KEAN 105 logo
Get our free mobile app

Since the beginning of the pandemic adding to the recession and inflation going on, I thought, that this holiday season I would make it a point to shop at local Abilene stores first. When it comes to finding out great ideas of where to go I checked with my wife and daughters, and boy did they give me some great leads.

One place I've shopped that screams Abilene is the Texas Star Trading Company, in downtown Abilene. First I thought they have a ton of great history books that are about Abilene, the Big Country, west Texas, and Texas in general. But then I discovered that they carry a lot more as you'll see in the photos I've included.

LOOK: Here Are Some Gift Ideas That Are Bought Locally

For the sweets lover in the family, there are Candies by Vletas where hand-dipped chocolates, cookies, and all sorts of candies are made right there in their store. For the aminal lovers, there's the Abilene Zoo where one can find great gift ideas and annual Zoo memberships.

Then there's Casa Authentique with their awesome ladies' wear. One that caught my eye was the "Merry Christmas Y'all" t-shirt, (too cute). Nonetheless, here's the list my wife and daughters recommended as places for me to shop locally for Christmas gifts that scream ABILENE and or Texas, they are:

  1. Texas Star Trading at 174 Cypress Street
  2. Candies by Vletas 1201 North First Street
  3. Abilene Zoo 2070 Zoo Lane
  4. Casa Authentique 3025 Southwest Drive
  5. The Paramount Theatre 352 Cypress Street
  6. Frontier Texas 625 N 1st Street
  7. Farolitos 209 Cottonwood St
  8. Perini Ranch Steakhouse 3002 FM 89, Buffalo Gap
  9. Lytle Land and Cattle Co. Steak House 1150 E South 11th St
  10. Leddy's Legacy 1220 North Treadaway Blvd.

These are my personal thoughts and recommendations for gift ideas this holiday season. If I've missed some places, please share them and let me know. Now, remember to deck them halls y'all, and Merry Christmas!

LOOK: West Texas Christmas Tree Farms That Have So Much to Offer

Christmas Tree Farms and Event Venues for the Holidays

Gallery Credit: Rudy Fernandez

LOOK: Classic Business Signs You Still See Around

These signs are still standing in and around the Abilene area. Many of the businesses are still going too.

Gallery Credit: Rudy Fernandez

10 Abilene Street Names That Are Hard To Say

Abilene has a lot of street names that are simple numbers. However, there are some streets that are hard to pronounce. Here's how to say them.

Gallery Credit: Rudy Fernandez

More From KEAN 105