There's not a lot of options around Austin when it comes to sustainable, climate-friendly products…read morefor your home, surprisingly. I was excited to find Parker and Scott during our transition to trying to make our home plastic-free with refillable soaps/detergents/etc and Earth-friendly cosmetics. I hope to never buy another plastic bottle again! The prices are not super marked up from the online prices of these items. They have a really nice set up for a local small business and have opened several similar stores in the area which is a great additional to the Austin community.

This has been a go-to spot for thoughtful and intentional gifts when I want to highlight a gift…read morefrom a local Texan artist or unique cards to accompany anything I'm handing out. I've also had the chance to use this location to pickup some items from Burlap & Twine which has made it super convenient. What I like most is the ample parking!

Alright, so it took me about six years to return to this place because I had some major PTSD from…read morean employee (who still happens to work here unfortunately). However, this time was a lot different and I was able to find the perfect gifts for my friend's birthday as well as fun items for myself. It seems like the selection has remained the same although Atown is keeping up with current and modern trends. For example, there were a lot of ICE based items tucked away as well as current celebrity crushes who are on everybody's minds. The coolest thing I found was a James Talarico candle but other than that, a lot of the items that were for sale were pretty kitschy and I believe they are the same wholesale items I have seen before. I must shoutout the incredibly helpful service from Audrey who went above and beyond to help me find items for my friend's birthday. She was super sweet, and I would've been wandering around the store aimlessly if it wasn't for her direction. Additionally, she even came up with combination gift ideas which was pretty sick. Atown is lucky to have her! I think my PTSD is no longer because of her assistance. Great store, unfortunately high prices. However, no one does it like Atown!

Shopping local for stocking stuffers for the wife and the former teen. Shana was with me so we…read moreseparated, this place has so much stuff, almost too much, it can be overwhelming and you know you missed things. There are 3 or 4 separate areas you can visit and they have things from locally made earrings and art to coasters, desk plates, rubber ducks of famous people, religious candles with random famous people, funny socks, clothes, and so much more. The staff is friendly and outgoing, they even had a woman at the door greeting you and offering you a hand basket if you wanted or needed one. There were 3 or 4 cashiers and at least one lady walking around greeting you and seeing if they could help. It is pricier then your chain store but the products are cooler, unique, and many times locally made. Things you can't get at other stores or amazon. Like so many places, it's one downside is parking. It is a small lot, if you part in front you basically have to back in to spot blocking traffic or back out into traffic. There is a small side lot that is better but you basically have to 3 point turn out of that spot. Always willing to pay a bit more to support local. We don't get out of our area/comfort zone much but we do love this place. #Supportlocal

A few years later and I am still a big fan of Slow North and their candle arrangement and…read moreapothecary needs. I've been coming for a few years now and can't rave enough about their candle scents and store layout. The aromas that touch your nose will tingle your senses and have you ready to find that signature scent for whichever room you're looking to scent. From linen sprays to candles and oils, Slow North has you covered. Don't let the pricing be a deterrant as they are definitely well worth the investment. The burning time on their candles is really good and more of a slow burn. Take an opportunity to do a candle making class or participate in their other workshops!

The Hubs and I came for a midday date and we enjoyed every second of candle making. We learned so…read moremuch and were both wowed by the scents we created.

Fun store with all sorts of cute items from stuffed animals to wide variety of snacks (candy,…read morecrackers) to household items as well as face make-up. Customers service here is top notch and we had the best first impression visiting the store today. Plenty of parking in Chinatown complex. Surrounded by great Vietnamese eatery and coffee/boba shops.

Nice little toy shop. Random selections of toys and things but it's a cool spot to visit. Staff…read morewas friendly to us as well.

Such a helpful staff!!!! Whether in person or over the phone they are SUPER helpful, there's one…read moregentleman in particular (I wish I had gotten his name) very friendly and polite. Despite the fact that they have products up to the brim- everything is very organized. The only problem is trying to decide what to get without breaking the bank!!!

My Nephew is very into anime and wanted to get him a gift. I know nothing about anime so was…read morepraying the staff could help me out. I was directed to a Menga authority where she did an amazing job of interpreting my gibberish about what may work for my nephew. The store has an amazing selection, and staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Thank you for your help and needless to say you impressed.

On June 20, 2026, a beloved north Austin bookstore will cease operations as a brick-and-mortar…read moreshop. Their online presence will continue during the transitionary period. Black Pearl Books, one of Austin's few Black-owned independent bookstores, is closing this chapter of their physical operations. Husband-and-wife owners Eric and Katrina Brooks stated that this move comes as they "rethink life as empty nesters." I got an opportunity to chat with the couple. Eric said their daughter, Alicia, will be going off to college. He said they still continue to do pop ups with community partners like ACC Highland campus and the Austin Public Library. The owners will work toward their future plans and continue to host authors through the fall. The closing celebration on Saturday will include live illustrations, henna, matcha, and a live reading and book signing. Importantly, the City of Austin has designated June 20, 2026, as Black Pearl Books Day. This bookstore has been a beacon of light in the Austin community and will be sorely missed! For me, it is a bigger issue...we see more and more smaller businesses closing especially over the last few years. Big box national book sellers seemingly are expanding. While Black Pearl Books owners are closing their brick-and-mortar shop, I am excited for the new opportunities that await them. We say so long for now...not goodbye!

Now that they're about to close, I decide to write my review. Well, it's another one that has been…read moresitting for SO LONG as a pending draft, I may as well get to it. Though they are closing the brick & mortar, the owners say they aren't going anywhere and this makes me happy. I am hoping this means we will continue to see them involved in all things books, social justice, and more. This is a place I started going to when I first started coming to Austin on twice-yearly visits (prior to relocation here). For several years in fact. It is one the best places to obtain banned books. The collection is impressive and IMPORTANT. Though it is a small shop, they have EVERYTHING. If they don't they get it for you. They go above and beyond! I write this as if they are still in existence and that's because as I write this, they are. While there is still time, get out and support this local, Black-owned, glorious bookstore! When they're gone and doing other things, continue to support them. We need MORE people and MORE places like this. Period. They walk the walk and talk the talk! A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Greeted when I entered…read more The display right in front was of 2026 graduation items. Very nice display. Wondered a little to see what else they had. Texas jewelry and 4th of July shirts. Can't believe we are half way through the year. Came to get my free monthly card. And to see what other cards I could find. I like the blank ones or friendship, or thinking of you. Such a great store to find some unique items. Gift giving. A little something for everyone.

I knew it was Valentine's Day this week and I went to the Trudy's Hallmark shop to buy other cards…read more Did I buy any Valentine's Day cards...nope! It was not until I decided to address my Valentine's Day cards that I realized I did not have any. Snappity snap snap!!! Put it in high gear girlie...get thee to Trudy's Hallmark Shop...quick...fast...and in a hurry! Valentine's Day is tomorrow!!! The store manager said you are back again...two times in one week. Don't remind me please. Well buying Valentine's Day cards the day before Valentine's Day was not an original idea as there was a long of folks with Valentine's Day cards along with gifts in their hands as they waited in line. The Hallmark store has cards in all price ranges starting at 99c to over $10. You pick your price level. Cards purchased...exhale!

Excuse the pun, but this place is literally a "hidden gem". It is located along the I35 feeder…read more before you get to Braker Lane hidden behind the Wood Spring Suites. There's about 20,000 ft.² of rock, gem and prehistoric related items here. This is the ultimate place to get your mineral fix with thousands of fossils and gemstones to choose from. But that's not the only thing they sell here. You'll also find singing bowls, gongs, T-shirts, wind chimes, insence and literature on spiritualism. There's an additional area called the rock Depot where you could buy raw unfinished minerals by the ounce. If you have a fossil, rock or gem fetish, this place is second and none to get your metaphysical fix. The photos included should get you through the door.

I was limited on time, but I will most definitely be back for a deeper look. I just scratched the…read moresurface.