Pan Dulce Mug
Mugs make the best gifts for anyone who’s obsessed with their morning cafecito, or who wants to disguise their mid-afternoon vino. Local artist Cristina Martinez of Very That makes the perfect mugs for anyone who also loves pan dulce. From marranitos to conchas to tri-color shortbread galletas, this mug is for the realest of San Antonians. $14.50, verythat.com.
SA Flavor Chicken on a Stick Clutch
It’s not too early to think about Fiesta, and your favorite Fiesta-holic will want to sport this sleek clutch designed by local website saflavor.com, emblazoned with your favorite protein on a stick. The Chicken on a Stick has been a hot item since its launch earlier this fall, so order yours now. $24.99, saflavor.com.
Extra Spicy Onesies
Created by a designer-illustrator in Southern California, Mexicool adds a bit of flair to your wardrobe with a Mexi-twist. The “extra spicy” onesies are perfect for the sassy babies in your life. $20, Karolina’s Antiques, 1709 Blanco Road, (210) 731-9787, karolinasantiques.com.
Topo Turnt Pin
We all know someone whose go-to drink is the most effervescent sparkling mineral water on the market. Produced by Austin’s Chorizo Funk and found at Feliz Modern, the sizeable pin lets your giftee share their love for the Coca Cola’s newest purchase. $10, Feliz Modern, 110 W. Olmos Drive, (210) 622-8364, felizmodern.com.
Avocado Everything
Equally popular if not more, avocadoes also have a place at Karolina’s where you’ll find purses, key chains, pins and special resin guacamole phone grips made by El Gordito Burrito. $4-$35, Karolina’s Antiques, 1709 Blanco Road, (210) 731-9787, karolinasantiques.com.
BarbacoApparel Cafeteria Style Pin
You can’t have a holiday list without a mention of BarbacoApparel, which caters to all lovers of San Anto-specific foods. Their latest pin, “Cafeteria Style,” is complete with your favorite comfort foods and geometric fish. It’s a nod to a certain local favorite. $10, barbacoapparel.com.
Pan Dulce Swag
Leave it to Karolina’s Antiques to have the most pan dulce merch in town. From pillows to socks to beanies to pairs of hanging fuzzy pan dulce for your car, the locally owned shop has everything you need to make your pan dulce-loving friends happy. $7-$25, Karolina’s Antiques, 1709 Blanco Road, (210) 731-9787, karolinasantiques.com.
Spicy Snacks from No. 9 Floral
For the friend who always needs to have a bit of spice in their life, grab a few chile-filled snacks from No. 9 floral like the jalapeño cheddar Poppy popcorn, jalapeño brittle from San Saba, Canaan Farms jalapeño jelly, Mexican chocolate truffles and “Borracho Beans,” drink-flavored jelly beans for a hint of sweetness. No. 9 will also have gift boxes available to order with select snacks and goodies from the shop starting at $50. $6-$15, 1701 Blanco Road, (210) 232-4471, no9floralandgifts.com.
Davila’s BBQ Lover’s Basket
For the barbecue buff in your life, Davila’s BBQ is offering a meaty bundle featuring swag from the longtime restaurant including an apron, cap, homemade barbecue sauce, homemade spice rub and a copy of Adrian Davila’s Cowboy Barbecue cookbook that shares the story of the family-owned restaurant. $49.95 plus shipping, davilasbbq.com.
Dignowity Meats Card
Gift cards might seem impersonal, but they come in handy when your giftee wants to score a homemade meal in a flash. Grab a card for your favorite host or coworker, and load it up so they can snag dinner at this East Side outpost that’s soon to be featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Amounts vary, 1701 E. Houston St., (210) 462-1496, dignowitymeats.com.
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This article appears in Holiday Gift Guide 2018.