By Alicia McClung-Hetz
‘Twas the night before Christmas
And all through the house
Not a creature was stirring
Because they’re all knocked out
Mom, Dad, little Billy and Betty too
All finished their shopping early
And had nothing left to do!
No last minute wrapping
Or hurt feelings this year
Because they all used our holiday gift guide full of good cheer!
That’s right, it’s that time of year again, and rather than be caught up in the holiday madness you can kick back and relax with these alternative shopping outlets. Avoid the overcrowded malls, parking woes and having your gift returned the day after Christmas. With this one-stop shopping guide chock full of unique thrift stores, boutiques and restaurants you’re sure to find a little bit of something for everyone and revel in doing it!
Nutcracker Market
November 13-16, 2014
Who: Houston Ballet
What: 2014 Nutcracker Market
Where: NRG Center
One NRG Park
Houston, TX 77054
When:
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Friday, November 14, 2014
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Sunday, November 16, 2014 10 AM – 8 PM
10 AM – 8 PM
10 AM – 6 PM
10 AM – 6 PM
Four-Day Pass
Tickets are $40 (early 9:00 AM admission Thursday and Friday)
Thursday, Nov. 13 and Friday, Nov. 14
9 AM – 8 PM
First stop, the Nutcracker Market. Not only do you get to shop, but you feel wonderful while doing it knowing that you’re supporting one of Houston’s finest treasures, The Houston Ballet. All proceeds from the Market benefit the Houston Ballet Foundation, and Houston Ballet’s Ben Stevenson Academy and its scholarship funds.
For more than 40 years the Houston Ballet Guild, a group consisting of volunteers and donors, has put together this extraordinary shopping experience which includes a whopping 300 vendors selling an enormous variety of items.
Discount tickets may be purchased at Houston-area Randalls for $15.00. Tickets may also be purchased at the door for $16.00. Half-price admission is available daily 3 hours prior to closing. Children under 2 are free. Groups of 20 or more will receive a discount of $2.00 off the regular admission price if purchased in advance by calling 713-535-3231.
Tickets are good for one-day admission.
For more information, contact Houston Ballet at 713-535-3231 or nutcrackermarket@houstonballet.org.
Highland Village
Famous for jts annual tree lighting and Christmas decorations, this next destination was created more than fifty years ago, situated just inside loop 610 and minutes from downtown, the Galleria Uptown area and River Oaks. Highland Village lends itself to some of the biggest brands in national retailers, well-honed restaurants,and exclusive specialty boutiques. Another plus for this shopping mecca: every Saturday morning there is a farmer’s market available from 9 am until 1 pm. Complete with a parking garage and shuttle that takes you around the area.
4055 Westheimer
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 850-3100
www.shophighlandvillage.com
Old Town Spring
Hours of Operation
Old Town Spring is open year round
10 am – 5 pm Tuesday – Saturday
Noon – 5 pm Sunday
(Selected shops open on Monday)
Contact Information
Telephone: 281-288-2355
Home of the very popular Texas Crawfish and Music Festival and Home for the Holidays
Festival, this mega-shopping mecca allows you to browse through over 150 shops, including museums, galleries, restaurants, antique shops and boutiques. Everything to choose from, including art, candles, pepper sauce, clothing, jewelry and more!
Rice Village
2526 Rice Boulevard
Houston, TX 77005
(713) 524-3222
At this sixteen-block shoppers dream you’ll find three hundred boutiques, shops, and restaurants. The Rice Village shopping center, built in the 1930s, offers eclectic fashion-forward shopping at Houston’s hottest shopping destination. Where old meets new and consisting of both local and national retailers, this shopping hub won’t disappoint. With shops like White House Black Market, Bath and Body Works, Victoria’s Secret and Houston’s very own Project Runway star Chloe Dao’s posh boutique in the mix, the possibilities are endless, with attire spanning from eveningwear to sportswear, bridal wear and everything in between.
Uptown Park/Uptown Post Oak Shopping Plazas
1101 Uptown Park Blvd.
1801 Post Oak Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77056
BLVD Place
1800 Post Oak Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77056
http://blvdplace.com/
Phone 713-621-1700
Centre at Post Oak
5000 Westheimer Road
Houston, Texas 77056
Embassy Plaza
5002 Westheimer Road
Houston, Texas 77056
Post Oak Central
1980-2000 Post Oak Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77056
Phone 713-871-0500
Post Oak Plaza
1701 Post Oak Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77056
Post Oak Shopping Center
Post Oak Boulevard and Westheimer
Houston, Texas 77056
Phone 713-622-8100
Rice Epicurean Shopping Center
5016 San Felipe
Houston, TX 77056
Richmond Square
Richmond at I-610
Houston, Texas 77056
Sage Plaza
5161 San Felipe
Houston, Texas 77056
Phone 713-622-0000
uptownpark@amreit.com
The Plaza on Richmond
5177 Richmond Avenue
Houston, Texas 77056
Phone 713-960-1900
The Shops on Sage
2800 Sage Road
Houston, Texas 77056
Uptown Collection
5395 Westheimer Road
Houston, Texas 77056
Phone 713-850-1400
Uptown Plaza
4715 Westheimer Road
Houston, Texas 77027
Just minutes from the Galleria, this international shopping sensation offers an expansive variety of national and local retailers, as well as specialty stores. With over one hundred unique and high-end shops, you’ll find men, women’s and children’s apparel, along with furniture, jewelry and home décor. You’ll find Neiman Marcus’ Last Call, Off 5th, M Penner Houston, Carrie Ann, Elizabeth Anthony, Top Drawer, Longoria Collection, Mint Baby and Kids, and the list just goes on. The Uptown Park area accounts for more than 10% of the entire taxable retail total sales for the city of Houston. The great thing about the Uptown/Post Oak area is that, unlike a mall, there are so many places to shop, dine and relax while you’re out during this busy holiday season. You’ve got the Tasting Room close by, and things just wouldn’t be right without the corner Starbucks! Shops like The Little Bird are nearby, consisting of vintage designer apparel and accessories on consignment from brands such as Chanel, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Stella McCartney and many more for that special lady in your life. Grab something for the kiddos while you’re at Toys to Love: collectible dolls and creative toys and even a few gag gifts. In the same shopping plaza you’ll find Pinto Ranch, which specializes in chic western wear, Sensia Japanese Studio and Day Spa, and several tasty restaurants. The options are numerous in the Uptown Park area! You can purchase gift cards at many of these retailers, as well as primp for the company holiday party, find fun creative gifts for the kids, and grab a bite to eat.
CITYCENTRE
Run, don’t walk, to this all-in-one shopping destination where you can do dinner and take in a movie, work off a few pounds at the local gym, and still not have to go very far to complete your holiday shopping. Grab your Holiday Shopping Card at www.victoryhouston.org and receive a savings of 20% through November 2. The card is yours for a minimum donation of $75 to the American Cancer Society. Use your discount card at 700 sites around the city and with CITYCENTRE tenants like Anthropologie, bevello, Dryden Kreps, Elaine Turner, Eye Couture + Lensology, Free People, J. Crew, Kendra Scott, OLIVE + VINE, Sur la table and Z Gallerie. CITYCENTRE is really the gift that keeps on giving. There’s a little bit of everything for just about everyone. Be sure to stop by the plaza this month on the 2nd and 16th between 3 and 6 to take advantage of the Fall Art Series. Here you can purchase paintings, photography, jewelry and more. Not only can you purchase gift certificates to tons of eateries and restaurants, but you can also get spa treatment packages and gym memberships.
Montrose
Up for a little antiquing, anyone? The long-famed Montrose strip is perfect for finding something old and making it new again, and we’re not just talking about furniture. On the Montrose strip you’ll find tons of vintage clothing shops with old-timey as well as trendy fashion finds. Blackbird Trading Co, Duo and Charity Guild Resale Shop all rank among the top shops for reasonably priced gear. The Montrose area has always been a personal favorite to people watch!
Harwin Strip
Our list wouldn’t be complete without taking a trip down the Harwin strip. If you’re needing to buy anything in bulk, this is the place to get it. The Harwin strip is the ultimate discount shopping experience. You start out at about Harwin and Fondren and then just continue west from there down the strip. You’ll find tons of jewelry, clothing, toys, luggage, perfumes and really good knock-offs! At about Hillcroft and Harwin there’s a little strip that has an all-in-one beauty bar/boutique, 360 Degree Hair Studio. You can purchase clothing, accessories and unique gift items and primp for those holiday parties at Flurty Eyez, Houston’s premiere lash extension specialist, or even get a trim or massage there. The Harwin Strip has everything but the kitchen sink… well, then again, you might find that here, too!
Alicia McClung-Hetz has a marketing and promotions background and a love for the arts. She is a proud wife and mother of three.
