2021 TSG Holiday Gift Guide: 74 Lovely and Luxe Gifts for Her

Originally published by The Scout Guide on November 4, 2021.

Whether you’re more of a last-minute shopper or are already halfway through your gift list, now is a good time to get in the holiday shopping mindset. While we will always recommend your locally owned businesses as the best place to start, to help get you inspired, our editors have rounded up a variety of options from their favorite hometown businesses (which may be in your backyard as well). From luxurious sweaters to an angel-inspired objet, gorgeous coffee table books to a curated self care box, read on for some fantastic locally sourced finds for all the ladies in your life, and discover more local businesses to support while doing your holiday shopping in The Scout Guide Directory.

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PHOENIX + SCOTTSDALE FINDS

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BROCK COLLECTION QUININE BLOUSE // Available for purchase online from Stephanie’s in Phoenix, Arizona.

HEISHI OPAL NECKLACE // Available for purchase from Metalmark Fine Jewelry in Phoenix, Arizona.

COSABELLA BELLA ULTIMATE LONG PJ SET // Available for purchase online from Story Essentials in Phoenix, Arizona.

DESERT ROSE STONE CLUSTER // Available for purchase online from Camelback Flowershop in Phoenix, Arizona.

ZADIG & VOLTAIRE TWITY SATIN TOP // Available for purchase online from Amy Atelier in Phoenix, Arizona.

View more gift ideas here…

Scouted Ways to Prep for the Holidays

To us, the first of November signals that we’re a few short weeks away from the rush of the holiday season. While the happiest time of the year brings much joy, this year is projected to pose new challenges to staying on top of your holiday checklist. With the effects of supply chain issues already being felt, the time to prepare for the holidays is now and locally

Yet we would be remiss not to remind that the benefits of shopping and supporting local go far beyond convenience and reliability. For every dollar spent locally, 80 cents remain in the community, furthering local economic prosperity and development. And, though less measurable, the personal impact your patronage of small businesses has on the families that own them is unquantifiable. It’s the closest you’ll get to buying happiness, whether it’s for your family or someone else’s!

From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, here are our Scouted Ways to Prep for the Holidays! Don’t forget to check back, we’ll be updating throughout the season!

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THANKSGIVING

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Whether it’s setting the table or prepping the turkey, we’re turning to our Scouted network, to prepare for our Thanksgiving celebrations…

Simplify Thanksgiving with Benedict’s Catering. Order online through Sunday, November 21st and pick up your fully prepped meal with heating instructions Wednesday, November 24th from 10 AM - 6 PM at Benedict's Café. View the menu… 

Pre-order baked goods at Hope Artisan Bread, whether it’s morning pastries or Thanksgiving breads. Order online…

Place your Thanksgiving order at La Grande Orange Bake Shop by November 20th for Thanksgiving pick-up. View the order form…

Elevate your table with Camelback Flowershop arrangements. Pre-order for their beautiful Thanksgiving collection starts now with pick-up starting November 15th. View the collection…

Upgrade your bar cart at urbAna, which has a fabulous selection of all the accouterments necessary to toast the season. Don’t forget to pick up gifts, too! Shop online… 

Shop for hostess gifts at Cornelia Park, which has the most delightful options for the most discerning of hosts and hostesses! Shop online…

Stock the bar with Tarbell’s Wine Store, a one-stop-shop for wine, beer, and spirits. Schedule delivery… 

Shop Stephanie’s for the perfect Thanksgiving outfit. Whether you’re opting for a laid-back look or an elevated vibe, you’ll find your style here. Shop online… 

Book a blowout at DryBar. Treat yourself to a blowout or a special look at locally-owned locations in The Valley. Book an appointment…

Get glam with The Sparkle Bar. Whether it’s for a holiday card photo or a seasonal soiree, indulge in a little glam courtesy of The Sparkle Bar. Book an appointment…

Keep up a fresh face with a Olga Brow Studio. Book a brow, lash or skin treatment for a little self care that leaves you feeling rejuvenated during a busy holiday season. Book an appointment…

Head to one of our iconic local resorts on Thanksgiving day for a traditional dinner or elegant meal. Our favorites include:

• Royal Palms Resort and Spa; TCook’s

• The Arizona Biltmore; Thanksgiving Buffet in the Gold Room

• The Sanctuary Resort and Spa; Elements

• The Hermosa Inn; LON’s

• The Phoenician; Thanksgiving Week Activities

• The Boulders Resort and Spa; The Grill

• The Camelback Inn; Rita’s Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet

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CYBER WEEKEND

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With deals for Cyber Weekend starting earlier each year, preparation is key to a successful Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. Here are a few deals and promotions to add to your calendars…

Thanksgiving Day…

• The fun starts early - keep an eye out for a Thanksgiving give away from O.C.D. on Instagram…

Black Friday…

• Black Friday through Cyber Monday, Lumen + Bevel is offering “BOGO” on gift cards (limited one per person).

• November 23rd through November 29th, shop Barre3’s semi-annual class package sale. 

• Enjoy 10% off gift cards at Olga Brow Studio. 

• Rainbow Ryders is offering gift certificates for a Spectacular Sunrise Ride ($159) and Sonoran Desert Sunrise Ride ($169 per person). Please note December 24-31, 2021 and September 24-October 25, 2022 cannot be reserved. 

• Hydrate IV Bar is hosting a gift card special - buy a $100 gift card for $80!

• Take 20% off all Drybar products and tools in-store!

• Story Essentials

• urbAna All in-store shoppers get to enter a raffle with anywhere between 15% - 30% Savings at both Arcadia and Scottsdale Quarter this Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.

• Optimyze Non-members: Purchase Gold or Platinum membership, get ALL LOCATION with red-light for FREE for 6 months. Up to 48% off and $100+ in savings! Members: 20 % all packages! This applies to all upgrades; red-light, PEMF, NuCalm, InBody, Pandora star as well as 10 pack AND 5 pack Optimyze center sessions! Everyone: Receive 20% off ALL Retail products excluding ice teas and Nooma for non and active members. Methylene blue (True Blue) 2 per customer max.

Small Business Saturday

• Head into Metalmark Fine Jewelry to support their business on Small Business Saturday. As a thank you, they’ll be treating you to a gift card with your purchase!

Cyber Monday

• Keep an eye out for discounts on podcasts to video packages from Personalized Solutions! 

• Mention PANDA at urbAna on December 2nd to send 20% of your purchase proceeds back to PANDA.

Giving Tuesday

• All donations made to PANDA on Giving Tuesday will be matched - up to 25,000.

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HOLIDAY SEASON

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From checking off everyone on your list to bringing the season’s cheer into your home, here’s how we’re prepping for the holidays, locally.

Prepare to Dine Like a Local by making reservations during December, whether it’s to entertain the in-laws, find a night off from cooking or get together for a holiday luncheon. We’re planning dinner at Wrigley Mansion and drinks on the patio at LON’S! View more suggestions via our Dine Like a Local restaurant guide…

Decorate with seasonal blooms from Camelback Flowershop. More information on their holiday collection coming soon. Order online…

Plan a special dinner at Binkley’s. Celebrating more than the holidays this December? Binkley’s 3-hour dining experience is unparalleled and the perfect way to celebrate intimately. Make a reservation…

Select wisely at Sauvage Bottle Shop, with a natural wine from one of their 200+ rotating wines and curated selection of artisanal Mezcals, Amari, organic Port & digestifs. Available in shop and online...

Tis the season for holiday photos, book a session in studio or at home with Scott Foust Studios. Schedule here…

Pamper yourself with a day at Beauty & Propaganda - where they offer the convenience of nails, eye-lash extensions, spray tanning, make-up and blowout services all in their beautiful salon. Book here…

Order Christmas and Holiday cards from Paper Place. Holiday card production is expected to take longer this year, so customize and order quickly! Don’t forget to pick up the cutest gifts while you’re there! Learn more…

Shop holiday looks at Amy Atelier, from black tie-approved dresses to jackets for colder weather and all the trend-forward styles in between. Shop online…

Enjoy complimentary gift wrapping at Story Essentials (and many more local shops) when you shop locally for the holidays. Start shopping…

Shop looks for littles at Garage Boutique. Featuring designer clothing and hand-selected styles, your littles will be the best dressed wherever they go. Shop in-store…

Tap the experts for your holiday parties. Upgrade your next event or host a company holiday party at The Croft Downtown with floral design from Angelic Grove.

Book Liquid Caterers for your seasonal soiree. Whether it’s an office party or a festive fete, Liquid Caterers is a must. View their services…

Enjoy holiday sweets from local favorites. Plan your trip to Essence Bakery for their fantastic seasonal sweets and order ahead at The Market Place by Arcadia Farms.

Don’t forget to schedule self-care with Barre3. With in-person and online options, Barre3 classes are excellent stress-relievers and a convenient way to stay moving during the busy season. View their class schedule…

Plan activities for out-of-town guests. We love showing off our city to our holiday visitors. Top of our list? Las Noches de Las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden. Purchase tickets…

Keep the family entertained.

• ​​11/7-12/24: See Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer The Musical at Herberger Theatre Center

• 11/13-12/26: North Pole Experience in Flagstaff

• 11/16-1/02: Take the kids and see the lights Christmas at the Princess

• 11/24-1/15: Walk or drive through Zoo Lights at the Phoenix Zoo

• 11/24-12/31: Experience the wonder of Christmas at Schnepf Farms

• 11/26-1/2: Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

• 11/26-1/5 -Skate under the stars at City Skate

• 11/27: Pack up the sleigh for The Santa Social at The Scottsdale Quarter

• 11/27-12/31: Sparkle and Shine in Old Town Scottsdale’s Scottsdazzle

• 12/5: Celebrate The Wine Store by Tarbell’s Holiday Block Party

• 12/03-12/05: Enjoy sounds of the season with The Phoenix Symphony | Holiday Pops

• 12/03-12/31: Las Noches de la Luminarias at The Desert Botanical Garden

• 12/10-12/24: Ballet Arizona’s return to Symphony Hall in grand fashion with a holiday classic; The Nutcracker . Tchaikovsky’s cherished score is masterfully performed by The Phoenix Symphony.

• 12/15-16: Check out Local Makers and Vendors at Phoestivus

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Prepping for the holidays locally? Don’t forget to let them know Scout sent you! And, Think big, shop small. Keep an eye out for our gift guide, launching December 1st.

Scouted Opportunity: Camelback Flowershop is Hiring!

If Modern-Industrial and Flowershop-Greenhouse vibes had a lovechild, our Volume 1 member, Camelback Flowershop, would be that child. Indeed, Camelback Flowershop offers the most beautiful arrangements and our favorite gifts: from minimalist-designed German watering cans, to LA-based luxury candles, to hand-crafted garden shears, a variety of letterpressed greeting cards, and local treats: freshly baked cookies, mole glazed pecans, caramels to-die-for, and the best dark chocolate on the planet.

Arcadian and Phoenicians easily gravitate toward their trend-setting discernment and follow their lead in design and gift options. With unique gifts for constantly discovering, inventing, and offering well-made, and thoughtful gifts, Camelback Flowershop would rather offer simple, well-curated gift options rather than a myriad of “trendy stuff.” Simplicity at its best.

Whether you’re seeking a career change or a new opportunity, Camelback Flowershop is a wonderful place to work: passion and commitment inform all that they do, as does a commitment to supporting one another reach their potential, daily.

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OPPORTUNITIES

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Part-time and Full-time Sales
You are professional, happy, and obsessed with details. You are thorough, efficient, confident, and computer savvy. Sales experience is a plus. Health Care and 401k benefits available to full-time sales team members.

Part-time and Full-Time Drivers
You are 21+ and have a clean driving record. You are professional, kind and care deeply about the safety of others. Health Care and 401k benefits available to full-time drivers.

Part-time and Full-time Production Assistant
You enjoy being hands-on, processing flowers, cleaning, prepping orders, and potting plants. You play well with others in a very busy environment. You can stay focused and determined to finish the task at hand. You can stand while working and lift up to 50 lbs. No Experience Necessary. Health Care and 401k benefits available to full-time Production Assistant team members.

To apply for a position at Camelback Flowershop please email your resumé directly to jobs@camelbackflowershop.com. And don’t forget to tell her Scout sent you!

2021 TSG Holiday Gift Guide: 38 Handsome and Inspired Gifts for Him

Originally published by The Scout Guide on October 29th, 2021

The holidays are fast approaching, which means the gifting season is soon to be in full swing. Whether you are the type of shopper who has already made your list and checked it twice or you’re just beginning to set your sights on the perfect present for the men in your life, The Scout Guide editors have rounded up some stellar options from their favorite small businesses across the country to get you inspired.

From a handsome leather weekender that is a foolproof gift for a jet-setter to a stylish yet versatile vest to a cologne that is sure to become his signature scent, read on for some fantastic locally sourced finds for all the gents in your life including a few favorites from urbAna and MAN.

Browse the full guide…

Scouted Art Galleries in the West That You Should Know About

Originally published by The Scout Guide on October 29th, 2021

Art has a wonderful way of enlivening a space by adding depth, interest, and personality to the room. Recently, The Scout Guide asked editors in the western portion of the United States for their recommendations on the galleries in their areas that both new and seasoned collectors should know about. Here, they introduce 10 galleries - including Scottsdale’s very own Bonner David Galleries - that are certain to grab the attention of art lovers from coast to coast.

Read more…

Celebrating Women's Small Business Month

While celebrating and supporting entrepreneurs is always at the forefront of our minds, the arrival of National Women’s Small Business Month gave us a wonderful reason to reflect on some of the incredible women entrepreneurs and women-led organizations we’ve been fortunate to highlight in our local community.

To empower you to support the local ladies who make Phoenix and Scottsdale wonderful places to live, work, and visit, we’ve rounded up the women-owned businesses in our network.

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ART

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Artstudio 1.0.1; Faye Urlacher

Bonner David Galleries; Christi Bonner Manuelito

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BEAUTY

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Bronze Buddha Glow Airbrush Tanning; Sonya Macdonald

Drybar Arizona; Amy Ross

Lumen & Bevel; Marissa Abdo & Morgan Renfro

Olga Brow Studio; Olga Zelek

The Sparkle Bar; Alex Bradberry

Zensken Medical Aesthetics; Ashley Lax

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COMMUNITY

Fresh Start Women's Foundation

PANDA

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EVENTS & CATERING

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Benedict's Catering & Events; Dawn Kennington-Bejar

Camelback Flowershop; Teresa Wilson

Flowers By Mel; Melissa Heinrichs

Liquid Caterers; Kinsey Kendrick

Southwest Teepee and Event Rental; Susie Alofs

The Croft Downtown and Angelic Grove; Angela Karp

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FITNESS & WELLNESS

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Barre3 North Scottsdale; Karie Johnson

Hydrate IV Bar Arcadia; Mary Butterfield & Danielle Withycombe

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HOME & DESIGN

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Gros Ventre Designs; Gretchen Manning

Lori Clarke Design; Lori Clarke

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LEARN

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All Saints' Episcopal Day School; Dr. Emma Whitman

Advantage Tutoring; Jessi Dall

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MEDICAL

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Comprehensive Phoenix Dental; Dr. Diana Deidan

Patti Flint, MD; Dr. Patti Flint

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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All About People; Sherri Mitchell

Ally Nelson PR/Sahara Scottsdale; Ally Nelson

Burgess Law Group; Juliet Burgess

Carrie Evans Photography; Carrie Evans

Life Created; Stephanie Studer

Narrative Insurance; Liza Bronstein

O.C.D; Ashley Stewart

Old Republic Title; Michelle Schwartz, Shelby Curtis, Kay Handeland, Kolbi Kleinman

Personalized Solutions; Jessica Leila Adnani

Roco Luxury Group; Libby Cohen, Julie Rohr, Polly Wintergalen

TEXAZTASTE; Marci Symington

The Brokery; Lara Sperber

The Good Vibe Media; Carly Gilleland

The Noble Agency; Monica Monson

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SHOP

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Amy Atelier & MAN Atelier; Amy Yount

Cornelia Park; Anne Park

Garage Boutique; Katie Wilson

Metalmark Fine Jewelry; Abby Snow

Stephanie's; Stephanie Inzalaco

Story Essentials; Jen Summers and Margie DeHaan

The Paper Place; Betsy Hendricks & Nancy Silver

UrbAna; Ana Wells

2021 Dine Like a Local winners →

Downtown/Central/Uptown

• Coffee, Tea & Sweets: First Place Coffee

• Brunch & Lunch: Otro Cafe

• Dinner & Date Night: Gallo Blanco

• Valley Classic: Pizzeria Bianco’s (Overall Winner)

• New & Noteworthy: (tie) Bacanora | Valentine

• Local Libations: Highball

Biltmore/Arcadia/PV

• Coffee, Tea & Sweets: Essence Bakery Cafe

• Brunch & Lunch: La Grande Orange

• Dinner & Date Night: Glai Baan

• New & Noteworthy: Renata’s Hearth

• Valley Classic: Tarbell’s | Binkley’s

• Local Libations: Century Grand

Old Town/South Scottsdale

• Coffee, Tea & Sweets: Fourtillfour

• Brunch & Lunch: Postino

• Dinner & Date Night: Sel

• New & Noteworthy: Reserve

• Valley Classic: Cafe Monarch

• Local Libations: AZ/88

North Scottsdale

• Coffee, Tea & Sweets: Soda Jerk

• Brunch & Lunch: Zinc Bistro

• Dinner & Date Night: Hush Public House

• New & Noteworthy: Campo Italian Bistro & Bar

• Valley Classic: Dominick’s Steakhouse

• Local Libations: Culinary Dropout

STAGE 1: NOMINATE

Tuesday July 6 - Monday, July 12

NOMINATE your favorite restaurants in each category in Phoenix & Scottsdale by tagging the restaurant in Instagram comments, direct message or emailing us at phoenixscottsdale@thescoutguide.com.

Nominated restaurants will be considered in an area-wide vote beginning later this month.

STAGE 2: VOTE

Tuesday, July 20 8AM - Monday, July 26 5PM

Calling all local foodies! Help us support our local restaurants while sharing how you Dine Like a Local. Support your favorite restaurants by voting once a day, every day, until Monday, July 26th.

Winning restaurants will be highlighted in Volume 2 of The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale.

Even better—your vote enters you for a chance to win a $100 gift card to dine locally.

STAGE 3. ANNOUNCEMENT

Wednesday July, 28

Winning restaurants will be announced on @tsgphoenixscottsdale’s Instagram.

STAGE 4. REVEAL

Congratulations to Pizzeria Bianco for winning the Vol.2 Dine Like a Local Contest