The Cedar Chest
The Cedar Chest in Wimberley has a nice selection of books about the Hill Country. They carry historic books about Wimberley, and even Ghost stories about the local land. They also sell the cutest baby hats around. They are about $30 but they are soooo adorable. They have many different styles, from leapord to red, bows and flowers, shiny and suede, and so many to choose from. I got one for a friends little girl, and I know it is very unique and will last a long time.
Elgin Christmas Tree Farm
Every year we go help pick out a tree for my parents. This year we had a 3 yr old with us to experiance it for the first time. It was wonderful! The Elgin Tree Farm is huge, not to far away from Austin, and they serve Hot Chocolate at the main enterance. They also have a few animals for the kids to go look at and pet. The workers there are really nice, they load everyone up on the trailer, take you to the lot of trees and wait until you have picked the perfect one to come help you bring it back, shake out the excess needles, and bag it up so it won't get damaged on the way home. They have beautiful trees and the price is just right for a wonderful memory.
Kruger's Diamond Jewelers
I was trying to finish up Christmas shopping and wandered into Kruger's Jewelry Store in Barton Creek Mall to get a gold chain I had repaired while I was shopping. They were able to repair it for under $20.00 for me, and it was done by the time I finished up shopping in the mall. This was nice of them to do, since the mall is pretty scary sometimes around Christmas and customer service can be stretched pretty thin, but they get and A+ for helping me out.
Great Hall Games
I did not know a store like this exhisted until a wrong turn down Lamar. They have so many games it is almost impossible to make a decision about which one to buy. The set I was looking for was a nice Mah Jong set, and I found a neat bamboo set for under $80.00. I also was able to pick up a set of Mah Jong playing cards that are great for travel or for late night playing. They have so many games, marbles, and game accessories to upgrade or replace ones you have or have lost. They are open from 11 am until 8, 10 , or 12 midnight. They also host gaming tournaments regularly.
Wild Birds Unlimited
For Christmas shopping we went to the Wild Birds Unlimited Store. They are open most days from 10 am -6 pm. I was shopping for a unique bird feeder for my grandfather who is an avid bird watcher/feeder. We found a neat suction cup feeder that attached to the kitchen window so he could watch the birds up close to his house. The sales staff was friendly and they charged very reasonable prices.
Camera Company Op Of Austin
I have been searching for the right camera to ask for for Christmas. I went to camera co-op to look around and ask questions about the different cameras. They have affordable and nice used cameras, as well as a large stock of new cameras. They offer student discounts and bulk film and developing items. I would recommend for anyone with questions to go there for answers that are real and easy to understand.
Hollywood Feed
I found out about Bark N Purr due to a recommendation from a friend. She was very happy with the grooming treatment she got for her dog there, and I was looking for some way to control the shedding on my pet also. They use special tools and do not harm your dog while doing it, and they say it has helped reduce shedding by up to 80 %. The groomers there are very nice, and really enjoy the animals they work with. They have a large selection of treats also.
Eco-Wise
I went to Eco-Wise for a Christmas gift before the holidays for a friend who loves the organic and natural baby products they sell. The baby toy selection is amazing, and it just goes to show how many toys can be great even without the batteries, lights and sounds blaring. They also sell natural cotton sheet sets, which are incredibly soft and luxurious. The prices are a little higher than a chain store, but they have a huge selection and friendly customer service.
Dragonsnaps
Dragonsnaps Children's Store is on South Congress, just look for the green dragon coming out of the roof and you are there. They carry boutique style clothes, for a boutique style price. But the clothes are soooo cute, handmade items with such great detail! They also have the cutest little leather shoes for babies, so they can learn to walk without hurting their feet. The sales staff is really nice, but be ready to pay a hefty price for the items in the store!
Terra Toys
Terra Toys is a toy treasure chest in Austin. Located on Anderson Lane, this is one toy shop even an adult could get lost in! They have an incredible selection of tin toys, and many other toys that don't require batteries for play, just a little imagination! They carry Thomas the Train items, as well as many joke and gag gifts. They are in a bigger store now too!
