Still searching for that perfect gift? Browse this carefully curated list of holiday gift ideas from the folks at Downtown Phoenix, Inc. Ranging from inexpensive stocking stuffers to modern art, these items are bound to please even the most particular person on your shopping list.
Tamales from the Tamale Store, $28 per dozen – Chuck Padilla, Downtown Phoenix Ambassador
With more than a dozen different kinds of tamales to choose from, everyone is likely find a favorite. Select from savory meat tamales, vegetarian, vegan, seasonal varieties and even dessert tamales. With so many choices, how can you go wrong? All the tamales are gluten free except the Chicken Mole and Red Velvet Cake, so they’re perfect for people with certain dietary restrictions. The Tamale Store sets up at the Phoenix Public Market on open-air market days and will be at Phoestivus Dec. 10 and 17 from 4-9 p.m.
Terrarium by TerrarIAN, $50 – R.J. Price, Vice President of Marketing and Communications
From a small converted workshop in his Willo Historic District home, Ian Christiansen of TerrarIAN builds complex miniature ecosystems of vegetation, housed in decorative glass vessels. The closed terrariums create a unique environment for plant growth and allow for the casual observation of essential natural functions that I don’t completely understand. Like photosynthesis and stuff. Pick up your own tiny wonder at Phoestivus Dec. 10 and 17 from 4-9 p.m.
Earrings from Southwest Designs in Jewelry, $20, Fara Illich, Content Manager
I love Southwest Designs because the jewelry is not only beautiful, but incredibly practical and comfortable too. Made of oxidized copper, each piece is a truly unique shade of marbleized turquoise and sienna. I bought a pair of $20 earrings for my mom last year for Christmas and they’re incredibly light weight, stylish and most importantly, she wears them all the time. Jewelry in all shapes, sizes, designs (and prices) will be available at the Phoestivus market Dec. 10 and 17 from 4-9 p.m.
Minimalist Geometric Triangle Necklace from Pure Life Jewelry, $30 – Sara Anderson, Events Manager
I recently bought two matching necklaces for me and a friend back home as an adult version of a best friends necklace. The necklaces are handmade by Arizona-native Jenny Melissa, founder and designer of Pure Life Jewelry, and are cute, affordable and very modern. The designer sells her work at Bunky Boutique, First Friday Art Walks and trunk shows around town.
Stone Grindz Chocolate, $7 per bar – David Stevenson, Marketing Coordinator and “What’s Happening Guide” Editor
Chocolate, of course, is a great gift for everyone on my Christmas list. My favorite is the Salty Almond Chocolate Bar made with single source cacao beans, direct from a Camino Verde farm in Ecuador. The salt really intensifies the raspberry and caramel notes and there’s a distinct brownie-like finish. Stone Grindz is sold at the Phoenix Public Market and will be at Phoestivus Dec. 10 and 17 from 4-9 p.m.  Free shipping is offered on all order overs $50.
Holiday Saguaro Racer-Back Tank from Bunky Boutique, $34 – Brandi Porter, Community Editor
Take a tour around Bunky Boutique and peruse the local shop’s finely curated selection of clothes, jewelry, handbags and more — many of which are locally made. My favorites are the AZ Love brand t-shirts, which come in an assortment of colors and shapes, and have gone festive with this Holiday Saguaro Racer-Back Tank, featuring the iconic cactus strung with holiday lights. It’s fun, seasonal and just quirky enough to wear year-round.
Fire-Scented Candle by Aspen Bay Candles at Growop, $28 – Mira Word, Marketing and Events Coordinator
This is my favorite candle because of its deliciously fruity and slightly sweet smell. It has a nice soft glow, looks beautiful and burns forever. Not only do these candles smell amazing but all the products are hand-poured in the U.S. using high quality eco-friendly materials. After your candle is done, I love finding ways to up-cycle the pretty glass jar for creative uses around the house.
Original Artwork by Jeff Davis at the Monorchid, prices vary – Dorina Bustamante, Director of Membership Services
I’m obsessed with an exhibit by local digital artist Jeff Davis. I saw his work at the December First Friday Art Walk at Bokeh Gallery inside the Monorchid and was so inspired by it. He creates beautiful geometric artwork using a computer algorithm, which generates really cool blocky and abstract shapes. The results are mesmerizing and the shapes appear to be abstractions of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s architecture. This would be a great gift for my dad who loves and collects art.