This year, it is more important than ever to support local businesses. The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted us all and small businesses have been hit extremely hard. With many businesses struggling to stay afloat during this time, now is better than ever to support your go-to local spots or even find a new favorite! Check out the list below for a few ideas and let us know your favorite local Tucson spots.
Why I Love Where I Live
Why I Love Where I Live was started as an exercise in practicing gratitude and appreciation for the place that you’re in. Kristin Tovar, a local Tucsonan, created an Instagram page about Tucson to foster and develop an appreciation for her home. The concept of celebrating the unique aspects of Tucson has developed and Why I Love Where I Live now has a storefront in the MSA Annex. The shop focuses on items that display local pride, such as local hand-poured candles, handmade jewelry, Tucson inspired masks, and more. If you’re not comfortable shopping in person, an online store is available for all your gift-giving needs. Check out some of our favorite items, which include this saguaro ring, a unique wooden postcard, and The Taste of Tucson Cookbook.
Pueblo Vida Brewing
This year, trade the Bud Light for a locally brewed favorite. Tucson is home to a number of unique breweries. One of our favorites is Pueblo Vida Brewing, who are a “passionate group of desert-dwellers committed to attaining the highest level of quality and consistency in the craft beer world.” Order your favorite beers in a 4 pack, 6 pack, growler, or a keg (!). They offer curbside delivery to make the experience as easy and safe as possible. Try out one of their unique flavors, like the Order Up Breakfast Stout with notes of chocolate and coffee, or the Cerus IPA, which white peach, green melon, and candied orange tasting notes.
Creations Boutique
While big retailers may have eye-catching deals for the holidays, shopping at local boutiques is a great alternative. Good thing we have so many options in Tucson! One of my favorites in Creations Boutique, located at 444 North 4th Avenue. Established in 1971, the boutique features an assortment of bohemian-inspired threads, including pieces from local designers. Check out their storefront or order online from the comfort of your couch. Check out their styles here.
Humanity Hub
La Suprema Members Sara Patterson and Jesse Wayne had a vision of supporting local food producers and businesses to empower the community and help with local food security. They developed Humanity Hub to not only help local businesses but to connect Tucsonans with local, fresh options. Their initial impact includes increasing food access and convenience, revenue to local vendors, positively impacting community metrics and increasing food security. They currently offer two options, a Local Food Box & a Local Loot Box. The Local Food Box includes local produce, fresh-baked bread, 3 food items, and a delicious dessert. The Loot Box has a collection of handmade items and gifts, such as soap, postcards, and a t-shirt to name a few. Purchase a box for your friends and family or even treat yourself to one!
Cultivate Market
Cultivate Tucson celebrates local creators and designers to come together as a community through their pop-up events. You can find a gift for everyone on your shopping list with their variety of vendors. Some of their local vendors include Agave Pantry, 1988 Books, Alexclamation Ink, and Arizona Baking Company to name a few. They are open Tuesday-Sunday at the MSA Annex. They also offer private shopping appointments for no extra charge. Cultivate also has a full website to purchase gifts online. Surprise your loved ones with a one of kind gift from Cultivate Market this year.
Artezona
Spruce up your home this season with local art and photography. Artezona, created by La Suprema Works member Liz Hernandez, offers a collection of unique, local art and photography. They also have art jewelry collections and virtual shows. Upgrade your everyday spaces with gorgeous works of art everyone will love. Check out their virtual gallery and give the gift of art this year.
Pop Cycle
Founded in 2008, Pop Cycle is dedicated to fostering sustainability through its collection of upcycled art, re-used products, and refurbished items. The store is home to two in-house lines, DDCO Designs and Monster Booty Threads. The collection of local goods includes art, ceramics, books, clothing, and more. For a new and unique way to support local art, check out their Pop Box, a monthly subscription box that features a collection of mystery items, including two items made by local artists. Visit the in-person shop at 422 N. 4th Ave. or shop online.
Session Yoga
With 2020 such a chaotic year, I think we could all use a little stress relief. Give your friends and family a gift that keeps on giving with Session Yoga. Yoga is not only a great exercise but has a myriad of benefits including heart health, stress relief, and increased flexibility to name a few. Session Yoga is a local spot that wants everyone- from beginners to true yogis- to practice the art of yoga. They are offering live-streamed and in-person classes. They have a variety of memberships and class pack options available for purchase.
Sydney’s Sweet Shoppe
The holidays can be a chaotic time, so why not leave the stress of holiday baking to the pros this year? Ditch your apron and rolling pin and pick up a pie from local baker Sydney Adams. Adams, a local Tucsonan and UA grad, turned her family recipes into a successful small business when she launched Sydney’s Sweet Shoppe. The shop offers a variety of cream and fruit pies, which can even be made vegan or gluten-free to satisfy any diet. Order your pies online in time for your holiday dinners.
Gather: A Vintage Market
Shopping at Gather: A Vintage Market is truly an experience. In 2012 the founders completely transformed a former lumber house in downtown Tucson into a gorgeous, whimsical vintage market that changes seasonally. The market is open four days a month, with a completely new arrangement of items each month to keep shoppers on their toes. During the month of December, the entire market is transformed into a winter wonderland with antique holiday decorations and Christmas trees decorated beautifully. The last days of the year to enjoy the market are December 9-12 and the January dates are the 7th-10th. Gift cards are available to purchase here.
Have a business to add to the list? Comment below or email us at hello@lasupremaworks.com.
Happy shopping!
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