This holiday shopping season, let's pledge to go shopping for thoughtful gifts for people on our lists, rather than frantically mass ordering online. Highly personal gifts let recipients know you value them and their tastes; that kind of sentiment always wins out in the end. Hey, and if nothing else, these stores double as great places to treat yourself, too.
Bell'Invito
There are your normal paperies and then there is this Dallas Design District option that stands far superior to the rest. From bespoke stationery to holiday cards and even wrapping paper and gifts galore, this is your one-stop shop for the ultimate personal gifting experience. It also doesn't hurt to buy a set of thank-you cards. Just saying.
Baldwin
This Kansas City-based boutique is now open on Knox Street. Matt Baldwin brings Dallas men and women denim and apparel that maintains its history and causal American foundation through craftsmanship and design.
Con' Olio
Want to impress the foodies in your life with a gift that will totally change the way they cook? This Texas-based olive oil is available just via its various Austin tasting rooms; however, you can shop online in case you're not taking a trip south anytime soon. Gifts ranging from sampler kits (of various intensities) to fused/infused options make this gift both unique and totally delicious.
Cover Swim at The Tot
Our favorite shop for tots has teamed up with sun conscious Cover Swim to create sun-safe onesies and bodysuits for littles ones who might hit the pool or beach on winter vacation. The product's fabric blocks 98 percent of UV rays in and around water. New York City-based artist Matthew Langille created two exclusive patterns that feature cactus and flamingos. This line starts at $78 and is available on The Tot's website.
Desmond & Dempsey at Neiman Marcus
This UK-based brand of incredibly comfortable yet refined pajamas recently launched with Neiman Marcus to showcase its Here's to the Wild Ones collection. To celebrate, the team is popping up at Neiman Marcus NorthPark on December 9 offering free personalization and gift wrapping with purchases of the pjs.
IKEA
The newest IKEA store in Dallas-Fort Wort debuts in Grand Prairie on December 13. It joins a Frisco store that opened in 2005, making it just the second DFW location of the Swedish brand. The 290,000-square-foot space is offering all the same goods as in Frisco, but is a hair closer to Dallas city limits — only 15 miles from downtown versus the congested, 23-mile drive to Frisco.
MAC & Bumble and Bumble
Two epic brands are coming together in one store for the first time to launch a makeup and hair studio that will change the way you shop and get ready for a big night out. Whether you want hair and makeup services or just want to shop product, this new concept store on level one in NorthPark Center has you covered. Book your appointments on the salon's website.
Ruti
Do not delay in checking out the new NorthPark Center boutique by the brilliant Israeli-American designer Ruti Zisser. Dubbed Ruti, this shop features a carefully edited collection that goes by three rules — it must be cool, it must be flattering, it must be practical. Um, what? We love this woman and her clothing already. Find it on level one.
The Merchant
Twenty five percent coffee and 75 percent gifts. Now that is a winning combination we can get behind. Grab a cup of Stumptown Coffee at this newly opened shop on Greenville Avenue and then peruse the assortment of cards, stationery, planners, journals, and more from this Atlanta-based store.
Do not miss the free Desmond & Dempsey pajamas personalization event at Neiman Marcus NorthPark on Saturday, December 9.
The truck will be selling special 10th anniversary merch.Photo courtesy of Hello Kitty Cafe Truck
Adorable Hello Kitty macarons.Photo courtesy of Hello Kitty Cafe Truck