The New Braunfels Farmers Market is here to bring magic back into holiday gift giving! Ditch the Internet shopping for a while and stop in to browse locally-made products like candles, jewelry, food items, and so much more.
There’s something about “shopping local” that just makes each gift a little more personal. Heading to the market to purchase a homemade stack of soaps for mom, or a handcrafted wood sign for your sister not only benefits the recipient but also the local community.
Thankfully, The New Braunfels Farmers Market is filled with incredible, talented, innovative vendors, and we wanted to highlight a few of our favorites!
Image courtesy of www.erinchristman.com
Erin Christman’s designs are the fashion choice right now - mixed metals, gold fill chains, sterling silver chains, and genuine gemstones, pearls, and crystals. Each piece is as elegant as it is simple - the perfect gift for anyone who loves a little sparkle.
Christmas is a time to celebrate with the ones we love, and we all know that means our dogs as well! Barking Bad Bakery makes handcrafted small batches of dog treats made with the best restaurant-grade organic ingredients. They also sell neat things like collars and bandanas so your pup can look stylish for the holiday season. Dog treats come in many varieties, such as apple bacon, banana blueberry, peanut butter, salmon, and even pumpkin spice for the “basic” breed!
Image courtesy of www.gruenewitch.com
Skincare products are the golden ticket of holiday gifts, and thankfully Gruene Witch Apothecary is cranking out some handcrafted organic skin care products and herb-infused salves and balms for the folks on your list. They offer a wide range of products like moisturizers, joint and muscle salve, beard oils, healing balm, tea tree oil, body mist, hand soap, lip balm, and more. They also offer bundles of items which could prove to be an amazing present for a gift exchange or the essential oils lover in your life.
Funderkandles might have a funny name, but their products are the best around. Skip out on the overpriced department store candles that everyone else has and get these homemade candles from the father-daughter company born in a kitchen in New Braunfels. Scents like “Drunken Punkin,” Black Cypress, Cassis, Eucalyptus, and Spearmint will smell incredible in any home!
Image courtesy of Thread and Nail FB page
We can’t think of a sweeter gift than the unique art pieces available from Thread and Nail. The name says it all; the creators use merely thread and nails to create stunning pieces of all shapes and size! One of our favorite picks includes their name boards that you can hang over a child’s bed or outside for some home decor. Smaller pieces include Christmas ornaments that are simply a must for any Hill Country tree.
For the hunter, the cook, or anyone else who appreciates quality work from local craftsmen, consider a custom-made knife from Jacob’s Custom Knives. The great thing about this idea for a gift option is that, while they will have some available for sale, you can create an entirely custom knife for someone on your list!
Image courtesy of hillcoproiron.com
Hill Country Provisions and Iron
Celebrate the cook in your family by giving a gift that is not only thoughtful, but also practical. Hill Country Provisions and Iron make innovative spice and seasoning blends that reflect the Texas Hill Country cuisine and beyond. They even have Wine Infused Salts, which can give any dish an extra shot of flavor! The Vermentino and Montepulciano starter packs are a great bundle to give someone, and all for under $10.
Carol’s Handcrafted Cookies is a business that blends the world of food and art by producing ornate, intricate cookies! Using antique molds collected from all over the world, Carol creates works of art with edible paint and decorations on these cookies that you can buy as a bundle for friends and family. The springerle, gingerbread, and honey specials are all winners in our book!
Image courtesy of Carvel Vintage FB page
If you need a sweet gift idea for the quirky, incredibly trendy, and lovable someone in your life - check out Carvel Vintage at the Farmers Market. Carvel gifts are inspired by geometric lines and architectural shape. If you can spend a little extra money on a present here, it is well worth the value.
Mia’s Sweets are wholesome goodies for the whole family to munch on for a little stocking stuffer sweetness. Mia uses cartoon style decorations perfect for every occasion, especially during the holidays! Get a bag full of cookies and pass them out to coworkers, or put a plate out for the family when they come over for a party.
You know that person who is always going on about how much they want handcrafted goat’s milk soap? Well, now you have just the place to buy their dream gift! Soapzees uses all natural ingredients that truly make a difference as soon as you feel it on your skin. Every ingredient is listed on the back of the packaging of each bar of soap.
We are so fortunate to have so many artisans in our local community! All of these vendors and more will be at the New Braunfels Farmers Market this weekend, as well as the “Super Saturday” event on December 23rd for your last chance to grab some gifts. For the full list of vendors, check out theNew Braunfels Farmers Market website!
If you’re also in the market for a great deal on a home, we can’t recommend a better place to start than with our FREE New Braunfels Buyer's Guide! After you’re done shopping at the Market, let us help you find a great deal on a local NB home.