What's going on, Albuquerque?

Shopping Burque for the Holidays

The New York Times just picked up an Associated Press story on the impact of buying local in New Mexico. So if you're looking for some places right here for do some holiday shopping, here's a completely biased list of stores that don't have 27 checkout aisles. And don't forget the local shopping discussion already happening on the Fix. Are there other local stores you like? Feel free to add them in the comments section. (Include links please).

The A Store (All sorts of cool furniture, decor, kitchen stuff, gifts)

Pennysmiths Papers (Paper Galore)

Heidi's Organic Raspberry Jam (Self-explanatory)

Aqui (Gifts, clothing, etc).

Kelly Jo Designs (Pottery)

Bookworks (Books)

Pfeifer Studio (Gifts, art)

Lilly Barrack (Jewelry)

Beeps (Funky gifts)

Revolver (Retro/vintage clothing and accessories)

New Mexico Tea Company (Also self-explanatory)

Mariposa Gallery (Art/jewelry)

Gardeners' Guild (Garden gifts)

Scojo's (Gifts/books)

Zapatos (Women's shoes)

Hey Jhonny (Funky gifts/home decor)

Masks y Mas (Masks and all sorts of stuff)

Stilo (Boutique)

Out of the Blue Toys (Toy Store)

Peacecraft (Fair Trade Wares)

Larry's Hats (Hats)

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Gift Store (Gifts)

Sumner & Dene Fine Art Gallery (Fine Art and Gifts)
Photo courtesy of Kip Malone.

0 members like this

Comment by Ben Moffett on December 4, 2009 at 12:24pm: Here's some things I would recommend. (1) Buy a local Christmas tree, from a local merchant. Ask where it came from? Don't buy a manufactured tree. (There are plenty of real trees, by the way; you are not harming the environment). (2) Go to a garage sale in a downtrodden part of town and buy something that costs at least $25. Don't negotiate. Pay the full price. (3) Give yourself or a loved one a massage as a Christmas treat -- a full hour. That's money right into a local's hands. (4) Buy something from a non profit second hand store. You're not robbing from the poor, but feeding the coffers. Take something along you really don't need and give it to the store.

Comment by cc on December 4, 2009 at 1:22pm: Good advice, Ben - wholeheartedly agree about the local trees - this is a NM-specific agricultural enterprise to be supported for sure.

I was going to add "Local Artists & Crafters" -- many schools offer Fairs, and keep your eye out on the Fix and on FB for your friends' open studio sales as well. Harwood Art Center has their 12x12 tonight, too - sales of local artists pieces will benefit art programs at the Harwood.

La Montanita Valley Coop and Los Ranchos Growers Market both will have ARTS/CRAFT Fairs (Coop's will be with music) starting at 10 Saturday morning December 12th.

Comment by cc on December 4, 2009 at 1:29pm: And thanks for posting this, Alexis.
Just read the NYT article and the Gov is right - switching over to local businesses vs national chains can really help our state budget shortfall. Some Artists and Crafters do pay gross receipts tax, too. (I know I do.)

Comment by Kevin on December 4, 2009 at 5:09pm: Stuff for kids: the shops at Explora and the Natural History Museum, and while you're in the area, check out Out of the Blue Toys.

Comment by cathyray on December 4, 2009 at 5:15pm: Out of the Blue is the best!! I love that store.

Comment by Sarahjmd on December 5, 2009 at 9:40am: I LOVE Out of the Blue and Beeps, but I also LOVE the Basket Shop in Old Town, especially when buying NM gifts for out of towners, as it has a huge collection of all that is New Mexico from about a dollar on up. Pueblo Indian Cultural Center is another great NM place, but you cannot beat the Utility Shack on east Central for authentic jewelry and pottery.

Thanks for starting this thread, Alexis!!! Shopping for gifts is a favorite subject of mine!

Comment by Jim Strozier on December 5, 2009 at 11:32am: A lot of great ideas! It is not spending our way out of the recession, but rather being smarter how we spend in order to have more of a positive impact on our local economy - spend away!

Comment by Self Serve on December 5, 2009 at 2:17pm: Buy sexy & relaxing gifts at Self Serve! Voted best sexy shop 2 years in a row...

Check out Talking Fountain gallery & boutique - 4207 Lead Ave SE, 268-1916 -lovely local art, craft, gifts, fun stuff...

Also on our site are other local shopping, restaurant links

Comment by South Valley EDC on December 7, 2009 at 8:22am: Thanks Alexis, interesting article. Heidi's Jam is actually made here at SVEDC along with many other great products that can be found at La Montanita such as Albucookie, Lusty Monk, Delores' Salsa, Mike and Cindy's Salsa and others whose products are made locally at the SVEDC. Come check out our open house event on December 18 to sample products made here, including the SVEDC gift basket, which is an amazing gift for the holidays. Support local business!

Comment by Duane W Bargar on December 7, 2009 at 1:28pm: I'll second the Antique Coop, Antique Specialty Mall at Jefferson and Central has been the source for many great gifts over the years.
Gotta take a sec to plug our place, Old World Imports - we have thousands of fairly traded gifts from around the world. And many lovies for the home too.
Lastly Astro Zombies is not only a great place for comics, action figures, and graphic novels - but they are having a Sleeping Bag donation, for every bag donated you are entered to win a $200 gift certificate that will be drawn for on the 24th of December.