A well-thought-out present can go a long way and it doesn’t have to only happen during the holidays. Gift giving is year-round, so if you see something I share that could work for a special someone throughout the year, make sure to write it down, follow this blog as a reminder, or order it and store it away for safe keeping until that day arrives. If you’re anything like me, make sure you also write a note on your calendar to remind yourself where you hid it.

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 and Rancho Loco Boots in El Paso,  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 with multiple locations across the state and headquartered in Tyler. If you need my size, let me know. 🙂

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 more seasoned like yours truly, 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 or so I’ve been told by some who have walked the walk and can talk the talk.

A few companies to consider include 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. As the Cowboy Hat Capital of Texas and home to the largest cowboy hat in the state, you should also check out Garland and Resistol Hats. 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 or Antique Treasures

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 art include 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.

I’d also encourage you to explore your local antique shops. You never know what you’ll find. I’ve purchased quite a few pieces painted by Texas artist. Oh, wait. I’m talking about GIVING things to people as gifts. Those were all purchased by me FOR ME. Sorry about that, but still, look at antique and consignment stores. You never know what you might find. One man’s trash is indeed another man’s treasure.

Texas-Shaped and Texas Flag Gifts

When it comes to pleasing a lover of the Lone Star State, Texas-shaped items make great gift. If you have friends and family from one of those square or rectangular-shaped states, then you can buy off the shelf for them. 🙂

From cast iron skillets and coffee cups to camping chairs and weather vanes, if it’s shaped like Texas or is sporting a Texas-flag motif, you can find it in many locations but I’d start with Texas’ favorite grocery store, H-E-B, as well as the ever popular Buc-ee’s convenience stores. Here’s a sampling of some of my favorites. Most can be found around my headquarters of How Big Is Texas.

Unique and Humorous

Wildflower Seeds

If the late FLOTUS Lady Bird Johnson was still alive, she’d recommend you purchase wildflower seeds and add to the beauty of your friends and family’s flower gardens. My favorite place to purchase seeds is from Wildseed Farms near Fredericksburg. Since they grow them on site, you have plenty of options from which to choose.

I might have heard someone I know tosses a few out as they travel down the road to help Lady Bird out with her beautification mission. That could be a rumor.

T-Shirts and Ball Caps

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 I’ve liked.

I’ve included a few pictures of ball caps, they’re a great gift. I am not one who normally wears a lot of bling but I have three blingy Texas hats that I love. As I am writing this post in my headquarters, I can see nearly two dozen Texas hats hanging from hooks waiting for me to choose the day’s attire.

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. Here are some pictures of some of my favorite reads.

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 favorite movies made in Texas. For younger readers, you’ll have to get someone to tell you about the olden days when we didn’t have the ability to stream movies and had to use antiquated equipment to watch them.

Think of it like your “new” turntables that are playing your favorite records. Wait, those were around long before me and I’m old.

Anyway, a few of my favorite Texas movies are Office Space, Bernie, both of The Alamo movies, No Country for Old Men, and Secondhand Lions. And you can never go wrong with Robert Duvall in the miniseries Lonesome Dove.

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 while creating great memories.

Attraction Tickets, Gift Cards, and Annual Passes

Many small museums in Texas offer an annual or season 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. If you need a list from me for me, let me know.

Weekend Getaways

Know someone who likes to travel? Why not give them a gift certificate for a weekend’s stay somewhere or better yet, plan a trip together? These are some of my favorite properties around the state.

Texas Music

Give the gift of music made by Texas musicians. Whether it’s classical, country, rock-n-roll, or any other song with a beat, you’ll find a Texas artist who fits the bill. Of course, you can also give songs about Texas, too. Check out the Texas Music Office and look for their reference list to find out about more Texas musicians.

Go Texan

Since this is all about Texas, I recently returned from the State Fair of Texas and checked out the Go Texan Pavilion Store. So many Texas items were there and they would make great gifts, gift basket items, or stocking stuffers. I’ve also included some other Texas-made culinary options I love. Here’s a photo montage of some of the brands you can find on an internet search. From chocolates and spices to coffees and wines, the list is almost endless. Visit the Texas Department of Agriculture Go Texan website for even more options.

My How Big Is Texas Wish List

I’ve shared this before but it hasn’t made it down the chimney with Santa yet so here we go again. 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. And if you feel the need to give a gift card, pick one up from a local restaurant or mom and pop store and support your neighbors.

Stay Tuned

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for our annual How Big Is Texas New Year’s Eve Ball Drop on December 31 from the Official International World Headquarters of How Big Is Texas, located somewhere between Athens, Palestine, Carthage, and Paris!

Until next time from Texas … safe travels!