Tulsans be shoppin

Tips for hyperlocal Christmas gifts from The Tulsa Voice staff

When I’m on the lookout for a gift that’ll impress, the first place I go to is Decopolis. From children’s books to bathroom amenities to Tiki glasses, you’re sure to find something for everyone. I’ve bought books about Tulsa’s architectural history for my dad, like “Tulsa Art Deco” by Carol Newton Gambino, Paddywax candles for myself, jewelry for dear friends and clever kitchen gadgets for dirty Santa games. Walking around the store is delightful, and their new location really showcases the beauty of the store, inside and out.
—Morgan Welch, designer

Almost every room in my house has a piece from Retro Den (including the ceramic deer on the lawn). From brass animal trinkets to my most recent purchase on Small Business Saturday (an asymmetrical wooden hutch), it is hard not to fall in love with every item in the store. Co-owners Ashley Palmer and Ashley Daly create looks that you can’t help but envision in your own home. Looking for an easy, personal gift? Pick a loved one’s initials in their favorite font from the huge supply of wooden vintage letters.
—Madeline Crawford, art director 

I love Snow Goose. When I moved to Tulsa last December, two weeks before Christmas, I still had a fair amount of Christmas shopping to do. I randomly stopped by Snow Goose and took care of three people on my list in one fell swoop. They’ve got unique stationery, quirky ornaments, gag gifts, fancy pens, children’s toys, barware, funky jewelry, books and journals, kitchen gadgets, et al. I don’t personally know anyone who wants a pop culture prayer candle or a wire dog sculpture … but if you do, now you know where to go. 
—Liz Blood, assistant editor

In the Internet Age, the search for new music can feel strangely hollow. Suggestions by algorithm, though often on point, simply cannot compare to the act of physically browsing through music and the human touch of the local record store. Starship Records & Tapes is, for me, along with many Tulsans, a life-long record store. It’s a safe bet that more of my collection was bought at Starship than anywhere else, and my reward for that loyalty is that Calvin Compton and the staff have a good understanding of my tastes and often know what I’ll like before I do or can point me down a path of glorious discovery. 

At Holy Mountain, owner Jay Hancock’s relationship with the music is invitingly apparent. With a more specialized selection leaning to the heavier side—though also with plenty of soul, hip hop, indie, and other genres represented—Hancock’s stickered-on reviews of many records in the store help music that might be unfamiliar find the right ears. On a recent visit, I found his description of Holy Serpent’s eponymous debut (“Fuzzed out, psychedelic stoner doom from Melbourne, Australia. Think Sabbath meet Kyuss. You’re almost there.”) wholly irresistible, and I’m happy to say the record delivers in spades. Be sure to visit Holy Mountain in its cozy temporary digs above Inner Circle Vodka Bar before it moves into the highly anticipated Archer Building next spring.
—John Landgon, digital editor

Ditch your diet plans and go to Mecca Coffee Company. The joy of tasting the herb-infused olive oils and fruity balsamic vinegars will have you craving freshly dressed salads like you never believed possible. If not for yourself, surely there is one person you know who spends time in the kitchen. Mecca has an inspiring selection of cookware, tools, and gourmet snacks for the foodies in your life. I personally will be buying a different colored Corkcicle water bottle for everyone on my list, as well as a tinned fruitcake for my mom (who will either be happy or make fun of me for buying something so weird).
—Georgia Brooks, designer

First, if you’re making a point of skewing local for Christmas shopping, you should probably get a Keep it Local OK membership. For a one-time fee of $15, you get a card that entitles you to discounts and deals at dozens of local businesses in Tulsa and across the state. It’s pretty simple; there’s no larger angle or conspiracy to get more money out of you. Buy the card, shop local, make your investment back quickly, continue to save (and feel good about yourself). For more info, visit keepitlocalok.com/Tulsa. 

Next, I recommend checking out the recently-opened Boxyard near 3rd and Elgin. Tulsa’s beloved local gift shop Dwelling Spaces has already opened in the retail complex (which is made entirely of shipping containers, hence the name), along with the science nerd’s utopia The STEMcell, luxury spa Sole Massage, and women’s fashion boutiques Modern Mess, Beau & Arrow, and Abelina’s Boutique, with more openings to come.

Finally, if you‘re the type to buy gift cards for the friends and family, at least skip the Walgreens selections and go local instead. In addition to all of the aforementioned businesses, most of the local restaurants around here offer gift cards and certificates, and many of them are good for multiple resaurants (McNellie’s Group, Justin Thompson Restaurant Group). Or get them a year’s membership at the Circle Cinema, Tulsa’s beacon of cinema culture.
—Joshua Kline, managing editor