Let’s face it, shopping for gifts is either joy-filled or frustrating. Regardless of who you are shopping for this year, consider this guide to holiday gifts in the Coastal Bend your resource for finding something for every type of person all while supporting small brands and local businesses.
For the home cook
Home cooks love getting a good pantry staple as a gift. Stop by Lucy’s for a Get Graza olive oil set, Sew Bonita for Momofuku Chili Crunch, Boarri for Japanese BBQ and a variety of condiments and the list goes on. Head to one of these specialty stores to find a gift that any culinary creative will love.
For the person who never has enough hats
We all have that person in our life who a) can never have too many hats or b) is difficult to shop for, so a hat is a safe bet. Benjamin’s Surf & Skate has a good selection of Howler Brothers hats and Howl & Sons, the indie clothing store in Orange Grove, carries products from Sendero Provisions. Both boast timeless and very Texas-esque designs. For something a little more playful, Lady Captain has a “Cute but Salty” hat that might suit a very specific person in your life.
For your best friend
Whether it’s your spouse or your closest gal pal, handmade jewelry from Lavender & Lee is the perfect gift for a special someone. Consider the huggie earrings with celestial adornments from the “cosmic gemmies” line or take them to get a piece of forever jewelry at the downtown studio.
For the entertainer
For those who enjoy a cocktail here and there, you can’t go wrong with gifting them all the ingredients to make a fun one at home. You’re in luck as the package store Italian Cowboy has recently launched its spirits boutique, with a variety of liquors, mixers and bar accessories to create the perfect cocktail. To take your gift up a sentimental notch, pair the cocktail components with vintage drinking glasses from Red Crow Antiques.
For the kids in your life
Kids of all ages love toys and books, so what better gift than a plush Jellycat toy and matching book from Four Chicks in the Park? Shop the selection of impossibly soft dogs, dinosaurs, bunnies, dragons, elephants and more. The boutique also carries wooden toys from the popular children’s brand, Melissa & Doug.
On the topic of animals and books, consider the children’s book series from Coastal Bend native author Grace Ann Skidmore about an adventurous maltipoo and dachshund or a tale about giraffes that find their way into a little boy’s closet from local author, Debra Young Hatch. Both are available for purchase online.
For the coffee enthusiast or coffee-curious
If you know someone who is still drinking Folgers, take this opportunity to convert them to the good stuff. Driftwood Coffee Company has a roast for every palate, diner mugs, Aeropress coffee makers, ceramic pour-over cones and a coffee bean and cold brew subscription service! The Beach House blend is a local favorite medium roast with notes of chocolate and nutmeg, but my personal favorite is the Midnight Drift, an espresso blend with deep, bold flavor.
For the most glamorous person you know
For the person who is always trying out the next best beauty product, consider gifting them products from local beauty brands, like the Lumi liquid highlighter from Lemonade Stand Cosmetics or the coffee body scrub from Poppin Natural. Both brands are handmade, vegan, cruelty-free and owned by local women! We love to see it.
For your friend who needs a pick-me-up
If you have a friend who often forgets to treat themselves, gift them a facial from Gold Dust Cosmetic Collective or Skincare Butik. Both places have extensive menus of facials and skin treatment services that will leave them feeling like a million bucks.
For the music lover
Show them you care by knowing their taste in music. Whether it’s modern pop, vintage classics, rare finds, or collector’s items, Hybrid Records, Disc Go Round and Needles & Fins have curated selections of vinyl records that make the perfect gift.
For the Swiftie
If there’s one thing we know about Swifites, it’s that their love for the pop star has no bounds. Even for the friend who doesn’t skew kitschy in their taste in gifts, Taylor Swift-themed ones are the exception. Sew Bonita has an impressive selection including Taylor Swift Loteria, notebooks, stickers and even Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift prayer candles. Leave it to the creatives behind this specialty store to reach even the most niche customers.
For the friend who loves art
Fine art is expensive, as it should be. However, several local artists sell their prints for purchase via Etsy or through local galleries. Check out K Space Contemporary’s gift shop for a variety of artist vendors like Nora Verdin, who creates folklore art and Loteria prints for sale. Amanda Flores, whose floral paintings you might recognize from a prior artist feature, has a variety of large-scale canvases as well as numerous prints featuring geometric shapes, colors, faces and more.
For the homebody
For the person who has made their home a relaxing haven, you can’t go wrong with gifting them a Kantha quilt from She Shed and/or a holiday Chillwax candle for when they want to cozy up at home and enjoy an evening in peace.
