I’ve given many a generic gift card to friends and family over the holiday season and throughout the year for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. While it may be the easiest way to shop, nothing beats a well-thought-out present. I’ve been blessed to travel around the great state of Texas, so I thought I’d create some ideas you might want to consider as the gift-giving season arrives. Sure this guide is good for the holidays, but it’s also a nice list to keep around for yearlong celebrations.
Texas Boots and Hats
Nothing says Texas like a pair of boots or a cowboy hat. If you want to make a lasting impression, great boots could be the way to go. Here’s just a small sampling of boot companies in Texas. Check out Lucchese in El Paso and other Texas locations; M.L. Leddy’s in Fort Worth and San Angelo; Nocona Boots in Nocona; Rios of Mercedes in Mercedes; Cobra Rock in Marfa; and Cavender’s, headquartered in my community of Tyler, with stores scattered across the state.
Depending on the Texas city or town you’re visiting, you’ll likely be able to throw a rock and hit someone wearing a cowboy hat. I don’t recommend it, just sayin’. From young to old, many a person likes the idea of placing a cowboy hat on their heads and suddenly developing a swagger and a confidence they didn’t have before. To choose the right hat, you need to have the person with you so they can visit the store and either have their hat sized or at least be able to try on a few options. A good fit is everything when it comes to cowboy hats. A few companies to consider are Resistol Hats in Garland, Catalena Hatters in Bryan, JW Brooks Custom Hat Co. in Lipan, Cody’s Hats & Boots in San Angelo, and Manny Gammage’s Texas Hatters in Lockhart. Here’s a caution for you to prepare for after the gift has been given. Once somebody is proudly wearing their Texas cowboy hat, their attitude changes a little. In the words of the great Texas singer/songwriter Lyle Lovett in his song Don’t Touch My Hat, “you can have my girl, but don’t touch my hat.”
Hand-Made Gifts
With so many artists, makers, and crafts people out there, finding a beautiful painting, ceramic piece, jewelry, metalwork, blown glass, and other items is pretty easy. Choosing the perfect gift is where the hard work starts. A few of my favorite places to shop for one-of-a-kind pieces is the Chicken Farm Art Center in San Angelo, Wimberley Glassworks in San Marcos, Rose City Art Gallery in Tyler, Potters Brown Art Collective in Edom, and Arts in the Sunset in Amarillo.
Texas-Shaped and Texas Flag Kitchen Accessories
When it comes to the kitchen, Texas-shaped items make great gift ideas, unless you’re from one of those rectangular-shaped states. From cast iron skillets and waffle makers to cutting boards and baking dishes, if it’s shaped like Texas, you can find it in a lot of places including Texas grocery stores like H-E-B and Brookshire’s, as well as the ever popular Buc-ee’s convenience stores. “Fresh brisket on the board. Fresh brisket on the board.” If you know, you know.
Unique and Humorous
Wildflower Seeds
If former FLOTUS Lady Bird Johnson was still alive, she’d definitely recommend you buy wildflower seeds to beautify the lives of your loved ones. Wildseed Farms near Fredericksburg is the best place I’ve found to purchase seeds. Since they grow them on site, you have plenty of options from which to choose. My personal favorite is our state flower, the Bluebonnet.
T-Shirts
I love a great T-shirt! You can find shirts on many Texas attraction sites or in stores or restaurants across the state. Here are a few of mine.
Books and Magazines
If you know someone who loves books, consider getting them one written by a Texas author or even a book about the Lone Star State.
Texas State Parks recently celebrated their 100th anniversary. There are a couple of great books you should consider gifting someone – The First 100 Years by George Bristol and The Art of Texas State Parks by Andrew Sansom and Linda J. Reaves. If you’re interested in stories from well-known Texans, Matthew McConaughey’s Green Light and Bob Phillips’ A Good Long Drive are excellent. Goodbye to a River by John Graves is one of my favorites.
If you know avid readers who like to get something monthly, consider purchasing subscriptions to Texas Highways, Texas Monthly, or Authentic Texas.
Texas Movies
While this is a picture of old DVD’s, it includes some of my favorites. Lots of great movies have been filmed in the Lone Star State. I enjoy Secondhand Lions, Bernie, and, of course, The Alamo (both the 1960 version and the 2004 version). So many choices!
Dominoes
A good set of dominoes is always a great gift idea, especially for a lot of Texans, who grew up playing moon, 42, double six dominoes, and train. I have my grandparent’s dominoes and they’re in great shape so if you buy a good quality set, they can last a lifetime.
DID YOU KNOW…
The domino game of 42 was invented in 1887 by Texan William Albert Thomas of Garner when he was 11 years old.
Attraction Tickets, Gift Cards, and Annual Passes
Many small museums in Texas offer an annual pass for a relatively small amount of money. Why not purchase one from one of your favorite places and share it with your family and friends so they can enjoy it, too? You can also buy gift cards from State Parks and National Parks, which are great for families to use to experience our wonderful natural beauty and enjoy time together. Attraction passes, sports tickets, concerts, and theater performances make nice stocking stuffers.
Weekend Getaways
Know someone who likes to travel? Why not give them a gift certificate for a weekend’s stay somewhere? These are some of my favorites.
Texas Music
Give the gift of music made by Texas musicians. Of course, you can also share songs about Texas, too. Check out the Texas Music Office and look for their reference list to find out about more Texas musicians.
Texas-Shaped and Texas Flag Items
For the dyed-in-the-wool native Texan, pretty much anything you can find with the Texas flag on it or in the shape of Texas will work for them. It makes it easy to shop, since just about every store in the state, including convenience stores, will likely carry something if you look hard enough.
SHOP ACROSS TEXAS
Still looking for ideas? Find more inspiration at ShopacrossTexas.com. Photo credit: ShopAcrossTexas.com
Made in Texas
If you’re still struggling with what to gift your friends and loved ones this year, consider some type of Made in Texas item. From chocolates and spices to coffees and wines, the list is almost endless. I’ve included some of my faves for inspiration. Visit the Texas Department of Agriculture Go Texan site for even more options.
My How Big Is Texas Wish List
This RV is actually only a few inches tall. If I had my Christmas wishes come true, I’d have the real version of a vintage camper that I could use when traveling the great state of Texas to share my How Big is Texas story. A girl can dream, can’t she?
I hope these gift ideas help you with your holiday gift giving for your friends and family.
Stay tuned for our annual How Big Is Texas New Year’s Eve Ball Drop!
Until next time from Texas … safe travels!