Shop locally this holiday season at these Tucson shops

Spread the holiday cheer with family and friends by giving them the gift of Tucson. Bring home pieces of Tucson for the holidays by shopping at some of these locally owned shops near campus.

Rustic Candle Company

Rustic Candle Company has been serving the Tucson community for 14 years and counting.

Located on Fourth Avenue, Rustic Candle Company has an assortment of candles in various scents and sizes. Prices are very student-friendly with small Votive candles starting at $1.25 each.

The small Votive candles are sold individually or in a set of 12 for $14. Some of the most popular scents are sugar cookie, clove and pumpkin spice.

“[Every candle is] hand-poured with love,” said Monica Cota, the owner and founder of the candle shop.

Cota is a UA alumna and is self-taught in the art of candlemaking. The labor-intensive process is all done in store.

In addition to candles, there are several stocking stuffers available, including handmade soaps, incense and white sage. Gift wrap is free with any in-store purchase.

The Scented Leaf Tea House and Lounge

Give the gift of tea this year from The Scented Leaf Tea House and Lounge.

Located on University Boulevard, the tea shop is a popular spot among students looking for a refreshing tea to go alongside studying for upcoming final exams.

“We’re not a common-looking place,” said Shane Barela, owner of The Scented Leaf.

Barela is a marketing alumnus from UA and prides his shop on being a “non-threatening” and “more genuine” place for students to come in and feel comfortable ordering something that is unique to their personal taste.

“You’re getting something that works for you,” Barela said. “[Customers] need to have their own experience.”

The quaint tea shop is currently working on adding a second location in Downtown Tucson. The new location will be open in March of next year and is currently advertising for all tea lovers to join in on their crowdfunding campaign.

With a donation on the tea shop’s INDIEGOGO page, there are plenty of perks that come with various donation amounts.

Give the tea lovers in your life gift cards, t-shirts, tea tumblers, discounted and half-priced teas.

The most noteworthy gift is the ultimate tea lover’s dream: free (unlimited) tea for an entire year.The Scented Leaf also sells all of the various teas available in store on their website with free shipping on all orders over $45.

Blue Willow

The rustic cafe on Campbell Avenue, known for their delicious menu items, is also home to an eclectic arrangement of gifts.

“We have [a] really unique mix of items,” said Stephanie Vingpon a manager at the restaurant and gift shop.

The gift shop is lined floor to ceiling with gifts for everybody on your shopping list and has a vast array of cards to fit all personalities.

“You can find almost anything,” Vingpon said. “We try not have anything over $50.”

Blue Willow sells an assortment of jewelry, kitchen, office and garden gifts. Whether it be a practical or gag gift, Blue Willow has something for everyone on the holiday shopping list.

Give the gift of Arizona this holiday season with Cheri’s Desert Harvest arrangement of prickly pear items and work from local Tucson artist Diana Madaras.

Buffalo Exchange

Buffalo Exchange is a store dedicated to recycling new and old fashion trends.

The quality thrift shop is located in the heart of Tucson on Speedway Boulevard, just a few blocks from campus.

This location was the very first Buffalo Exchange and was founded right here in Tucson. The quirkiness of Tucson is represented throughout the store’s merchandise.

The thrift shop offers customers a chance to buy, sell or trade their unwanted or unused clothing, shoes and accessories.

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