Abilene shops offer one-of-a-kind local gifts

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – As Christmas time draws closer, it can become more difficult for last-minute shoppers to find the perfect unique gift for their loved ones. Different businesses around town are offering Abilene niche gifts for the holidays.

Blue Willow on South 1st Street is a place full of knick-knacks, from nutcrackers to decor. Owner Robyn Carothers said shopping locally helps the business and the community.

“Every dollar you spend locally gives back to the community in one way or another. We have over 300 consignors or vendors. So, when we pay out our vendors and when we pay out to our consignors, that money is also reinvested in the community,” Carothers shared.

Next door is Furniture Junk-It, where local vendors showcase their creations. One vendor, Jennifer Gibson, mentioned that shopping locally offers a wide variety.

“11,000 square feet full of furniture, full of home decor, full of gifts, full of one-of-a-kind unique items that you’re not going to find anywhere else, like in a big box store,” Gibson said.

On the sweeter side of things, Candies by Vlettas is offering chocolates, truffles, and fudge. Owner Pamala McCombs said she is prepared to offer the sweet treats that locals have enjoyed for decades.

“We’ve been in business since 1912, and so people have given gifts over the years for Christmas. Since what we make here in-house is special, our chocolate doesn’t have any preservatives in it. It’s made fresh daily. We hand-dipped one piece at a time,” McCombs said.

The Texas Star Trading Company is known for its state pride, and this year, co-owners Carol and Glenn Dromgoole say you can gift a taste of Abilene or a local read.

“It’s hard to know what to give people sometimes. Food items are always a good choice if you don’t know what to get someone because it’s something they can enjoy,” Carol said.

“If you know that person’s interested in a particular subject, it’s an easy gift to put together and it means something to the person that you’ve done something personal for. So books make great gifts,” Glenn said.

All businesses listed are closed on Christmas Day.