Arts & Culture Community Community Commentary Deal Family Food, Restaurants & Dining Music & Events Spotlight Travel, Shopping & Leisure Fara Illich December 3, 2015

(Photo: NBMA Photography)

(Photo: NBMA Photography)


Looking for the perfect gift this holiday season? Well, look no further.
From foodies to green thumbs to localists — there’s a little something for everyone in our holiday gift guide, meticulously crafted by the Downtown Phoenix Inc. staff. So check out our list, check it twice, and make someone’s holiday merry and nice.
thebosque
Botanic surprise from The Bosque, $10 and up — Dorina Bustamante, Director of Community Engagement
The Bosque botanical boutique inside MonOrchid in Roosevelt Row is an absolute gem! I love giving meaningful gifts, and so of course, the Bosque is my favorite place in greater Downtown Phoenix to find super special varietals of native Sonoran Desert and exotic plants, ranging from cacti to ferns to succulents.
 
bunkyboutique
Anything and everything at Bunky Boutique, prices vary from $10 and up — R.J. Price, VP Marketing and Communications
With a wide array of jewelry, apparel and stocking stuffers, Bunky Boutique is my go-to, especially for my wife and sisters. Plus, this hyper-local shop has an entire section dedicated to Phoenix.
A trip to Rito’s Mexican Food, priceless — Raymundo Cabrera, Streetscape Programs Manager
If you haven’t already been, Rito’s Mexican Food is located in the middle of Garfield, a historic residential neighborhood in downtown. The green chile and bean mixed burrito is my favorite food, and I love sharing it with people.
tuftandneedle
Bed In A Box from Tuft & Needle, $350-$750 — David Stevenson, Marketing Coordinator
This Downtown Phoenix-based company was mentioned in Time Magazine’s 25 Best Inventions of 2015. It’s a great price for a new mattress, and it ships free in a box small enough to wrap and fit under the tree. It works great as a stocking stuffer to help grandma with her aching back (if grandma has huge stockings).
hazelandviolet
Letterpress Workshop at Hazel & Violet, $50 — Brandi Porter, Community Editor
Hazel & Violet is a small letterpress printing shop on Grand Avenue that makes beautifully crafted cards, posters, coasters and more. I love gifting experiences and a a gift certificate for a letterpress workshop is a perfect find for your creative-minded and old-fashioned loving friends and family. Their custom stationary would also make for great stocking stuffers!
A makeover at a downtown salon, prices vary — Daniel Martin-Mora, Economic Development Coordinator
Downtown is full of incredible full-service salons, like Downtown Salon Phoenix, Moriah II Nails & Spa, and Youngblood Haircutters to name a few. I think a gift certificate for a complete makeover with hair cut and style, pedicure and manicure would make the perfect gift for that special someone in your life.
Carie-Rebecca-Okedo
Fushicho Daiko classes, $20 and up — Fara Illich, Content Manager
I’ve always wanted to try taiko drumming on Grand Avenue, and I love the idea of giving the gift of an experience. I’ve never done it before, but I’ve seen the folks from Fushicho Daiko perform around downtown and it looks (and sounds) awesome. In addition to free open houses every First Friday from 6-10 p.m., there’s basic introduction classes for just $20, which can be a fantastic group activity (family discounts apply). Or if you want to learn more, Holiday Gift Certificates are available for $70 per month. The next intro class is Saturday, Jan. 16 and they can accommodate children ages 5 and up.
create-arizonasciencecenter
Membership to CREATE maker space at Arizona Science Center, $395 annual pass or $35 month pass — Sara Anderson, Director of Events
I love the idea of giving the gift of creativity! I would highly recommend gifting a membership to CREATE maker space at the Arizona Science Center, which has all the tools you need to cut, drill, laser cut, paint, sew, etc. Think of all the possibilities! You could learn and discover a talent that takes your life in on an entirely different path! I want to be a part of that story; or at least a part of a gift that keeps on giving. The annual membership, at $395, might be a little pricey for a gift, but a one-month membership is more affordable at $35.
orangetheory
Orange Theory T-shirt, $20 — Jessyca Hipskind, Controller
I would buy one of these in a heartbeat for anyone who attends the classes. It’s sort of a “I survived an hour of intense training, and I have the shirt to prove it” kind of thing.
 
Warm gloves from Urban Outfitters at CityScape Phoenix, $18 and up — Opa Schoch, Downtown Ambassador
This is the perfect gift for any bicycle rider who has an early morning commute. Why? Because the cold, dry air in Arizona can be brutal on bare hands, as all riders know too well. Urban Outfitters has a good selection for both trendy and practical cyclists.
herbergertheater
Herberger Theater Center Gift Certificates, any amount — Chuck Padilla, Downtown Ambassador
Give the gift of live entertainment! Herberger Theater’s gift certificates are the perfect gift for anyone that enjoys being entertained by live stage performance art — whether it’s a dramatic or comedic play, dance performance, or a theater musical. These provide that special person the option to choose for themselves what they want to be entertained by.
Customizable Gift Basket from Duck & Decanter, $25 — Hans Hughes, Downtown Ambassador
Available within 24 hours, this would make a great gift for a college student since you can have it delivered for $5. I like it because you can fill the basket with items like inspirational magnets, environmental stickers, lavender gum, and loose tea with a strainer, or food like short bread, hard cheddar, gouda and italian sausage. And don’t forget the selection of lotions! For adults, wine can be packaged and decorated in the basket for a great gift this holiday!
bottlessquared
Bottle(s) of wine and beer from Hidden Track Bottle Shop, $10 and up — Dan Klocke, VP Economic Development
This locally owned store stocks an excellently curated collection of wine and beer as well as olive oils and pasta. The myriad selection and price points work for everyone and make excellent presents or party gifts. If you’re unsure what to select, just ask owners Craig and Danielle as they’re always available and eager to suggest an impeccable bottle of wine or beer.