Kathryn and Bobi. This Birds on a Wire necklace ($68) would make the perfect gift for any lovely lady in your life — girlfriend, best friend, mom or sister. It’s delicate yet bold enough to make a statement.
Butter Toast Address: 908 N. Sixth Street Light rail stop: Central and Roosevelt
In addition, Bunky Boutique is right next to Giant Coffee, so you can buy gift cards or take a quick shopping break and get yourself a honey vanilla latte.
Butter Toast is a vintage boutique with fashions for both men and women. The best part of Butter Toast is its affordability. Most pieces range between $15 to $30. Your loved ones are sure to look hip in the clothes or accessories you buy.
Frances Vintage Address: 10 W. Camelback Road Light rail stop: Camelback and Central
Take this high-waisted pastel plaid skirt, for example. It is great for going to work or a barbecue. The skirt’s versatility allows it to be worn in any season, and its timeless attributes ensure its will stay in her closet for a long time.
Frances Vintage sells a vast mix of items, including new and vintage clothes for men, women and children, as well as home products, paper goods, books and accessories. You could almost buy something for everyone on your list at this one shop alone. They even carry Toms, so you can join the “One for One” movement without even having to pay shipping. Perhaps the greatest things you can find at Frances are paper goods — you’re guaranteed to find incredible cards to give with all your gifts.
“But there’s no way I could afford such a beautiful item,” you say. Au contraire, my friend: This skirt is only $18. Smeeks Address: 14 W. Camelback Road Light rail stop: Central and Camelback
Stinkweeds Address: 12 W. Camelback Road Light rail stop: Camelback and Central
Smeeks is a “sweet little shop for sweet little folks.” Filled with all sorts of treats from gumballs to wax-bottle candy, candy cigarettes, lollipops and saltwater taffy, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds — or your friends’ taste buds. Smeeks also has many delicious specialty sodas — and who doesn’t love a tasty beverage?
Stinkweeds is an independent music store that carries CDs and vinyl LPs from genres ranging from indie-rock to blues and reggae, including some local bands. You can also purchase band shirts and concert tickets. Located between Frances and Smeeks, Stinkweeds is a one-stop music shop, and for the music lovers in your life, it is the place to go. I recommend Atlas Sound’s album “Parallax” ($14)
While you’re there, don’t forget to take a couple of pictures in the old-fashioned photo booth.
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