We know you’re hustling to cross people off your gift-giving list, and time is ticking. Fortunately, you don’t need to go to a mall or pay high shipping costs for just the right gift. Below, we’ve broken out a selection of possible recipients you might be shopping for, and our picks of where to shop for them – all in the River Oaks neighborhood.
THE CANINE ENTHUSIAST
Blonde Biscotti blondebiscotti.com, 1000 W. Gray, Suite 100, 713-955-2952
Funny Fur funnyfur.com, 3268 Westheimer, 713-239-0133
Blonde Biscotti opened this past summer, and while its main focus is serving and selling coffee beverages, a variety of freshly baked biscotti and bags of locally roasted coffee beans, the bakery and coffeehouse also makes a multitude of pupscotti, biscotti treats created specifically for dogs. Why not pick out a selection of pupscotti, biscotti and a pound of coffee and create your own gift basket?
For those who regard their dogs and cats a member of the family, Funny Fur is outfitted to meet the needs of pets from any age – puppy or kitten to senior – and of any specific need. The store stocks specialty pet foods, hygiene products, leashes, collars, toys, beds and even apparel.
THE WELL-DRESSED MAN
Stag Provisions for Men stagprovisions.com, 2614 Westheimer, 832-667-8211
Billy Reid billyreid.com, 2702 Westheimer, 713-552-0333
These two neighboring stores specialize in better men’s apparel. Billy Reid, a Louisiana native, studied design in Dallas and launched his first men’s collection in 1998. Years later, Reid opened boutiques in Dallas, Houston and Florence (Alabama), where each of his designs were launched into markets that would appreciate fine clothing for Southern climates that could travel from the office to the weekend. Fashion editors took notice and now Billy Reid has stores in New York City, Chicago, Atlanta and Nashville.
Stag Provisions has locations in Austin, Dallas, Houston and Venice (California) where most brands sold in the stores are made in the United States with a few hard-to-find brands that are made in Texas. Both stores carry shoes and clothing for men of all ages, from age 12 to 100. Stag Provisions has been voted one of the best outfitters in the United States in GQ and Esquire magazines this year.
THE WELL-ACCESSORIZED WOMAN
À Bientôt 2501 River Oaks Blvd., 713-523-3997
More Than You Can Imagine mtyci.com, 2817 Westheimer, 713-668-8811
If you’re shopping for a woman who enjoys the hunt of designer pieces at a great deal, More Than You Can Imagine is a gold mine. The consignment shop specializes in past-season collectibles and new home accessories.
At À Bientôt, you’ll find accessories for minimalists and maximalists, plus stocking stuffers for children, men and even a few things for yourself, like monogrammed key chains, cashmere scarves and needlepoint eyeglass cases.
THE PLANT LOVER
The Empty Vase emptyvasehouston.com, 2511 River Oaks Blvd., 713-529-9969
Thompson & Hanson thompsonhanson.com, 3600 W. Alabama, 713-622-6973
Sometimes a live plant or flower arrangement made in nature is a more thrilling gift than what is made by man. At The Empty Vase, terrariums make a delightful presentation that will last the recipient months if not years.
While Thompson & Hanson is known for their landscape services, the gift shop and nursery allow you to put together a living gift that green thumbs will go up for. You can choose one of the many pots stacked throughout the garden, and an associate will help you choose plants for the recipient and then put together a potted arrangement for you. While your creation comes together, check out the little gift shop and pick up a few candles, gift tags, wrapping paper and wine stoppers for those last minute gift-giving emergencies.
