Gift giving is hard these days — seriously, we have everything right at our fingertips, and I mean that quite literally. But one way I like to keep my gift giving custom and pure is through picking out the best HOUSTON gifts. For one, you’re supporting local spots — GO YOU! And for another, your gift will be meaningful to that loved one. It’s not just something they can find online — it’s a Houston treasure.
For more ideas, check out the Houston Experience Marketplace!
1. A Favor Gift Card
I know what you’re thinking. “How original, Natalie. Didn’t you JUST say you like giving the gift of Houston?!?” Well, what’s more Houston that $50 or $100 to eat from one of the HUNDREDS (Thousands?!) of Houston-area restaurants? Last year, I blogged about how Favor gift cards make for a fab last minute idea and gave my favorite Favor restaurants. (Read it here!) This year, I have 5 other recommendations for perfect ways to use a Favor credit during the holidays:
- Cowboys and Indians. We love this place for brunch, but hey, sometimes you want brunch in bed, and Favor can make that happen. Plus, get a free kheer rice pudding when you spend $40 or more!
- Araya Artisan Chocolates. I see this one on the $1 deliveries all the time. They have the cutest gift boxes that makes it easy on you for grabbing a hostess gift or last-minute present.
- HEB. The real MVP in party hosting is HEB. Whether an impromptu party just happens or you planned for fewer people than turned out, HEB is great for ordering extra snacks and beer and wine so that no one has to leave the party to get more resources!
- Common Bond Cafe & Bakery. Whether you want just a coffee and a croissant — or maybe a dozen — Common Bond can hook you up with lunch, breakfast, bakery items, and even cake!
- Niko Niko’s. This is definitely in my top 10 (maybe even top 5) favorite Houston restaurants. It’s cheap, there are loads of options, and, oh yeah, it’s delicious. Love getting the loukamades (hot fresh honey balls with powdered sugar!
Ps. Check out our instagram for a special Favor gift from us to you!
2. Source Vital gift bag
Did you know Houston was home to an all-natural skincare line? Well, now you do. Source Vital is one of my favorite Houston gift ideas. They have adorable gift sets that give your gift recipient a little taste of how great the line is. Check out all their holiday gift ideas here. The Shop Til You Drop set is perfect for moms, grandmas, aunts, alike. It’s tons of pampering in one little parcel. There are also men’s shaving or beard sets — treat your man with a way for him to treat himself!
3. A HOU Hat
Whenever I wear one of my TWO HOU hats, I get a compliment. It’s a great gift for any Houston-lover with a head. Now, I originally got my two from Pretty Little Things Boutique and UH (I know! It’s cute, and red, and football official). You can find them at most boutiques in Houston, or on Amazon. Also check out this 713 Hat!
4. Accel Lifestyle tee
Here’s an idea for you fit fashionistas! Accel Lifestyle is based here in Houston (they had a pop-up shop at our bday party!!) They make an ethically-sourced, anti-stink fabric and they use it to create the CUTEST little tops — crops, tanks, you name it. I just love that it makes for a great story and is a little Houston success story. Check out some our favorite Houston boutiques to shop local!
5. Houston art from Anvil Cards
My friend, Vivian, gifted me a cute little Houston skyline print from Anvil Cards for my birthday, and, well I loved it. Giving away her secret so that all y’all can gift someone else you love with something similar! T-shirts, magnets, stickers, oh my! They have some stuff online, but I recommend going to their store in West U.
6. Houston Brew Pass
Houston is no stranger to craft breweries, and with the Houston Brew Pass you have the option to sip and savor at 12 of them! In addition to getting tasting flights at your favorite breweries, you can also get discounts on merchandise and growlers. You can purchases passes for one-day or 90-days if you want to spread out your visits over 3 months. Perfect weekend adventure for friends and family coming in town too! Check out our Houston Brewery Guide for our favorite spots!
7. Houston Mural Tour
Houston is aflame with street art and murals. The scene is constantly evolving as new talent emerges and blossoms in Downtown, Midtown, and Eado. Buy your friends a mural tour and explore the city streets with a great guide to tell you the history and stories behind Houston’s finest art and murals. You can update that profile pic after adventuring through Downtown, Midtown and EaDo! Click here to get tickets.
8. Houston Museum Pass
One of our favorite things about living in Houston is being a tourist in our hometown. With 19+ museums in the Museum District, there’s so many cool exhibits to see all the time. Get discounts at the gift shops and entry to 9+ museums with a Museum Pass! You can grab a museum pass for 1-day (for your out-of-town family!) or 30-days (for your local friends!). Popular ones include the Children’s Museum and Museum of Natural Science.
9. Cookbook by Houston Chef
Are you in love with the Houston restaurant scene? Take some of that delicious food into your own kitchen (or that of a friend) with a cookbook by a Houston chef! Some iconic restaraunts that have cookbooks include:
- Kitchen Table: Brennan’s of Houston
- Hugo Ortega’s Street Food of Mexico
- Pauli’s: Classic Italian Cooking in the Heart of Houston’s Montrose District
- Cook Like a Local by Chris Shepherd
10. Books about Houston
Eek there’s literally so many awesome books about Houston to choose from, but we’ve summed up some of our favorites on this Amazon collection here. You can do People of Memorial Park for your running friends. Lost Houston for the history buff in the group. Astroball for that friend who is still talking about the World Series. Breaking the Glass Slipper (by Elaine Turner) for your fashionista friend. The After Party to step back in time and see River Oaks in the 1950s. American Royals for your friend who tears through fiction (not about Houston, but written by a Houston author!). For the foodie, Lost Restaurants of Houston.
A Few of Our Favorite Houston Gift Ideas, This the Article has very informative