Holidays

Find gifts for everyone this holiday season in Tempe

The holiday shopping frenzy has begun!

And, as we all know, searching for the ideal gifts for those on your list can be exhausting. However, we have the perfect solution: shop in Tempe to turn holiday shopping into a fun and satisfying experience. For starters, you’ll likely encounter fewer crowds at the smaller businesses, and parking is often easier. Both of these qualities make shopping in Tempe less stressful and more enjoyable! But the main reason for staying in Tempe is that you’ll find some truly unique gifts for everyone on your list.

To get you started, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite shopping destinations and local merchants who make finding the perfect gift fun any time, especially during the holidays. Don’t forget you can purchase gift cards from many Tempe merchants and local restaurants.

Find your shopping nirvana in Tempe, Arizona!

In Tempe, you can shop for deals at the Arizona Mills outlet mall, find one-of-a-kind local goods along Mill Avenue, or peruse your favorite retail stores at Tempe Marketplace. Some of the most popular shopping gems include Changing Hands Bookstore in south Tempe, Creations Boutique at Tempe Marketplace, and Mill Avenue mainstay Lotions & Potions, which has been at its Downtown Tempe location since 1969.

Arizona Mills

5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 491-9700

Arizona Mills is the state’s largest family entertainment and outlet shopping destination, with more than 185 stores at savings of up to 70% off every day, plus great dining and entertainment options. Be sure to check out Arizona Mills for fantastic discounts throughout the mall, including stores like Nike Clearance Store, Forever 21, Victoria’s Secret/PINK, Adidas Clearance Store, Bath & Body Works Outlet, Nautica Factory Store and more! Visit Arizona Mills website for extended holiday hours.

Tempe Marketplace

2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 966-9338

This expansive retail center is an outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment experience with more than 100 shops, restaurants, live music and a 16-screen cineplex. The vibrant modern hub is also a social gathering spot with cozy fireplaces, unique water features, pop-up art installations and lush landscaping. For a full list of shops at Tempe Marketplace, visit their online Store Directory.

Downtown Tempe

(480) 355-6060

Within a mile radius, discover a wide array of shopping in Downtown Tempe. From Cactus Sports, the officially-licensed Sun Devil gear shop, to the historic Hackett House, Tempe’s first bakery specializing in one-of-a-kind gifts – Downtown Tempe has something for everyone. For a full list of merchants, visit the Downtown Tempe Shopping website.

Buy gifts from small businesses

Shop from locally owned Tempe merchants who sell everything from ASU gear to flowers to skateboards, all of which will benefit from your patronage. And you’ll be able to pick up one-of-a-kind gifts for your friends, your family or just for you. In addition to brick-and-mortar stores, you can also search for handmade gifts and treats at 2nd Sundays on Mill, through March 2023.

Cactus Sports

514 S. Mill Ave., Ste. 101, Tempe, Arizona 85281 | (480) 894-1278

Owned and operated by ASU alums since 1992, Cactus Sports is your one-stop shop for ASU Sun Devil gear and garb. For those ASU fans on your list, you’ll have no problem finding the coolest t-shirts, sweatshirts, pants, shorts, jackets, hats, blankets and all kinds of accessories that make perfect stocking stuffers. You can also order from their website and have items sent straight to your door.

Cactus Sports

Cartel Roasting Co.

810 S. Ash Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281

Cartel Coffee Lab brings in some of the world’s most intriguing coffees, roasts them delicately and brews them with precision. They offer whole-bean bags of various coffees, nifty coffee accessories and fun apparel that will delight all the coffee addicts on your list. Order online and have your gifts delivered to your door.

Changing Hands Bookstore

6428 S. McClintock Dr., Tempe, AZ 85283 | (480) 730-0205

This legendary local independent bookstore goes way beyond books when it comes to gift ideas. Along with the thousands of new and gently loved books, you’ll find lots of lovely other items, including pottery made by local artists, fun and functional kitchen accessories, lotions and aromatherapy bath products, greeting cards, calendars, jewelry, wind chimes, kids’ toys and much more.

Creations Boutique

Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 448-1687

A display of dresses, pants and clothes on a mannequin at the front of the store
Creations Boutique

Creations is a boutique located in The District at Tempe Marketplace. Their apparel, all designed in Tempe, has a breezy bohemian vibe. Think dresses, flowy pants, activewear, jackets in jewel tones and sweaters that are cozy but made for warmer Arizona temperatures. They also sell accessories like sunglasses and necklaces, and also have a kids’ section. Their staff is super helpful and will help you find the perfect gift for someone on your list. You might want to pick up a few cute things for yourself too!

Desert Botanical Garden Shop

1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, AZ 85008 | (480) 941-1225

You can’t go wrong in finding the perfect gift for gardeners, plant lovers and anyone who enjoys anything with a desert theme at the Desert Botanical Garden Shop. Here you’ll find beautiful succulents, cacti and other desert plants, seeds, pots, patio ornaments and accessories, clothing, jewelry, books, prints, unique outdoor lighting, prickly pear food items and more. Plus, they’ll ship your gifts to your family and friends who can’t be here to experience the holidays in the desert.

Four Peaks Brewing Co.

1340 E. 8th St., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 303-9967

Four Peaks has been a Tempe staple since 1992 and is nationally recognized as one of America’s Favorite Craft Breweries by the Travel Channel. You’ll feel the good cheer during the holidays and year-round from the moment you step inside their original 8th Street location housed in a 100-year-old building that was originally a creamery. Your craft beer drinkers will love the gift that keeps on giving — a refillable Four Peaks growler. Other gift options include t-shirts, sweatshirts, glassware, hats, dog treats and lots of Four Peaks swag.

Great Harvest Bread Co.

1730 E. Warner Rd., Suite #1, Tempe, AZ 85225 | (480) 777-1141

Who wouldn’t be delighted with the gift of homemade bread? At Great Harvest, you’ll find loads of loaves (including gluten-free) plus shelves full of fun and tasty items such as bread warmer trivets, spatulas, mustard, nuts and nut butters, fruit butters, olive and avocado oils, teas, soup mixes and baskets. Here’s an idea: create a bountiful basket filled with bread and other goodies on Great Harvest’s shelves.

Great Harvest Bread Co. in Tempe, AZ

Hackett House

95 W. Fourth St., Tempe, AZ, 85281 | (480) 350-8181

Hackett House Holiday gifts

Housed in Tempe’s historic first bakery, the Hackett House gift boutique specializes in one-of-a-kind gifts, including a large assortment of Christmas ornaments and decorations. Additionally, there are tons of other great gift items, such as jewelry from around the world, tea sets and accessories, seasonal home décor, clothing and pet accessories. You’ll feel extra good about your purchases, knowing that all proceeds benefit Tempe Sister Cities programs.

Lotions and Potions

420 S. Mill Ave. #105, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (800) 462-7595

Lotions and Potions is a treasure trove of gift ideas. True to its name, there are tons of fragrant, soothing soaps and other bath products, lotions and essential oils. The store is also packed with fashionable accessories, jewelry, greeting cards, items to enhance your space and other fun stuff.

Lotions and Potions

Tracy Dempsey Originals

1325 W. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (602) 775-4693

This cozy bake shop has a tempting selection of yummy cookies, cakes, muffins and assorted pastries, aprons, homemade s’mores, brittle, sauces, green and red Hatch chili powders and lovely wines curated by owners Tracy and Chuck Dempsey. You can order holiday stöllen, pies and other treats that make wonderful gifts. Tracy Dempsey Originals is also home to ODV Wines, where you can pick out various Arizona wines. Visit their website for hours.

Pop Hunt Thrills

Arizona Mills, 5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 343-3090

This local shop sells a large assortment of pop culture collectibles, toys and action figures. You can shop in person at their Arizona Mills location, near entrance 1 by LEGOLAND Discovery Center. You can also order online and have your gifts delivered to your home. Visit their Instagram page for hours of operation.

Word of Mouth Grill

7660 S. McClintock Dr., Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 621-6247

Word Of Mouth Grill is a family-owned and operated business serving up out-of-this-world barbecue. Their mesquite smoke barbecue brings out the savory flavor in everything you try at this local eatery. From pulled pork to brisket, to ribs to chicken — it’s all mouth-watering good. And now, you can bring that flavor home with one of their homemade sauces that you can conveniently purchase online. It makes for the perfect stocking stuffer!

Tempe Town Lake Swan boat KurtDeanna

Boat Rentals of America

72 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 303-9803

Sometimes the best kind of gift is the gift of an experience! Our friends at Boat Rentals of America – Tempe Town Lake offer a variety of rentals for you to enjoy. You can purchase your gift certificates here at the perfect amount. We personally love the Swan Boat for love birds or the Donut Boat for groups of up to 10 people.

For a full list of local shops in Tempe, visit our Support local Tempe merchants blog.

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