They say there are two stages of holiday shopping:
Stage 1: I have plenty of time.
Stage 2: Oh no.
Christmas and other big holidays are just days away and, if that fact has sneaked up on you, a trip to the Spring Branch District may just be what you need to check off all those items on your gift shopping list.
Freedom Floral
Freedom Floral, 8209 Long Point Rd., has all of us procrastinators in mind with its “countdown to Christmas,” which includes 20 percent off a different boutique category each day until they close for the holiday on Dec. 23. Check the store’s social media stories for the details. From teacher gifts to puzzles and books for the little ones to hostess gifts, Freedom Floral has shelves full of options.
Hidden on a quiet back street just off busy Blalock Road, you will find locally grown specialty plants, garden accessories, artisan works and lots of gifts at In The Garden. Set up in a bungalow at 1405 Cedar Post Lane, In The Garden is a visit that is a gift itself.
At Indigo Moons, 1900 Blalock, we were in the store when a happy mom found a one-of-a-kind tongue drum for her musician son. Also at this unique store full of interesting pieces, you will find a wide range of crystals and gems, fossils and specimens, as well as silver and gemstone jewelry.
Houston’s first commercial production estate wine vineyard inside the city limits — Nice Winery — offers fun and educational tastings at 10520 Westview Dr. It also sells wine to go (their own and wines the owners have selected from other wineries). If you’re a wine club member, all purchases are discounted. You can also buy a wine club membership as a gift!
Looking for something for that relative who always has their head in a book? Head over to Becker’s Books, 7405 Westview, where you are sure to find the perfect gift among the stacks and stacks of books.
Aspire Accessories
Aspire Accessories, a program of Social Motion Skills at 10694 Haddington, is a work transition program for adults with autism and similar special needs. From jewelry to Christmas ornaments to personalized travel mugs, Aspire products are created, laser-etched, monogrammed and packaged by Aspire artisans.
Hurry in to check out the stock, though, before they close for the season on Dec. 19.
Located at 1780 Blalock Rd., the Polish Food Store doesn’t just sell delicious Polish food. It also offers a wide range of gift items, including chocolates and nonfood items such as housewares.
If your recipient is rooting for Argentina in the World Cup, you might find some Argentine products for them at Pampa Grill’s mini-market located inside the restaurant at 10111 Hammerly Blvd.
But your friend is rooting for France to win the big match? Then head over to Magnol French Baking, 1500 North Post Oak #160, where you can pick up a gift card for future croissants and order a Buche de Noel (a Christmas cake shaped like a log) for Christmas Eve pick up.
Cambrian Coffee
Cambrian Coffee, 9461 Hammerly Blvd., is taking preorders for mixed homemade cookies featuring Chocolate Orange Duos, Cranberry Pistachio Cookies, Peppermint Swirl Shortbreads and Holiday Sprinkle Cookies, for $25 a box with pick up at the shop on Dec. 23.
Have someone on your list who is looking ahead to a new and better year? The TWRC Wildlife Center,10801 Hammerly Blvd., has a limited quantity of 2023 “Wild InSight” photo calendars available. All proceeds benefit TWRC, which is looking to the future, too, and hoping to raise enough funds for a larger, permanent building.
— by Dorothy Puch Lillig
