This holiday season, take a break from those last-minute Amazon purchases, and go shopping here in New Orleans before going home for the break. It’s always good to support local, so here are some local businesses to check out on your quest for holiday goodies.
Want to give someone an extremely personalized gift? Go to The Bead Shop! The Bead Shop is owned by Nancy Campbell and Georgia Wilson, who offer classes, parties and events, but also opportunities for independent beading. The store provides thousands of local beads and charms. If you are a beginner, the employees will walk you through the easy jewelry making process.
Maggie Covert LeBlanc, the founder and owner of Walking Man Studios, was born and raised in New Orleans. LeBlanc creates NOLA-themed prints, note cards, wrapping paper and the like. While she does custom prints starting at $300, she also has much more affordable options for prints, wrapping paper and ornaments under $20, for as little as $4. You can purchase Maggie Covert LeBlanc’s art on her website or at local stores Home Malone, Abita Brewing Company, NOMA Museum Shop and Bywater NOLA. Her prints make for the perfect office or dorm decoration for your loved ones.
Buffalo Exchange is a chain store, but the only one in Louisiana is at 4119 Magazine Street, only a short Uber or Lyft ride away from campus. Buffalo Exchange is a thrift shop that offers a wide variety of second-hand clothes, from ugly Christmas sweaters to vintage and designer brands. Buffalo Exchange buys clothes, which means you can trade in old clothes, receive 30% of the profits in cash or 50% in store credits. Buffalo Exchange also has a “Stocking Stuffer” section, where you can get quaint and funny small presents or Secret Santa gifts.
If impending finals are making it difficult for you to leave campus, here are some options for gift shopping right at Tulane.
4. The Bookstore
While it sounds crazy, the bookstore right in the LBC has some cute and relatively inexpensive gift options. The sale section in the back of the store has Tulane apparel at a reduced price, making it a perfect gift for those loved ones who want to show their TU pride. The bookstore website also advertises a specialized gift guide. Plus, you can get some cute New Orleans merch, like these tourism guides. Or, if you really want to make your parents cry this holiday season, look for the cuddly bear with a “Someone at Tulane loves me” shirt.
5. Newcomb Art Department Sale
The Newcomb Art Department will be hosting a sale in Woldenberg Art Center in room 200 on Thursday, December 6th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, Friday, December 7th from 10:00am to 4:00pm and Saturday, December 8th from 10:00am to 4:00pm. The sale offers artwork produced by Tulane staff, students, and alums in glass, ceramics, printmaking, fiber, jewelry and other mediums. All proceeds benefit the Newcomb Art Department and prices vary, so you might just be able to find some beautiful artwork on a college student’s budget.
About Jessie Gonon
Jessie is a sophomore freelance writer for the Crescent Magazine, majoring in Psychology and Early Childhood Education with a minor in Spanish. She love kids and plans on becoming an elementary school teacher!
Jessie is a sophomore freelance writer for the Crescent Magazine, majoring in Psychology and Early Childhood Education with a minor in Spanish. She love kids and plans on becoming an elementary school teacher!
