Hand-Made Gifts, Antique Treasures, and Texas Art

I was going through my home and headquarters recently and had to smile because of the many different Texas makers items I have been blessed to collect over the years. Some were gifts and others I found while at a festival, antique show, or gallery in the Lone Star State.

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. One of my followers gave a shout out to maker Leigh Art in Lubbock.

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, Potters Brown Art Collective in Edom, and Arts in the Sunset in Amarillo.

You can also check out consignment stores, antique stores, and local festivals. Many makers can be found there or even in downtown shops. These unique gift items are one-of-a-kind and show that special someone how much you care during this holiday season or throughout the year.

Texas Cowboy Boots and Cowboy Hats

Cowboy Boots

Since many people who visit Texas for the first time, especially from other countries, think we all own a ranch, ride a horse, and wear cowboy boots and hats, thanks to Taylor Sheridan and old reruns of Dallas, I figure why not let them see us dressed like that and live up to the hype?

When it comes to cowboy boots, the list is long, as the cowboy boot making has been around in the Lone Star State for decades. Boot makers can be found from border to border.

Let’s start with a special shout out to the Official Boot Capital of Texas, El Paso. Check out Lucchese Bootmaker, Rocketbuster Handmade Custom Boots, Tomasso Arditti Handmade Boots, and Caboots. That’s only a few. The Boot Capital of the World is owning that title.

Other boot makers around the state include M.L. Leddy’s in Fort Worth and San Angelo; Rios of Mercedes in Mercedes; Cobra Rock in Marfa; Republic Boot Co. in Houston. If you need my size, let me know. 🙂

Cowboy Hats

Cowboy hats seem to be a staple in just about every Texas household. Whether worn by a died-in-the-wool ranch worker or a child pretending to be a cowboy or cowgirl, cowboy hats represent style and function, though you seldom see many of them worn by the models on shows like Project Runway.

Earlier this year, I visited Garland, the Cowboy Hat Capital of Texas and home to the largest cowboy hat in the state. They are home to many cowboy hat makers but the big three are Hatco (makers of Resistol, Stetson, and Charlie 1 Horse hats), Dorfman Milano (producers of Scala, Justin, Larry Mahan, and Panama Jack), and Master Hatters of Texas.

Other hat makers to consider include American Hat Company in Bowie, Atwood Hat Company in Frankston, Catalena Hatters in Bryan, and Manny Gammage’s Texas Hatters in Lockhart.

The wearing of a cowboy hat changes a person, so you have been warned. Don’t be surprised if suddenly someone has a swagger like John Wayne, as they don said hat and sidle up to you. And while the hat doesn’t necessarily make the person, it could become such a part of them that you find them singing 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.”

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 are a few options for you to consider.

Wildflower Seeds

Nothing says Texas to me like wildflower seeds in a field, yard, or flower bed. I know the late former first lady, Lady Bird Johnson, would agree. I recently seeded my backyard with wildflower seeds from Wildseed Farms near Fredericksburg. Since they grow them on site, you have plenty of options from which to choose. I’m in the eastern region of Texas and they offered seeds that grow specifically for this area of the state. Every year when the wildflowers come up in your friend or loved one’s yard, they’ll think of you.

Texas T-Shirts and Ball Caps

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. I have to say, I love the Pickett House t-shirt from Woodville. It always makes me laugh every time I wear it.

Ball Caps

I’ve included a few pictures of ball caps, as they’re a great gift. I have around two dozen hats from my travels across Texas including these.

Books and Magazines

I love books! I love the feel of a book in my hands, and one with beautiful images like The Art of Texas State Parks by Andrew Sansom and Linda J. Reaves is a wonderful option. 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 a few 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 magazines.

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 found a set of wooden dominoes at an antique store that I loved, especially the old Lone Star design. I also 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. My late husband, Dan, even made a set of dominoes for me this past year. I cherish those.

Attraction Tickets, Gift Cards, and Annual Passes

Museums, attractions, and restaurants in Texas offer an annual passes or gift cards. Why not purchase from your favorites and share them with your family and friends so they can enjoy them, alongside you?

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, restaurant gift cards, and theater performances make nice stocking stuffers.

Weekend Getaways

I love to travel and one of my favorite things is overnighting at a cool hotel, B&B, or short-term rental. Know someone who likes to travel? Why not give them 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 genre, you’ll find a Texas artist who fits the bill. Check out the Texas Music Office and look for their reference list to find out about more Texas musicians.

With record players back in style, you can purchase albums and give that true music experience. Just don’t scratch the album. I still remember songs I listened to on our record player when I was a kid, and the exact place where the record stuck due to a scratch. That’s something I’ll likely never forget. These are just a few of the Texans that have made wonderful music.

For the Kitchen and the Culinary Enthusiast

I love cookbooks, gadgets, and great items that I can use every day while experimenting on Texas recipes in my kitchen. If you’re looking for culinary items, consider Texas-made products like the carbon-steel skillets from Texas Pan Company in Kilgore or kitchen knives from Four Elements Smithy in Columbus.

You can also consider purchasing a pie from Oxbow Bakery in Palestine, mead and merch from Vinland Meads in Murchison, or even beef from Baty Ranch in Shelbyville.

I love to support small businesses. One of my followers suggested shopping at Davenport Home + Design in Jacksonville for a gift for that special someone.

Go Texan Products

Go Texan highlights their members on their website. These are a few of my favorites that I’ve purchased online or while shopping across the state. I’ve also included some other Texas-made culinary options I love, especially Texas Salt Co. in Bandera, Pendery’s Spices in Fort Worth, and Slaton Bakery’s Vanilla Wafers and Gingerbread Snaps in Slaton. From chocolates and spices to coffees and wines, the list is almost endless. Visit the Texas Department of Agriculture Go Texan website for more options.

That’s a Wrap

Whether you’re looking for something hand-crafted, Texas-shaped, delicious, or wearable, I hope you found inspiration for everyone on your list (and maybe a few ideas for yourself).

The best gifts support local businesses and add a little Texas-sized joy to someone’s day. If all else fails, a gift card to a hometown favorite or a ticket to a Texas attraction is a great option, too.

My How Big Is Texas Wish List

My personal wish list is simple this year. After recently losing my husband Dan, the love of my life for more than 27 years, my wish is that you remember to Live Your Dash, that’s the small mark between the day you are born and the day you pass away that is found on headstones.

Say “yes” to new adventures, reach higher for yourself and others, be curious to make life interesting, and celebrate roots, people, and stories. Live Your Dash!

Stay Tuned

And don’t forget to join me for my annual How Big Is Texas New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. I might even broadcast it live from the Official International World Headquarters of How Big Is Texas, located somewhere between Athens, Palestine, Carthage, and Paris, Texas! Wishing y’all happy gifting and a joyous holiday season wherever you are.

Until next time from Texas … safe travels! Live Your Dash!!!