Why shop corporate when you can shop Texan makers this holiday season? Small businesses might still be under financial pressure from the pandemic, but creativity is impossible to quell, and Texas is awash with talented artisans creating all manner of items. Among them is geologist-turned-leather-craftsman Guy Rubio, the San Antonio native who in 2011 co-founded Bexar Goods, a brand that specializes in EDC items for adventure seekers.
While stay-at-home orders caused a surge in online sales, Rubio says 2021 has remained steady. “We felt the effects coming into this year, and the supply chain has become an issue, but with the holidays coming up, we’ll have six folks working with us to fulfill orders.” While his vertical and slim wallet are both bestsellers, Rubio says the field notes folio is also popular.
If you’re in San Antonio? Stop by Bexar’s modified airstream trailer on 2202 Broadway Street or shop the online store. “We ship worldwide daily,” he says.
See below for our pick from Rubio’s line, plus more from some of our other Texas favorites.
Bexar Goods No. 07 Bi Fold Wallet
Designed to age beautifully and hand saddle stitched by talented leather workers in the heart of Texas Hill Country, carry cash and credit cards wherever you’re headed with this rugged yet timeless bi-fold wallet.
Marfa Shopping Tote
Whether it’s used for grabbing groceries, lugging around a laptop, or day-trip essentials, Marfa fans will love repping the out-there and artsy West Texas enclave with this stylish yet sturdy canvas shopper.
Vetiver Body Oil
Holistic aesthetician Carrie Sexton created a small-batch, clean product line for her local’s favorite skincare space in Austin — including this nourishing body oil, which balances woody vetiver with subtle notes of bergamot and black spruce.
“The Duke” Cowboy Hat
Although specializing in handcrafted custom hats, Austinite milliner Ryan McGrath also carries a line of ready-to-wear classics, like The Duke, inspired by westerns of the 1950s and ’70s but with a modern edge. Trovador Customs, $900
Silk Sleep Mask
Treat someone special to the best beauty rest of their life, followed by a bright-eyed morning with one of these whimsical hand-stitched silk sleep masks from San Antonio’s iconic grand dame boutique hotel, Hotel Havana.
Cobalt Incense Burner
Beauty meets function at sixth-generation Texan Sarah Sauer’s San Antonio ceramics studio. Known for making minimalist homewares in muted colors alongside her mugs and pitchers, this incense holder would make a smart addition to any home.
“Texas is Big” Print
Best known for his large-scale murals featuring bold designs and motifs, Austin-based artist and illustrator Will Bryant’s archival print pays homage to the Lone Star State in his signature colorful style.
DQ Dilly Bar Sculpture
Inspired by the popular sweet treat at Texas institution Dairy Queen, aka “The Texas Stop Sign,” Marfa-based artist Camp Bosworth has put his trademark pop art spin on this original wood-carved Dilly Bar sculpture.
West Texas Road Patch
Famous among certain sartorial circles (Billy Murray and Matthew McConaughey are fans) for their bespoke western wear, this patch from Austin’s chain-stitch embroidery studio should put a smile on the face of any proud Texan. Don’t think of it as a nearly $70 patch; this of it as wearable art.
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