The Best in San Antonio's Unique Gifts and Local Finds

There’s always someone on your list who’s tricky to shop for. Skip the same old stores and find something that feels a little more special in San Antonio.

This season, explore boutiques, markets, and local favorites filled with gifts that celebrate creativity, culture, and community. Handmade art, sweet treats, and stylish finds: this season, holiday shopping in San Antonio is an experience all on its own.

San Antonio Boutiques to Check Out

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San Antonio has unique boutique shopping hotspots that are a must-visit. Add these to your shopping to-do list this season:

couple walking through plaza

La Villita Historic Arts Village

First stop, La Villita Historic Arts Village. This little village is San Antonio’s oldest neighborhood. Today, local artists have taken up residence to showcase paintings, drawings, sculptures, and more in quaint and charming galleries.

Here, you'll find gems like Yolix Luna Fine Art, where you can find one-of-a-kind art pieces by Mexican artist Yolix Luna herself. Nearby at Little Studio Gallery, artistic masterpieces by local artists await.

You can also create your own scented paradise at Scentchips. Visit Capistrano Soap Company, a local apothecary specializing in handmade soaps, skincare, and grooming products right here in San Antonio using heirloom recipes.

And, at Huipil Market Handmade Goods, you'll find unique treasures made by artisans from all around the world!

Rest a bit for some wine tasting at Casa Guizpot while you're here! It's the first all-Mexican wine shop in the country!

Man and woman shopping and looking at clothes

Historic Market Square

If you’re looking for a gift that screams “puro,” look no further than Historic Market Square. Here, you will find the largest Mexican market in the United States. The “El Mercado” portion and Farmer’s Market Plaza boast over 100 locally owned shops and stalls that import pottery, curios, and art directly from Mexico.

Here are just a few of the shops waiting for you at Historic Market Square:

drone shot of The Pearl
Photo by Apex Studios

Pearl

No shopping visit is complete without the Pearl, where festive lights and seasonal events set the perfect mood. Wander through locally loved boutiques filled with handmade goods, stylish apparel, and unique gifts you won’t find anywhere else.

Stop for a bite or a warm drink between shops, and soak in the energy of one of San Antonio’s most beautiful holiday settings. At the Pearl, shopping feels less like checking off a list and more like celebrating the season.

 

Painted Tree Boutiques

Painted Tree Boutiques is home to hundreds of local shops! Discover an eclectic mix of fashion, home décor, gifts, and specialty items, all crafted by small businesses with one-of-a-kind products.

San Antonio Shopping for the Musician

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You'll find something for everyone in San Antonio. Need something for the special music-lover in your life? Alamo Music Company has top names in pianos, guitars, accordions, and more.

If your music enthusiast is in need of vinyls, cassettes, or music accessories, head over to Del Bravo Record Shop, where you'll find unique Tejano finds.

For the Art Lover

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Exhibit room with glass blown art

One-of-a-kind art finds are all over San Antonio.

Garcia Art Glass is San Antonio’s first hot glass studio. Here, you can browse a gallery of hand-blown glass sculptures, watch a demonstration in action, and even commission your own custom piece for a one-of-a-kind gift.

Caliente Hot Glass is the place to be for fine arts and special gifts. Shop unique free-blown art gifts for someone special in your life. And at AlejandraMtzHArte, you'll find yourself surrounded by this local artist's beautiful, unique paintings. You won't want to miss her Catrinas series featuring Catrinas in their 9-5 jobs!

Shop Big with these Heavy Hitters

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outdoor shopping mall in San Antonio

If you’re looking to tackle your holiday list in one trip, San Antonio’s major shopping destinations deliver in style.

The Shops at La Cantera pairs high-end brands with open-air charm, perfect for a sunny winter shopping day. You'll find high-end luxury shopping here and everyone's favorite jewelry stop - Kendra Scott!

Downtown, The Shops at Rivercenter keep you close to the River Walk and offer everything from name-brand favorites to unique finds.

And just a short drive north, San Marcos Premium Outlets is a shopper’s paradise, with incredible deals on designer labels and plenty of space to explore.

Wherever you go, you’ll find holiday spirit around every corner.

Can’t Miss Holiday Markets and Events in San Antonio

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Shopping for the holidays just feels more festive and fun. That’s probably because the holiday markets are full of hot cocoa, caroling, and even a few reindeer games! Check out these holiday favorites.

Holidays on Houston Street - Market Weekend Dec 12

Holidays on Houston Street - Market Weekend

Get ready for a magical weekend filled with non-stop holiday fun in the heart of downtown San Antonio! From Friday through Sunday, visitors and residents alike can stroll through the Holidays on Houston Street - Market…

Holidays on Houston Street - Market Weekend Dec 13

Holidays on Houston Street - Market Weekend

Get ready for a magical weekend filled with non-stop holiday fun in the heart of downtown San Antonio! From Friday through Sunday, visitors and residents alike can stroll through the Holidays on Houston Street - Market…

Holidays on Houston Street - Market Weekend Dec 14

Holidays on Houston Street - Market Weekend

Get ready for a magical weekend filled with non-stop holiday fun in the heart of downtown San Antonio! From Friday through Sunday, visitors and residents alike can stroll through the Holidays on Houston Street - Market…

Holiday Market and Movie at Mission Marquee Plaza Nov 15

Holiday Market and Movie at Mission Marquee Plaza

Get a head start on holiday shopping at the Farmers & Artisans Holiday Market at Mission Marquee Plaza. This free and open to the public event features holiday-themed crafts and specialty products, Loteria by ¡Que…

Market Days Dec 20

Market Days

Join us for Market Days at the base of the Tower! We will be featuring over 40 local vendors from across San Antonio. Come browse, shop, and enjoy as you discover and support local businesses. This is a FREE…

Holidays at The Rock Nov 22

This festive celebration of the winter season will feature holiday movie nights, shopping at holiday markets, an ice-skating rink and many more festive activities, as well as a brand-new lineup of special holiday themed menu items at the seasonal “Santa’s Shack” kiosk. Entry for daily programming is free, with select activations including a cost.

View of San Antonio River Walk overlooking Stargazer sculpture.

Plan Your San Antonio Shopping Adventure and Holiday Getaway Today

Between sparkling lights, festive music, and the city’s mix of local charm and big-city style, every shopping trip in San Antonio is a refreshing adventure.

Start planning your visit today and make the most of your stay with the Visit San Antonio App, your guide to the best places to shop, dine, and celebrate this holiday season.