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City Cast Houston

We’re in the thick of the holiday season, which means countless parties, dinners, and celebrations! But have you finished all of your holiday shopping? If you’re tired of ordering from Amazon, then I have some recs for Houston shops to snag unique, last-minute gifts for your loved ones. Let’s dive in 🎁

Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift that screams Houston? 

 is the perfect shop to grab H-town memorabilia made by local artists. You can even order a 

 filled with fun items like a Whataburger sticker, an Astros baby onesie, a Montrose notebook, and eye-catching jewelry.

City Cast Houston host Raheel Ramzanali recommends finding special perfumes and colognes from his father’s store 

. The shop has been selling brand-name perfumes, colognes, and watches on Harwin for more than 30 years. And, since you’ve already made the trip to Harwin, take a look around 

because it’s filled with tons of other shops and great deals

Do you have a book lover on your holiday list? Skip the trip to Barnes & Noble, and check out Houston’s growing independent bookstore scene. Some of my favorites include 

City Cast Houston Executive Producer Laura Isensee just got her first T-shirt from Houston label Sam & Davy and loves it! This local shop sells stylish clothing for people full of Texas pride, and has dropped some new items for the holidays. I’m eyeing this 

One of my favorite boutiques in Houston, 

, is closing on Dec. 23rd. But they’re offering great deals before they close down for good. They’re known for cute vintage finds, beautiful clothes, and accessories. Right now, you can get 50% off your entire order because of the holidays.

Here are the best places to find last-minute holiday gifts in Houston. 

Where to Find Last-Minute Holiday Gifts in Houston

The Best Last-Minute Holiday Gifts from Houston Shops

Find the best of everything that Houston has to offer.

Houston’s Best

Houston's Best

Summer is a great time to explore one of Houston’s open-air markets. Worried about melting in the heat? My round-up includes a night market and a couple indoor markets with air-conditioning where you can be sweat-free. Let’s take a look 😉

If you’re looking for an eclectic mix of local goods and handmade items, then you need to stop by 

. This monthly market features local artisans, food trucks, and live music. Mark your calendar for the next one coming up on Aug. 17 at 6 p.m.

 for hip hop culture fanatics every first Sunday of the month, where you can shop for vintage clothing, enjoy live entertainment, and delicious food.

Want to add local artwork to your home? Then, then head to Sawyer Yards. Every Second Saturday, 

 filled with vibrant beautiful paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and photography. On Third Saturdays, 

POST Houston is known for its tasty and diverse food court, but did you know they have a 

 of the month? Cool off in air-conditioning and snag jewelry, clothing, and other hand-crafted items from local businesses and makers.

, known for their vintage clothing, music, art, jewelry, and more. While you’re there, grab a free beer from 8th Wonder Brewery and groove to beats from DJ Yard.

 on Amherst Street operates every first and third Sunday, no matter the Houston heat or rain. Shop from a range of vendors, where you’ll find natural margarita mixes, fresh flowers, produce and more. This market starts at 9 a.m., so beat the heat and get there early.

Harwin is another can’t-miss shopping destination

 in Houston for clothing, jewelry, and other quirky finds. 🛍️

Check out this round-up of Houston's best open-air markets to shop this summer. 

Houston's Best Open-Air Markets

After Houston author Isobella Jade’s father passed away unexpectedly in a fire at his home, she discovered keepsakes in his car that triggered memories of him and their complicated relationship. A pocket knife, clipboard, a tattered wallet, and other treasured mementos inspired Jade to write a memoir, 

“Running Rebel and Mad Dog, A Memoir of Heirlooms Left Behind,”

 that details intricate memories with her father and her journey through grief.

Growing up, how would you describe your relationship with your father?

“I write about how through my child eyes of a nine-year-old, I didn’t notice my Dad’s addiction and his alcoholism as much. I knew that his breath smelled funny and that he slept a lot. But I didn’t grasp how terrible it was for my family. My memories of him are when he’s a little tipsy drinking, singing on the porch oldies songs. He wasn’t mean. He wasn’t angry. For us to bond, we didn’t go many places. We went over to this old track, across the street. Our connecting time or bonding time was built on him timing me there. I would race, do 100 meters, then run back, and then I would get confident over time and run all the way around.”

Which of your father’s heirlooms mean the most to you?

“I could’ve easily walked away from him when he was facing addiction, having a really hard time, going in and out of rehab. I could’ve been like I’m going to give up on my Dad. The pocket knife [he gave me then] was a symbol of us connecting, because he started to talk to me about his issues, when I was 12. He started to explain to me some of the things he was going through. It taught me about having compassion for others. The pocket knife for me is when I decided he’s imperfect, and I was going to accept him anyway."

Writing about grief and loss can be cathartic but also extremely hard. How did you cope?

“I cried a lot. I still cry when I write about him. A lot of it is because what I was putting down on a page, was a lot of things I didn’t get to say. It was definitely challenging. I [would] print out my work, take it to the park, and hand edit. Walk off some of the grief and then go back to my computer and type. It was definitely not just a quick overnight process. It was about five years. Reflecting on those times took a lot of emotional energy out of me.”

Isobella Jade, author of "Running Rebel and Mad Dog, A Memoir of Heirlooms Left Behind," about her complex relationship with her father, grief, and healing. 

Houston Author Pens Memoir on Grief and Healing

What Houston celebrities, public figures and key citizens have to say about living here.

3 Questions With Houston Public Figures

3 Questions With

, has a passion for vintage toys that started with his father. The Heights toy store owner hopes his store can inspire young and old Houstonians.

What inspires you to run Super Happy Incredible Toys?

“When I was a kid, a lot of my best memories of being a kid were hanging out with my Dad. We didn’t have a lot of money, but my Dad would go to the movies every weekend. My Dad became my first best friend. When we’d go to the movies, it would always be like if I was good, he would get me a toy. Nothing big or nothing fancy, just a random action figure. My mom and dad passed away about eight, nine years now. A lot of my great memories of being a child were those moments with my Dad. So, I collect [toys], to reconnect with my father. I’ve noticed a lot of people that come into the store have stories like that. That’s what the store is to me. It’s a haven and a place where people can either reconnect or create new connections with their kids now.”

What toys are customers excited to find in the store?

“The most popular thing is Transformers. We have a big five now that everyone likes and that’s vintage Star Wars, Transformers, Masters of the Universe, G.I. Joe, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. We’re getting a lot of other things that people are asking for now. Pokemon, anime, and vintage Barbie. I’ve been working real hard to develop a girls section.”

If you could create a Houston toy, what would it be?

“It would be an Astroworld theme park, where you could buy each individual ride and it runs. You could buy Grease Lightning, Texas Cyclone, and put it all together, and maybe there’s action figures you can put in there. It’s almost like a train set, but everything is individual. If you didn’t want to build the whole theme park, and you just wanted Grease Lightning running on your desk, you could do that.``

Do you have an interesting Houstonian I should profile? 

Juan Salazar, owner of Super Happy Incredible Toys, has a passion for vintage toys that started with his father. The Heights toy store owner hopes his store can inspire young and old Houstonians.


Houston Business Owner Shares Passion For Toys 

Mother’s Day is right around the corner! If you haven’t figured out what you’re getting mom, then I have you covered. We recently discussed the best gifts for Mom on the podcast. Here are some of our best recommendations.

City Cast Houston producer Carlignon suggests booking your mom’s next vacation: a cruise! If you need ideas, here are some 

I love taking my mom to Galveston on Mother’s Day weekend. We do 

 and I always treat her to a nice meal. If you don’t want to leave Houston, then give Mom a staycation at Marriot Marquis, where 

City Cast Houston lead producer Dina Kesbeh and brand new mama recommends buying your mom a scalp massage. Here’s a round-up of the 

City Cast Houston host Raheel Ramzanali picked out his favorite photos and created a photo wall for his wife.

Carli thinks making candles with your mom at 

I recommend creating your own paintings and sipping some wine with mom at  

 and painting a mug, plate, or some other cute keepsake with your mom would make for a great memory.

Raheel also uses Etsy to find personalized gifts for his wife. They have so many 

shopping

The Best Last-Minute Holiday Gifts from Houston Shops

Houston's Best Open-Air Markets

Houston Author Pens Memoir on Grief and Healing

Latest articles

The Best Last-Minute Holiday Gifts from Houston Shops

Houston's Best Open-Air Markets

Houston Author Pens Memoir on Grief and Healing

Houston Business Owner Shares Passion For Toys

The Best Mother’s Day Gifts

Latest articles

Houston Business Owner Shares Passion For Toys

The Best Mother’s Day Gifts