As Christmas gets closer, we get asked all the time: Do you have any unique Brownwood gift ideas? Of course, there are lots of great shops, businesses, and boutiques in Brownwood, so we decided to put together our list for some of the best Brownwood gifts to give in 2023:
#1 Give The Gift of Food
From legendary Underwood’s BBQ, established in 1946, who ship their bbq all over the United States to new fine dining restaurants such as Lucille + Mabel Kitchen and Libations. There is no shortage of great local restaurants in Brownwood that offer gift cards, merchandise, clothing, and pickup options.
Here are a few more: Runaway Train Cafe, Steves’ Market and Deli, Tres Leches Bakery, Baked Artisan Goods, The Turtle Restaurant, Grazed and Confused, Smitty's, Sticks BBQ, Fuzzy's Taco Shop, Over the Rainbow Ice Cream
#2 Give The Gift of Entertainment
The Lyric Theatre is a beloved treasure in Brownwood that dates back to the 1920s, and has become famous for providing high-quality entertainment and giving locals an opportunity to develop their acting skills. Tickets are available for a variety of shows, or you could make a donation to the Lyric Theatre on behalf of someone as a gift. The Lyric recently announced their full slate of 2024 shows that you will not want to miss!
#3 Give the Gift of the Great Outdoors
The Lake Brownwood State Park and all of the Texas State Parks are the perfect gift for your friends who love the outdoors. Give the gift of a Texas State Parks pass, or if you know someone who just needs a getaway, send them on a relaxing long-weekend to the Star of Texas Bed & Breakfast. A peaceful, romantic getaway in the Texas Hill Country. Or experience The Hideout Golf Club & Resort, one of Central Texas’s favorite destinations for championship golf, lakefront resort getaways, and easy living.
#4 Give the Gift of Coffee
Common Grounds Coffee renovated the former Central Fire Station, and is the perfect place to gather for coffee! Their organic, fair-trade coffee is just one of many great gift ideas from Common Grounds. They also offer online ordering, with in store pick up of their bold, rich house blend in your choice of whole beans or fresh ground coffee in half pound increments
The Coffee House at Shaw's, owned and operated by Liz McCrane has all of your coffee favorites, specialty lattes, and Italian sodas! Some of their current holiday drink specials include Frosted Gingerbread latte, peppermint bark latte, and Bombay chimney latte! Hang out by the fireplace in Shaw's backyard or browse through 20 unique vendors selections inside Shaw's Marketplace while you enjoy the tastes of the season!
#5 Give the Gift of Wonder
For the person who is less interested in things, and more interested in experiences, a family membership to the Lehnis Railroad Museum will be a gift the whole family can enjoy. The museum features displays for train and history enthusiasts of all ages. A family membership is only $25, and provides additional discounts to special events. Visit their gift shop for a perfect gift for your train enthusiast including books, mini trains, ornaments, and more!
If you are looking for an experience, Polar Express Reimagined will include a theatrical reading, hot chocolate, silver bells, Santa, and of course a mini train ride (weather permitting). Tickets are $10.00 each and available for purchase at the Lehnis Railroad Museum and Visitor Center at 700 E Adams Street.
#6 Give the Gift of Beer and Wine
Brownwood continues to expand unique local beer and wine offerings with our Texas beer-focused tap house, Pioneer Tap House, as well as 10 Mile Productions, and our neighbors at Skies Over Texas Winery. You can find growlers, carryout options, bottles of wine, wine club memberships, and more that would serve as great gifts, not to mention hats, shirts, and more from their online stores.
#7 Give the Gift of Books
The Intermission Bookshop opened their doors in 2020, but the building has quite a story. It was once known as the Historic Queen Theater. Intermission has an online store with gift ideas, or you could just drop in say hello, and pick up a great new read for anyone on your gift list.
#8 Give the Gift of Growth
A visit to Urban Roots BTX is guaranteed to brighten your home with a full selection of indoor plants! Select your own plant, or build your own succulent at their Terrarium Bar which is great experience for your plant lover, or activity for small groups! No reservations needed unless it’s a party of 4 or more. They are even known for partnering with other businesses such as Grazed and Confused to offer charcuterie and terrarium building classes together! Stop by Sliger's Market for local produce, fresh flowers, trees, pecans, peanuts, and much more. If you are looking for a fresh arrangement, or bouquet we have several local florist who can create any and everything! Wether it is a holiday centerpiece or simple arrangement take a stop by Davis Floral, or Britton Blooms.
#9 Give the Gift of Christmas Style
Brownwood has many boutiques with styles your friends and family will love. Find that perfect Christmas decoration, outfit, or gift card that ensures they will always get the right gift. Create you own custom made hat, at the Hen House Hat Bar, and explore over a dozen locally owned boutique across town! Here are a few great places to go: The Glamour Shop, Hamilton’s, The Hen House, Nathana’s Hair Studio, Grits and Grace Boutique, Luna Maya Baby Boutique, Sassy Stiches Boutique
#10 Give the Gift of Unique Finds
Brownwood has no shortage of options for completely unique finds. Matt's Mantiques & Mercantile was formed from a dream of providing something completely unique to Brownwood, and offers men’s goods, apparel, collectibles, signs, lights, all things man cave, glassware, men’s skin care, and even pickleball paddles and accessories! Continue your search at Saturdays, an oldies and oddities shop specially curated for the designer and collector. If you are still looking for that perfect and unique find stop by Shaw's Marketplace, a self proclaimed holiday gift headquarters features over 20 vendors of all categories with no shortage of unique finds! Other stops should include Hey June, Junks & Disorderly, Brownwood Music, Rocking Oak Wood Works, CJs Cigar Lounge and Duke Street.
Merry Christmas From Brownwood!
All of these gifts will make you stand out as a loyal to local Brownwood gift-giver, but if none of these ideas work for you, please remember to shop locally first whether it is for gift cards, food, clothing, or services. It means so much to our community and our local economy. Merry Christmas and Shop Local!