It’s the most wonderful time of the year! I love to shop locally to support artists, vendors, and businesses in our community. Shopping small improves our city’s workforce and economy. Additionally, you can find really special and unique gifts for your friends and family. Here are some of my favorite products under $55! I hope you find some gems for your loved ones in this budget-friendly local gift guide for the holidays.
Gifts for Kids
Love the Little Things book, written by Albuquerque’s Roxanne Barry! The book is a reminder to both parents and children to find joy in the mundane ($9.99, Amazon).
Custom-made wooden New Mexico puzzle. You can paint them or leave them natural ($20, No Coast Goods).
Grab some adorable finger puppet animals. Let their imaginations run wild as they create their own stories with their newest little characters. The options range from axolotls to owls ($9.50+, Bookworks).
Consider getting your little one their first Maileg (pronounced ‘My Lie’) toy. They are whimsical Danish-designed heirloom toys that inspire imaginative play. I personally love the mice that can be found at The Perfect Gift Shoppe and sarabande HOME (prices vary from $20+).
To keep their little heads warm, get them a Beck & Birdie’s Cozy Beanie. There are different color options and you can add a matching scrunchie for mom ($15.99+).
Lastly, grab a “box” of hand-crafted felt cinnamon rolls to complete your child’s pretend play kitchen ($14.00+, Liv & Mimi’s Boutique).
Gifts for Her
Lavender lovers in your life will appreciate anything from Lost Poblanos Farm. This is the perfect little duo to pamper the ones you love ($13, Los Poblanos Farm Shop).
For the eco-conscious woman on your list, gift a desert perfume made from dryland plants. Packaging is reusable or recyclable. Additionally, they donate 15% of their limited edition perfume sales to social and environmental justice organizations in the southwest ($26-$34, Dryland Wilds).
Get her unique, handmade jewelry by Sebnem Ercelik Balmumcu, sold exclusively at Lavender Road located at 328 San Felipe St. NW, Suite C ($35 for earrings, $45 for rings, and $55 for bracelets).
Get 10% off jewelry at Lavender Road if you mention “ABQ MOM” through December 31, 2022.
For a less traditional option, give her a gift card to a local photographer’s business. I love Nicole Bridges Photography. She will love and appreciate photos of her family to cherish for a lifetime ($50+).
Add Promo Code “save2023” and mention in the form that you were referred by ABQ Mom for 10% off gift cards through December 31, 2022.
Lastly, I love these comfy and adorable Mountain Mama sweaters from SandiaMtnCreations ($31.68+).
Gifts for Him
For quality grooming products, shop Col. Ichabod Conk products made in Los Lunas. They offer beard, mustache, and shaving items. Their products are made in small batches with no parabens, synthetic fragrances, artificial colors or dyes, etc. For this reason, my husband loves their line ($14.50-$30, Col. Ichabod Conk Products).
Give him these cork Zia Coasters so he can show off his New Mexican roots. In fact, pair these with my next recommendation for the perfect gift ($15, willajunejewelry).
Grab a growler, cans, or bottles from his favorite brewery. He will definitely appreciate a cold craft beer after the hectic holidays (prices will vary but the average growler fill runs between $11 to $13).
For an experience he will never forget, grab an e-gift card for Ruckus Paintball + Airsoft. They offer ultra-low impact gelly balls for kids ages 6+ and regular paintball options. In fact, this would be a great gift activity for dads and kids ($20+, Ruckus Paintball).
Ruckus is currently running a promotional deal for 10% off e-gift cards.
Gifts for Everyone
Purchase a tin of loose-leaf tea for the tea enthusiast in your life! In fact, these would make perfect stocking stuffers ($14+ per tin, Old Barrel Tea Company).
Here is another tea option! Megan’s Pantry’s popular Elderberry Magic Tea is available in three size options. All teas are packaged in food-grade paper tubes; therefore, their products are recyclable and biodegradable ($7-$18, Megan’s Pantry).
Don’t forget to grab a hand-crafted soy candle made with organic, locally-grown botanicals. Check out the “New Mexico Collection” to find scents that remind you of your hometown or favorite Land of Enchantment things (options starting at $6+, Enchanted Sugar).
The most beautiful dough bowl candle you have ever laid your eyes on. This twenty-ounce candle is made in a reusable wooden dough bowl and you can get them in four different scents ($44, Megan’s Pantry).
Help build their wardrobe with this stylish Cactus Skull Tee. This unisex shirt is so soft and I love the design ($22, No Coast Goods).
Pair some local Piñon coffee with Ristra Mugs. Your loved ones will immediately feel the “warmth” as they cozy up to a fire with their steaming cup of coffee ($11.49 for a 5 lb bag of Traditional Piñon Coffee and $15 for a Ristra Mug).
Gifts for the ABQ Mom Book Club Member
Purchase books locally for the bibliophile in your life. My favorite shops are Bookworks, Books on the Bosque, and Page 1 Books. Psst, here’s a sneak peek of the ABQ Mom Book Club‘s 2023 book club picks in case you want to grab one for that special mom in your life (prices vary).
There are so many local businesses that I love, but I couldn’t fit them all. Thus, I have added a list of companies our team loves below:
- The ABQ Collective
- Aunt Goodie
- Bask Bath Bar
- Brotique 505
- Color Wheel Toys
- The Cornivore Popcorn Company
- Danny Hart Design Studio
- Flyby Provisions
- Food Allergy Awesomeness
- Jungle Jam
- Kei & Molly Textiles
- Little Cloud Clothing
- Luna & Luz
- The Octopus and The Fox
- Retail Therapy
- Southwest Cactus at El Vado
- Spur Line Supply Co.
- Str Designs
- Upside Goods Co.
- & More . . .
Thank you for shopping small this holiday season!
If there is a local company or business that we forgot, please let us know!
The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ABQ Mom, its executive team, other contributors to the site, its sponsors or partners, or any organizations the aforementioned might be affiliated with.
