How to shop local on a budget

$100 for 4 locally made gifts

Author: Charles Gonzalez, Reporter, Anchor, cgonzalez@ksat.com
Published On: Dec 07 2011 07:50:46 PM CST  Updated On: Dec 07 2011 09:45:00 PM CST

Plenty of locally made gifts available

SAN ANTONIO -

As more and more people make the push to buy products made in America, locally the effort can be scaled down even further for the holiday season.

KSAT-12 took on the challenge to spend $100 on gifts for four people with the only stipulation that every gift be made in San Antonio or the surrounding area.

The day began with a trip up Highway 281 to Dry Comal Creek Vineyards in New Braunfels, a tucked away enterprise that started two decades ago.

"This winery was started in 1992 by my parents as a retirement project for my father," said Sabrina Houser. "We produce, create and ferment all our own wines here today. We have over 14 varieties ranging from dry whites, dry reds, sweet whites, sweet reds and including port, which is a fortified wine."

With so many to choose from along with dipping spices made by Sabrina's dad as well, we settled on a red table wine and two glasses for $23.16, the perfect gift for the wine lover you know.

The next stop took us back to San Antonio to Artisan Alley for Scentchips. The company began making scented waxes in San Antonio in 1979 as an alternative to scented candles.

"It's a healthy, cleaner, safer more efficient and less expensive way of fragrancing your home," said shop owner Marty Graham.

The electric warmers were a bit out of our price range so we picked up a starter candle set and mixed a few of the 72 available aromas to make our own gift scent which came in at $25.93.

The road takes us downtown to La Villita, more than just a home for NIOSA. Originals boutique filled with plenty of local jewelry.

"We like to support the artists around the city," said manager Autumn Anderson. "we also do a lot of stuff within the company."

A pendant and two glow in the dark bracelets for $25.27 and another person checked off the list.

Our final stop, Blue Star Brewing in Southtown. "Here at Blue Star, we produce the beer we sell here, it's all made in house," said owner Joey Villareal, who started his brewpub after touring several similar places in California.

The beer's not only on tap but it's also available to go. A half-gallon growler and two glasses for $31.46 and we're done. Our final tally, $105.82, most of that went to that second pint glass but you should never drink alone.

The growlers sell for $20 but they are re-usable and cost $12 to refill.

"They're very green-friendly," said Villareal. "You bring the jug back and we change it out for you for a full jug."

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