A Thoughtful List of Locally Sourced Products to Get You Through the Scattered Austin Winter

Austin’s weather can be incredibly unpredictable. For every gorgeous sunny day we have, it can be pouring down buckets of Amazonian-like rain the next. As a native Californian, I’ll admit I’ve been a bit spoiled when it comes to seasons. What exactly are those again? This is my first winter I’ve spent where the weather gets below 50—I know, roll your eyes all you want—and so I’ve spent a lot of my time since November scrounging around Austin for the best local products to get me through the all-over-the-map winter temps. If you’re like me and want all the coziness one can possibly get while still supporting local goods and services, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve compiled a list of the best products to get us central Texans through the rest of cold season (and I won’t tell anyone if you blast the AC and continue using these products through the warmer days). Supporting local artisans and merchants is also a great way to give back to your community while still treating yourself. 

The Good Hippie

First up, The Good Hippie, an Austin-based line of artisan skincare and beauty, has three products that will help soothe cold muscles, slough away dead skin, and keep us glowing and bright. Made in small batches and handcrafted, each product is thoughtfully produced and will deliver the best quality through its ingredients.

Calm Bath Salts

A detoxifying, luxurious blend of therapeutic salts and essential oils combine to create a deeply relaxing hydrotherapy treatment. Indulge in the restorative ritual of the bath – a time to breathe deeply, reflect, soften, and cleanse the body and mind.

Balance Facial Steam

The Balance Facial Steam is a radiant medley of nourishing botanicals to steam away dirt, impurities, and excess oils. It also improves circulation to create a healthy glow of radiance. What’s more, the ritual of the steam is profoundly tranquil; encouraging deep breath, relaxation of the facial muscles, and a calming of the mind.

Peppermint Lip Scrub

A gently exfoliating blend of sugar and nourishing botanical oils and refreshing peppermint that softens and smooths your lips.

Raven + Lily

Next up, a brand that every Austin local is familiar with, Raven + Lily has compiled three cozy staples that will help carry you from January to March. Whether you want to be bundled up on the sofa in one of their pom blankets or transition from 40 degrees to 68 degrees in an oh-so-soft cropped sweater, when you purchase from Raven + Lily you are supporting fair trade fashion that empowers women on a global level. If that’s not a powerful way to shop, I don’t know what is.

Cropped Sweater

The pictures don’t do it justice. Soft, thick, and stylish, this sweater will be a winter staple in your closet for years to come.

Short Jacket

The perfect little jacket to throw over a tank to help transition from winter to spring. It is light enough for breezy days and chic enough to wear to special events.

Pom Blankets

These blankets that come in natural and black and white stripe are the perfect extra layer for on top of your bed or a heavier option for a couch throw. One of these blankets will soon replace the need for company, as you’ll find yourself reaching for this and queuing up Netflix instead of going out on Friday night.

Slow North

When it comes to buying with purposeful intentions, Slow North has you covered. Entirely hand-crafted, Slow North is constantly looking for ways to decrease their environmental impact. From recyclable packing material to their clean and safe ingredients, this Austin made brand is adding a whole new level to holistic living. Needless to say, they have some of the best products to help carry us through winter. Browse their website for the most artfully produced candles, or take my word on these products and check out now.

Orange + Clove Tumbler Candle

This inviting candle is comprised of orange, clove, and cinnamon essential oils that will envelop your home with a soothing and uplifting aroma that will melt away any post-holiday stress and winter sky induced scaries.

Herb Garden Neck Wrap

For instant coziness, this adorable neck wrap that is printed by Rifle Paper Co. can be heated up and wrapped around your neck to quickly melt away tension. For those cold nights where you need a warm companion, heat this little guy up in the microwave and snuggle up with a warm cup of tea to ease sore muscles and soothe the soul.

Patchouli + Cedar Essential Oil Diffuser Blend

Warm and calming, diffusing patchouli and cedarwood essential oils will envelop your home and make you feel the same nurturing comfort of a fireplace on a rainy afternoon.

Era Ceramics

Lastly, what’s the winter season without some cozy ceramics to drink tea or slurp soup out of? Husband and wife duo, Lindsey Wohlgemuth and Dimitar Karaytchev, have been putting their hands together to create Era Ceramics —the most beautiful ceramics in earthy, matte hues. You may have seen some of their unique dinnerware filled with food from Austin loved restaurants such as Kemuri Tatsu-ya and The Peached Tortilla. You can bring that southwestern feel to your home with your own set of Era Ceramics dinnerware, or just pick up a couple unique pieces to add that extra cozy flare to your winter tea time.

Coal Mineral Matcha Bowl

Although this bowl was developed with making the smoothest matcha tea in mind, you can use it for smaller portions of soup, chili, or other teas. But I have to say, the bright green matcha looks fabulous against the moody, matte black finish. Of course, it also comes in a gorgeous earthy peach that would look brilliant holding some earl grey.

Rose Quartz Cereal Bowl

Probably one of the prettiest pieces of pottery I’ve ever laid eyes on, this cereal bowl is so unique because it’s only glazed on the inside. The combination of the raw outside with the smooth inside gives it such a natural feel while remaining gorgeously civilized. Go ahead, serve up some ramen in this—or pour yourself a trough of champagne, it’s sophisticated enough for it.