There’s always at least one person on your gift list who leaves you stumped for ideas. So here we are to the rescue, with Dallas gift shop solutions that solve the peskiest present problems.
The Hostess: Set & Co.
The artisanal kitchen and home décor store, from interior designer Jennifer Littke and her husband, Adam, offers an array of ceramics and cutlery, textiles, Italian terra-cotta cookware, kitschy egg cups, and modern handwoven napkins made in Chiapas, Mexico. Set & Co. has been open inside the 1922 brick mercantile building on the corner of Davis and Tyler streets for a little more than a year-and-a-half, but it still feels fresh.
The Green Lover: Jade & Clover
Just opened in Deep Ellum this past October, Giselle Ruggeberg’s store focuses on healthful living and eco-conscious gifts for women, men, kids, and home. Its primary feature is the succulent bar, but Jade & Clover also sells vegan beauty products from brands like Moon Rivers Naturals; Magic Carpet yoga mats made of phthalate-free, non-latex PVC with sustainable UV-cured inks; and greeting cards made from recycled paper.
The Tabletop Junkie: Forty Five Ten on Main
The new Forty Five Ten on Main is quadruple the size of the original on McKinney Avenue, leaving plenty of room for an expanded selection of home decor and gifts, including china, crystal, silver, and beautiful glassware you likely won’t find anywhere else in Dallas. Co-founder Brian Bolke is particularly proud of the introduction of beautiful pieces by Christofle, Hermès, and Baccarat — make a mental note of that, brides, as there is also a registry — featured on the third floor. Also noteworthy are the coffee table books and home fragrances for which Forty Five Ten has always been known.
The Monogramming Queen: Draper James
Southern belle superstar Reese Witherspoon opened Draper James’ second storefront in Dallas this fall, which means we now have a go-to when shopping for monogramming addicts. Check out the assorted items created in partnership with Savannah, Georgia, store Number Four Eleven for chic home pieces with a signature initial. We love the embroidered “Deck the Halls, Y’all” cocktail napkins too — they make sweet hostess gifts. The store offer monogramming throughout the year.
The New Homeowner: Birchwood
Oversized floor cushions, intriguing sculptures, and lush throws available at Birchwood on Henderson are just some of the one-of-a-kind gift ideas for friends setting up their nest. There’s something for any budget, from Small Gunns all-natural vegetable wax candles to the Arctic Fox Faux Fur throw. Launched earlier this year by Plano native Kellee Bascher, Birchwood’s creative, original offerings also include modern wall clocks, independent artwork from over 50 artists, comfy pillows, and kitchen accessories.
The Kid at Heart: Piranha Vintage
Newly opened in the Casa View Shopping Center in East Dallas, Piranha Vintage sells vintage toys, home accessories, and oddities. Curated collections include everything from a massive assortment of Snoopy memorabilia — some items are decades old — to quirky one-of-a-kind items from who-knows-when. It’s the perfect spot for shopping for the movie or pop culture collector, whether they’re into Star Wars, The Princess Bride, Bruce Lee movies, or James Bond.
The Offbeat Treasure Hunter: Oak Cliff Vintage
Antique dealer friends Shad Kvetko and Joe Ramirez opened Oak Cliff Vintage on West Davis Street this summer after a wildly successful pop-up sale in February 2016. Gifts at every price point can be had, enchantingly displayed by Kvetko’s wife, Leigh. Short wave radios, funky lamps, vintage Italian pottery, mixed media artwork, and more are available at this treasure trove of gifts.
The Hat Lover: Singer & Monk
Old school chic fedoras, derby hats, and an assortment of lids for ladies and gentleman line the shelves at Singer & Monk. The hat shop, located in the Bishop Arts District, just opened in late October 2016, but it is quickly becoming a favorite among Dallasites. Although you won’t find cowboy hats at Singer & Monk, the haberdashery does carry some big names like Brixton and Country Gentleman.
The Dapper Gentleman: Anteks Curated
Select menswear and home accessories make Anteks Curated, owned by Jason Lenox, an essential stop on a shopping trip for that special gentleman in your life. Helle pocket knives, Wetterlings hatchets, and massive Lagos del Mundo barbecue knives are among the manlier items available, while J. Alexander silver boxes and vanity trays are more elegant. Beretta shotgun shell wine coasters are equal parts stylish and manly.
The Hippie Chick: Gypsy Wagon
Gypsy Wagon has just about anything you could think of for that special flower child, offered in an eclectic storefront on Henderson Avenue. Choose from weekender blankets, plaid ponchos, and jewelry like the La Soula Diamond Evil Eye Cuff in gold vermeil.
Forty Five Ten on Main carries beautiful glassware and tabletop accessories you can't find anywhere else in Dallas.
Exclusive Dallas charms at Hart.Photo by Kathy Tran
Hart joints the bustling Knox St. shopping and dining district.Photo by Kathy Tran