With the appearance of evergreens and colorful lights heralding the coming of the holiday season, we’re reminded that the time for gift shopping has arrived. When it comes to finding presents that make an impact, or delight the person who has everything, we turn to shops that offer something a little different.
We have our old standbys, of course, but these are some of our new Dallas favorites. Happy gifting.
Avant Garden. A visit to Todd Fiscus’ fabulous floral shop brightens up a cloudy day. Technically it is not new; it just has a new address within Highland Park Village — and, with that, some new features. Of course you can find an array of breathtaking, never fussy modern arrangements, but also shop for handmade pottery from Peru or a glossy blue-and-white porcelain vase. An orchid bar pops up on the plaza downstairs on Fridays and Saturdays, weather permitting, where you can grab exotic orchids or bouquets on the go.
The Citizenry. Carly Nance and Rachel Bentley started their home decor brand online, offering decorative pillows, luxurious throws, and leather chairs made by the best artisans they could find in Argentina and Uganda. Fast forward about a year, and the duo has opened a store just off Knox Street, where the public can browse and buy these unique wares unavailable anywhere else in Dallas. They are rolling out a line of gifts — think volcanic rock and white marble coasters, marble candleholders, and cow-horn planters — in time for the holidays, to complement the existing collections.
The Loveliest. The loveliest (pun intended) little shop in Uptown is a family affair for sisters Britni and Kelsey Wood and their mother, Joni. Inspired by their travels and the various places they’ve lived, the ladies offer an array of textiles (from blankets and bedding to table linens), embroidering, and monogramming from their boutique. The Loveliest also offers in-house embroidery, featuring 120 colors and over 40 monogram styles, available on the spot.
Life of Riley. Some boutiques are so cozy and welcoming that you forget everything’s for sale. Owners Billy Milner and Jerod Dame welcome shoppers to come in and stay a while at their lifestyle store in Deep Ellum, which is already decked out for Christmas. Life of Riley offers “polished industrial” pieces such as coffee and console tables, as well as fabulous upholstered furniture, quirky wall hangings, vintage accessories, works from local artists, myriad candles — some were created especially for the specialty shop — and unique jewelry.
Madre. When Dallas moms Mia Brous, Kerri Goldfarb, and Louise Marsh met through mutual friends and family, they discovered they shared a passion for design and the need to keep family first. After three years of planning, the mothers opened this boutique that specializes in breathtaking light fixtures, custom headboards, personalized monogramming, unique wall décor, and fabulous gifts — ranging from the practical (blankets and bibs for baby) to the why not (jewelry and knickknacks for Mom).
Neighborhood. The Bishop Arts District store is full of the unusual and captivating. Owned by Erin and John Hossley, Neighborhood offers an unconventional mix of wall decor, furniture, art, accessories, and conversation-starting objects. Offerings include delightfully strange taxidermy — including a unicorn head — brilliant throw pillows and blankets, and candles. Whether you’re looking for a one-off piece of art or a gift for the friend who has everything, Neighborhood is a must-shop.
Read Between the Lines. Located in Victory Park, the flagship storefront for the Dallas brand makes us want to revisit the art of letter writing. Owner Melinda Jones credits readers of her blog with giving her the courage to strike out and do something she truly loves. Her passion for words and fine paper led to the creation of her line of whimsical greeting cards and prints, but the shop offers much more than stationery. Think on-trend wine bags imprinted with cute sayings like “Fa to the La,” modern art prints, throw pillows, and jewelry from local designer Julie Cohn.
ReGeared. Co-owners Rachel Spire and Lauren Lay offer shoppers something unusual. Using just about any recycled material they can find — barn wood, bicycle chains, drill bits, 55-gallon drums — the team of designers, carpenters, and artisans create unexpected home décor items with an industrial edge. Pop by ReGeared’s brand-new shop in the Dallas Design District to get your hands on gear clocks, bicycle chain flag artwork, and other funky finds.
Set & Co. The seriously stunning shop in Oak Cliff is designed to delight the home chef. Opened by interior designer Jennifer Littke and her husband, Adam, the store features handmade ceramics and cutlery, placemats, textiles, and more. Other offerings include distinctive jewelry, bespoke scarves, fabulous furniture pieces, and camping cookware. We head to Set & Co. for elegant hostess gifts and quirky kitchen gadgets.
Wisteria. The Dallas-born home brand recently opened a new retail shop at Inwood Village, where in addition to the assortment of globally inspired furniture pieces, there are gifts galore. Jewelry includes pieces by local Akola Project and Jenny Baker, and they are chosen to fit Wisteria’s known aesthetic. Other finds include coffee table books and notebooks, frames both beautiful and whimsical, and cool decor pieces like mounted seashells for those who covet a beachy lifestyle.
Delight the home chef with something from Set & Co.
Wes Brown, host of the new Hallmark+ show Ready, Set, Glow!Photo courtesy of Hallmark+
Jen Burkman's father is known as "San-pa."
Photo courtesy of Burkman family
The display features some new arches for picture-taking this year.Facebook/Burkman Holiday Home