With a few days left until Christmas, it might be tempting to just pull out your phone or laptop and do some quick online shopping to take care of the remaining gifts on your list.
But how about giving your Amazon driver a little break and “shopping local” instead? It’s not too late, and it can be easy.
Bonus: You’ll be supporting businesses owned and/or operated by your neighbors right here in the Spring Branch Management District.
Speaking of a bonus, you’ll get one at locally owned sandwich shop Stuffed Belly, where, if you buy $100 in gift cards for your family or friends, they will give you an extra $20 gift card to use in 2024. Gift it or keep it. It’s up to you. But the offer is only available in-store at 8133 Long Point Rd., where you can also pick up some Stuffed Belly swag to go with your gift card.
In the same shopping strip, Feges BBQ, owners Erin Smith and Patrick Feges created their first annual gift guide this year, featuring all of their favorite things, just like Oprah: https://fegesbbq.com/holiday-gifts/
You’ll be saying, “You get BBQ! And you get BBQ! And you get BBQ” when you use local delivery (other packages available for nationwide delivery) to get a “Dinner Made Easy” bundle, featuring vacuum-sealed and frozen chopped brisket, pulled pork and smoked chicken. The bundle costs $60.
For $35, get a Sauce Trio Pack or The Three Amigos collection of pork, beef and poultry rubs.
Looking to give an experience as a gift? Buy your friend or family member a Feges BBQ class that will take them through every element of perfecting the art of smoke. Classes are held monthly between January and June, running from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Spring Branch location, and include a BBQ taco breakfast, coffee and a Feges BBQ lunch spread.
Well Done Cooking Classes also offers a variety of options for gifts for that friend who loves to cook (or needs to learn how) with certificates for classes starting at $89. Short on time? They can be purchased online: https://welldonecc.com/gift-certificates.
If you missed their booth at The Nutcracker Market at NRG Center, you’re in luck because the mother-daughter team behind Que Bonito Mexican and Fashion has a shop at 2030 Gessner Rd., Suite C. Choose from a wide selection of bright and beautiful clothing and accessories produced south of the border.
Head over to Las Delicias Mexicanas, 2404 Gessner Rd., to combine your gift of Mexican clothing with traditional, artisanal Mexican candies for the ultimate self-curated package.
You’ll find more tasty treats pre-packaged for easy gifting at Sweet Taste of Texas, 110681 Haddington Dr. The beautiful and yummy Texas-themed gifts found there will definitely not be regifted.
Whether giving a wine club membership or just bringing a bottle to your host or hostess, you can’t go wrong with expertly chosen wine from the Spring Branch District’s Nice Winery, 10520 Westview, or our area’s new wine bar, The Library, 8510 Long Point Rd.
Despite the name, The Library isn’t a bookstore, but you’ll have no trouble finding a nice gift for your favorite bibliophile at Becker’s Books, 7405 Westview. The store features used and rare books.
You’ll also find books on metaphysical topics, as well as a wide selection of products and also jewelry and candles, at Indigo Moons, 1900 Blalock Rd., Suite J.
at Freedom Floral
Head over to Freedom Floral, 8209 Long Point Rd., for more choices in candles and gifts as well as a selection of beautiful floral arrangements.
They’ve got something for every age at this adorable flower shop and boutique — from children’s books to Christmas ornaments to home and self-care products.
Also, they’ve got a January Floral Workshop coming up that will give your recipient something to look forward to in the new year. Add the class to your cart now: https://www.freedomfloral.com/collections/workshops/products/jan-floral-workshop.
Visit https://sbmd.org/ for articles about more local businesses and also gift ideas for holidays and throughout the year.
— by Dorothy Puch Lillig
