It’s Thursday again, which means it’s time for another $25 challenge.
This week, I headed downtown to the heart of Tucson to look around Proper Shops, which is located just steps away from the Rialto Theatre and Hotel Congress at 300 E. Congress St.
Proper Shops is a one-stop shop for Tucson keepsakes, University of Arizona merchandise, boutique clothing and more. Part of the space is dedicated to The Proper Collective, which features artwork, plush toys, home décor and food from local artists and businesses.
Here are some of my favorite affordable finds for under $25:
Hand-poured with soy wax candles by Plaid Buffalo Candles.
If there’s one thing I can’t resist at any shop, it’s candles, so of course, I was immediately drawn to the selection of candles by local maker Shelly Patterson of Plaid Buffalo Candles.
Every candle is hand-poured with soy wax, and there is a wide array of scents, including white tea and cactus blossom, desert monsoon and laundry day, among others. The candles retail for $18.
Wooden keychains by Tucson mixed media artist, Desiree Tuthill.
Tucson mixed-media artist, Desiree Tuthill creates ornate wooden keychains featuring cat- and coffee-inspired tarot card designs, as well as zodiac-inspired pieces. You can buy keychains of her art for $10.
Watercolor stickers and prints by local artist Mary Spencer.
You can also find vibrant, watercolor stickers and prints by local artist Mary Spencer that showcase the plants and wildlife of Tucson. Her stickers are priced at $3.50, and her prints at $16.
If you want to find unique, affordable, handmade jewelry, Proper Shops has to be the first place you should check. There were so many different, wonderful options, all created by local artists, but I chose just a few to highlight.
Earrings by Coy Creative for sale at Proper Shops.
Coy Creative’s earrings combine Tucson’s desert vibes with whimsical designs. A few select pairs like the gold sunflower hoops and a pair of bows, retail at only $20.
Wooden earrings from What Knot Shop for sale at Proper Shops.
The What Knot Shop specializes in handcrafted wooden art, and offers wooden earrings featuring cactus designs, jellyfish, cowboy boots, and much more. Each pair costs $15.
Clay earrings by Little Stone Clay available at Proper Shops.
Little Stone Clay creates intricate clay earrings depicting popular books, plants, coffee drinks, fruits, and even onigiri. Most pairs are priced between $10 to $20.
Floral earrings in the shape of Arizona, designed by Modern by Mari.
Modern by Mari designs western and Arizona-inspired earrings and necklaces, with many under $25. You’ll find floral artwork, cowboy boots and hats, and pieces shaped like the state of Arizona.
If you’re looking for delicious treats, don’t worry, you can find all sorts of local goodies at Proper Shops.
Tacos Y Salsa’s salsa verde and salsa tatemada at Proper Shops.
For salsa fiends, pick up a 12-ounce jar of Tacos Y Salsa’s salsa verde or salsa tatemada for $11 each or a 16-ounce jar for $15.
Cheryl’s Jams & Jellies sells an assortment of delicious flavors from prickly pear to strawberry habanero.
Or, if you’re craving something sweet, Cheryl’s Jams & Jellies sells an assortment of delicious flavors from prickly pear to strawberry habanero. Each jar is priced at only $9.
Gourmet, caramel crunch popcorn from Little Pop of Joy.
Finally, get yourself some gourmet, caramel crunch popcorn from Little Pop of Joy. Their smallest size is only $5, with other sizes and varieties cost $12 and $15.
