Shop Local, Spark Smiles: My Abilene Christmas Gift Guide

Why Shop Local?

Christmas shopping doesn’t have to mean battling big-box store crowds or settling for generic gifts. When I buy local right here in Abilene, I find items that truly stand out—so much so that my family can’t help but exclaim, “This is awesome, Dad!” or “Yes, yes, these are mine, all mine!”

Sweet Surprises for My Wife

I’ve discovered that if I want to put a big smile on my wife’s face come Christmas morning, I need to grab something you can only get in Abilene. One of my top picks? Candies by Vletas in downtown Abilene. Their chocolate-covered strawberries are her absolute favorite, but practically any chocolate-covered treat from Vletas has my wife swooning with delight.

Gifts That Wow My Daughters

My daughters love items that proudly say “Abilene.” Whether it’s a coffee mug, a paperweight, or jewelry, a gift with a local touch adds that extra dose of pride they can show off at work or around town. It’s a little piece of home they carry wherever they go.

Party Time for My Sons

My sons are full-blown foodies, so they appreciate gifts that scream “Let’s have a party!”—think local sauces, seasonings, or snack assortments that bring people together around the table. For them, the best gifts are the ones that spark fun gatherings and good eats.

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Explore Texas Star Trading Company

One local spot that never fails to impress is the Texas Star Trading Company on Cypress Street in downtown. Beyond an incredible selection of history books about Abilene, the Big Country, and Texas overall, they carry a variety of unique souvenirs, gourmet treats, and fun knick-knacks. It’s the perfect place to find something unforgettable for anyone on your list, especially if you want it to have that Texas flair.

Deck Them Halls, Y’all!

When it comes to filling stockings or stacking presents under the tree, local Abilene stores offer gifts with heart and heritage, things you just won’t find online or in giant retailers. Treat your family and friends (and yourself!) to distinctive goodies that say, “I picked this out just for you.”

Have fun shopping, have a merry Christmas, and remember to deck them halls, y’all!

Here are my "Top Five" ideas for Abilene-specific gifts:

1. Candies by Vletas / 1201 North First Street

Photo by: Rudy Fernandez
Photo by: Rudy Fernandez
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Photo by: Rudy Fernandez
Photo by: Rudy Fernandez
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2. Texas Star Trading / 174 Cypress Street

Photo by: Rudy Fernandez
Photo by: Rudy Fernandez
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Photo by: Rudy Fernandez
Photo by: Rudy Fernandez
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3. Perini Ranch Steakhouse / 3002 FM 89, Buffalo Gap

Perinin Ranch Steakhouse on Facebook
Perinin Ranch Steakhouse on Facebook
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Perini Ranch Steakhouse on Facebook
Perini Ranch Steakhouse on Facebook
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4. Leddy's Legacy / 1220 North Treadaway

Photo by: Rudy Fernandez
Photo by: Rudy Fernandez
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Photo by: Facebook / Leddy Legacy
Photo by: Facebook / Leddy Legacy
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5. Frontier Texas / 625 North 1st Street

Photo by: Rudy Fernandez
Photo by: Rudy Fernandez
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Photo by: Facebook / Frontier Texas
Photo by: Facebook / Frontier Texas
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