Welcome to Trail Mix, a weekly newsletter about the people, places, history, and happenings in Southeastern Arizona.

The air is finally cool, the mountains are calling, and the season of frantic gift-searching has officially arrived. Luckily, here in the greater Vail area, we don't have to look far for treasures. Our corner of the Sonoran Desert is home to an incredible array of local artisans, unique boutiques, and culinary creators who infuse the spirit of the Southwest into everything they make.

Whether you’re searching for a sun-drenched stocking stuffer, the perfect hostess gift, or just looking to keep your holiday dollars local this year, we’ve tracked down the best local gems for truly memorable, desert-inspired gift-giving.

Gift Shops

​Eden's Echo: Explore Eden's Echo Farmstead in Benson, AZ and Marana, AZ, for farm-inspired delights. From candied pecans and goat milk soap & lotion to gluten-free goods, jewelry, and natural cleaners, every product is a testament to wholesome living and simple purity.

​Saguaro Square: Tucson’s original small business mall, a year-round indoor marketplace designed to celebrate local creativity and community!

​Candy World: Your favorite candies, nostalgic treats, locally made fudge, & more!

​Julez 7 Julez: Shop in Corona de Tucson by appointment for custom jewelry, artwork, gemstones, photography decor, and rockhound gift packs. Gift boxes, wrapping, and shipping are all available.

​White Willow Healing Arts: A Holistic Wellness business that offers services such as hypnosis, energy work, tarot readings, and other alternative therapeutic modalities, and organic skin care and bath products, oil blends, and metaphysical supplies.

Handmades

Looking for something handmade here in the greater Vail area? Here are some of the top places to shop:

​Raising Four Arrows: Stay-at-home mom of four, spending my “me” time creating jewelry and candles! ☺️ Psalm 127:4. Use your Trail Mix Passport before November 30th to save!

​Kacy’s Kreations LLC: I’m a mom, military wife, and creator! I focus on laser engraving and woodworking, but if you can dream it, I can find a way to bring it to life!

​Thistle & Thyme: Natural, cold process, hand-poured soaps and non-toxic body care.

​BourbonSmoke Woodworking LLC: BourbonSmoke Woodworking creates handcrafted, custom wood and epoxy pieces—ranging from cutting boards and pens to home décor—built with precision, personality, and a whole lot of sawdust.

​Rough Lace Metals: Rooted in faith and craftsmanship, I turn antique silverware into wearable reminders of God’s renewal and grace — each piece thoughtfully handmade and designed with purpose.

​Joyful Threads Crochet: I am your local one-woman business. I handcraft every item I crochet, including amigurumi, toys, lovies, ornaments, wearables such as pixie hats, beanies, scarves, ear warmers, and the ever-beautiful, unique shawls! I love taking custom orders, too. My original pattern is our very own Sonoran Desert’s javelina!

L4 Laser Engraving & Metal Art: We are a Veteran-owned business in Vail that offers laser engraving, metal signs and yard art, custom awards and plaques, powder coating, and UV printing. Owned by a husband-and-wife team, we have no public storefront; instead, we have a "speakeasy-style workshop" where you can make an appointment to drop off items for engraving or come chat about your project. Reach out by phone (520) 216-4099 or email Create@L4LaserEngraving.com.

​Desert & Bloom Tallow: artisan skincare • candles organic botanical infused grass-fed tallow 100% natural • non-toxic

Oni's Wise Ass Ranch: We recycle, reuse, and repurpose items to create artwork. Find us at the Rustic Roots Farmers Market in the Tractor Supply parking lot every Saturday morning.

​Pony Works Custom Kydex: Custom-made holsters, mags, and knife sheaths to fit all your needs.

Eats and Treats

These are local food and drink favorites that are perfect for bringing or sending out of state, as a hostess gift, or as stocking stuffers.

​Charron Vineyards & Winery: Celebrate the season at Charron Vineyards, a locally owned, family (and dog!) friendly destination right here in Vail. Stop by the Tasting Room for gift cards, browse the shop, and pick up some delicious wine for gifting, entertaining, and sharing.

Charron Vineyards is best experienced in person and is located just 20 minutes from Vail! Our Tasting Room address is 18585 S Sonoita Hwy, Vail, Arizona 85641.

​Javelina Wholesale: We specialize in making spice blends, barbecue rubs, loose-leaf tea blends, infused and smoked salts, instant oatmeal mixes, cookie and brownie mixes, and more. Everything is small-batch made locally, and each recipe is our own.

​Sweet by Rose Az: Sweet by Rose AZ offers handcrafted desserts made in small batches, featuring fresh flavors perfect for any celebration or sweet craving.

Queen Ceviche: We’ve had our booth at the Rincon Valley Market selling fresh ceviche and salsas for 14 years this past October!

Rose's So Flavorful LLC: We fry pork chops, chicken wings, and chicken strips We have a variety of sides, and I'm always throwing in something new. I like to keep my customers surprised. Find us at the Rustic Roots Farmers Market on Saturday mornings in the Tractor Supply parking lot.

For Your Home

Get prepped for guests and turn your house into a home for the holidays.

​Four Arrows Garden: Grab an e-gift card on our website or come shop in person for a physical gift card. Four Arrows Garden is a favorite for those who love garden art, pottery, plants, cacti, and outdoor decor.

​Forever Green Synthetic Lawns: Give your loved one something that continues to give back all year long, like a turf cleaning membership or a new putting green!

Land Scape Works: Veteran-owned, local CDT resident, general landscaping needs, weed control, tree and bush trimming, yard cleanup, and maintenance. To schedule your maintenance, call 520-780-2161.

​Desert Sol Handyman Service LLC: Local handyman and restoration contractor who is licensed, bonded, and insured. Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. Looking to build my business from the ground up. To schedule your service, call (520) 373-3427.

For Your Pets

Pets need something to open during the holidays, too!

​Pima Animal Care Center: Hundreds of animals are looking for their forever home. Please consider adopting or fostering this holiday season and spreading the gift of joy to our four-legged friends. Pictured above from left to right are Fancy (A885434), Syrup (A884758), and Cerise (A881749).

​Peccary Pet Company: We are a local pet supply business that specializes in enrichment activities, puzzles, slow feeders, and single-ingredient treats. We have something for every pet!

​Kiko’s Bakery: I specialize in birthday cakes and cupcakes, greenies, breath drops that break down tartar, plaque, and bad breath buildup, and ear cleaners to help clean their ears or even ease an ear infection. I also do home deliveries and special requests. All of my dog treats are made with real fruits, vegetables, and meat products.

​Homemade Happiness Dog Treats: I’m a nine-year-old who sells homemade dog jerky made from quality meat and simple ingredients. Small bags are $8-$10, large are $15, and we offer a yearly subscription, so our treats are delivered right to your door.

​Terry’s Mobile Pet Grooming: A mobile pet groomer located in Vail Arizona.

Local Sellers and Consultants

​Travel with Mad Hatter Adventures: My travel services are free!! I love helping families make memories!!

​Color Street: Color Street has nail care, makeup, and nail strips. Shop online or email Eshearer77@yahoo.com to set up an in-person shopping date!

​Norwex: Norwex's personal care products are formulated with plant-based ingredients and designed to be refillable, reducing waste while providing natural alternatives to harmful chemicals. Find holiday specials here.

Local Business Markets

​Javelina Wholesale Small Business Saturday: November 29 between the tracks.

Christkindl Markt: December 6 at Christ Lutheran Vail

Second Saturdays Between the Tracks: December 13 between the tracks

See you out there!

~ Kimberly
​Publisher, Arizona Trail Mix
Southern Arizona's Unofficial Hype Woman

Ready to shout your business name from the Vail, Benson, and Sonoita rooftops? Have a fun event to share and want to attach your flyer to the Mix? Have a home you want to show off in the Home on the Range section? Selling something big like an RV or piece of land? Want to share your Airbnb? This is the spot to do it!

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