Procrastinator Alert: It’s Not Too Late to Be a Holiday Hero with These Local Shops
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Still shopping? You’re not alone. With just a week to go, two-thirds of us are still in search of the perfect present. Plus, a whopping 142 million people will wait until the Saturday before Christmas – aka Super Saturday – to shop, according to the National Retail Federation.
Procrastinators fall into three categories, say psychologists. The “thrill seeker,” who gets a rush waiting until the last minute; the “avoider,” who hates to be judged; and the “indecisive,” who simply can’t pull the trigger.
Our advice to all is the same. Take a deep breath. Don’t panic.
And most important of all, keep your eye on the prize. We’re here to help with local shops, websites, personal shoppers, and innovative gift ideas you can still get under the tree in time.
Garde
Located on the fringe of the Dallas Design District, this 6,000-square-foot emporium is a mecca for supremely stylish home décor. Check out their beautifully designed website; better yet, head to the brick-and-morter where manager Jenny Alfia will guide you through an expertly edited assortment of artistic accessories.
The vision? To introduce the skills and talent of emerging and known artists. Founder/designer Scotti Sitz travels the world to find interesting and unique merchandise, from intricate pottery handcrafted in Mumbai to a solid brass Guatemalan chair casted from Latania lontaroides palm leaves.
Alfia’s top gift picks include Studio Crestani glass decanters, Christiane Perrochon ceramic bud vases, and Matthew Fisher marble incense burners. And what will delight the most discriminating recipients on your list? “Alponi’s gorgeous cashmere throws are a tried-and true, a real showstopper.
“If you don’t know what to get somebody, go with your inner compass,” she added. “Choose something you find curious, fascinating, or beautiful.”
1305 Wycliff Avenue, #160, Dallas. Open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A Box of Dallas
Founder Theresa Dickinson left teaching to start this locally-flavored gifting service. She credits her background in education for the ability to go beyond the ordinary.
“It allows us to create not just gifts but genuine connections and lasting impressions.”
A lot of research goes into the primarily Dallas-based vendor selection. A-listers include White Rock Granola, Niven Morgan, Kate Weiser, Oak Cliff Coffee Roasters, Jackson Vaughn, and Deep Ellum Jam.
Among the seasonal bestsellers: Bits of Dallas Holiday Edition, Relax and Recharge, and Old-Fashioned Dallas. (A shout-out to Realtors: Don’t miss the fully loaded Happy Housewarming basket.)
Order off the website or email hello@aboxofdallas; Dickinson’s team will hand deliver to Metroplex addresses.
Carefully Curated Luxury
Founder Nikki Solomon is the quintessential tastemaker. Along with impeccable taste, she has an uncanny ability for knowing what you need, want, and probably shouldn’t live without.
A labradorite scarab pendant or beaded gold huggies by Laguna Beach-based jewelry designer Nan Fusco? Yes, please. Or how about an uber-cool, pleat sleeve blouses from Geoffrey Henning’s new Gracity line? We’ll take one in every color.
And what to get the most fashionable ladies on your list? Maison Passage cashmere and silk scarves and kimonos. “The patterns are exceptional,” said Solomon. “Plus, you can wear them year-round with absolutely everything in your closet.”
See more CCC chicness on IG. Email [email protected] for selection, information, and prices.
Talulah & Hess
One of our secret go-to sources is always Talulah & Hess. This is a fantastic neighborhood one-stop shopping experience.
Whether you need a great gift, a perfect piece of furniture, incredible new artwork, or flowers and champagne, this is your go-to store. A word of warning, however — once inside, you won’t want to leave.
Treat your friends and loved ones to a winter wonderland with the soft glow and beautiful fragrance of candles. Talulah & Hess has an epic collection of giftable candles that make the perfect hostess gift.
For wine lovers to bourbon enthusiasts, quality glassware is a gift they can enjoy for years to come. Go traditional with stunning cut-crystal glasses, or add a pop of modern whimsy with sparkling colored stemware. There’s a glass to fit their style and a thoughtful last-minute gift idea no matter the recipients’ taste.
Visit Talulah & Hess at 5810 Live Oak. Stop by daily from 10-6 through Christmas Eve.
Skibell Fine Jewelry
Tucked away just south of Northwest Highway west of Preston Road there’s an easy-to-miss street named Kate. Those lucky enough to have discovered this hidden gem — literally — know it’s home to Skibell Fine Jewelry, a trusted Dallas go-to known for its curated collections including custom re-designed estate jewelry, bridal jewelry, “push” presents for the expecting mom, and the hottest thing in pink — Barbie.
Celebrating Barbie on her silver-screen debut, deluxe reprises of Barbie Icon and Ken Icon make up a rare fountain pen pairing by Montegrappa. The fashion-forward silhouette has the prettiest signature 14k gold nibs: crafted to help thoughts go with the flow.
Top Gift Pick: Droese Raney x Design
When it comes to super stylish interiors, Dallas-based architecture firm Droese Raney wrote the book – literally. Their newly released hardcover, written with author Ian Volner, features 16 noteworthy projects including retail outlets (the Conservatory, Forty Five Ten), restaurants (Mi Cocina, José), and art showplaces (the Warehouse).
A can’t-miss gift for design and fashion aficionados alike. Available on Amazon.
