Need a smart stocking stuffer or a sensational surprise? Look no further. The Insite staff has curated this list of gift ideas from retailers around the Brazos Valley. If money is no object — or even if it is — we’ve got you covered this holiday season.
On the first day of Christmas …
Forget a partridge in a pear tree! Instead, give your true love — or favorite birdwatcher — the Wren Casita, an edible bird cottage covered with millet, sunflower, and juniper seeds. Get ready for some backyard aviary action while the birds feast, and once the seeds are all gone, the frame can serve as a nesting box. Hang it outside near a window to bring comfort and joy to that friend who is convalescing or loved one confined indoors. Made in New Braunfels by Mr. Bird. $24 large, $12 small.
Selah Antiques, Gifts and Collectibles 500 S. Main St., Calvert (281) 772-8160
Farm to Coffee Pot
These freshly roasted coffee with cupping notes of vanilla, hazelnut, cinnamon and graham cracker were so popular beyond the holidays that owner Brenda Van De Walle decided to keep bags of them in stock all year long. Originally called Nutcracker, she changed the coffee’s name to Calvert Crack “because it’s so addicting,” she says. The small-batch, high-quality 100% Arabica beans are roasted in Houston and can be custom ground before shipping, so gifting this to out-of-town friends or relatives is a cinch. $13.85 for a 12-ounce bag.
Calvert Coffee Company 704 S. Main St., Calvert (979) 364-2323 farmers-to-market.com
Oh Century Tree
This pendant’s design is deeply rooted in Texas A&M University spirit with its elegant rendering of the school’s beloved tree that’s well over 100 years old. It embraces a time-honored Aggie tradition that promises lasting love to couples who walk under the oak’s iconic branches. Houston designer and former A&M student Katie Decker created this piece, which was commissioned by David and Julia Gardner and is sold exclusively at their store. The pendant is available in sterling silver in small (24mm), and 18K yellow gold with or without diamonds in small (24mm), medium (35mm), or large (45mm). Colored gemstones or diamonds can be added; chains are sold separately and may include A&M lettering. $200-$6,000
David Gardner’s Jewelers & Gemologists 911 University Drive East, College Station (979) 268-0800 davidgardnersjewelers.com
The Weather Outside is Frightful …
… but this toy is so delightful! Keep your little one entertained with a one-of-a-kind fluffy friend. This sweet critter doesn’t just look like an alpaca — it’s made from alpaca fleece, one of the softest and finest natural fibers in the world. The toy is part of the collection from Bluebonnet Hills Alpaca Ranch in Navasota that includes scarves, ponchos, gloves, and cardigans as well as a number of other stuffed animals and yarn. They work with artisans in Peru to add to their collection and create new designs. You can find their products online or at Today and Yesterday in downtown Brenham. In three sizes: 12 inch $45, 8 inch $35, 6 inch $24.50
Today and Yesterday 101 W. Alamo St., Brenham (979) 830-0707 todayandyesterdayantiques.com
Shining Light
Gift your favorite Aggie a glowing, hand-blown glass ornament in maroon and white, made for and exclusively available for purchase at Brazos Glassworks. To create maroon-colored glass is a rarity, according to store owner Debbie Jasek, achieved by fuming deep ruby red with gold. The ornament’s design features the silhouette of the state of Texas, backlit from the inside with a string of tiny LED lights. Not an Aggie? No worries. The Texas-themed balls come in several other colors, including camouflage; red, white, and blue; bluebonnet blue; and orange. Made by Appalachian Glass Products in West Virginia. $35.
Brazos Glassworks
202b W. 26th St., Bryan (979) 823-0325 brazosglassworks.com
Honey Butter, I’m Home!
Treat your foodie friend with the seasonal taste of pecan honey butter that’s available all year ‘round. Try this gourmet spread on bagels for a breakfast treat, or add it to sweet potatoes for a twist on an old classic. However, if nuts are a no-no, Hermann Emporium has a large selection of unique goodies — including jams, sauces, and salsas — to satisfy every culinary craving. Pick up a few extra for a unique teacher gift, a fun stocking stuffer, or just to have on hand to satisfy your sweet tooth. $10 for a 12-ounce jar.
Hermann Emporium 213 W. Alamo St., Brenham (979) 836-7231 hermannfurniture.com
Bag of All Trades
The Modernist convertible bag was made for the fashion enthusiast — no matter which gender. This versatile piece, made from a combination of genuine leathers, pelts, and antique brass hardware can be worn as a wristlet, shoulder bag, crossbody, or hip pack. Designed by female-owned business Curate by Stash, it exists as part of a larger collection of bags and totes, each carefully crafted by a team of artisans. Made in Round Top. $149–$169 large; $129–$149 small.
Curate by Stash 111 Bauer Rummel Rd., Round Top (281) 212-3929
Leather Weather
This will be the last notebook the practical person in your life will ever need. Beautiful and useful, this floral carved leather tally book features a 5-by-7-inch writing pad, a pen holder with pen, and two pockets. The pad is replaceable and the leather is durable, so it will last a lifetime. You can snag this and other Big Bend Saddlery products like notebooks, belts, and wallets — all made in Alpine, Texas — in historic downtown Brenham. $220.
Ballad of the Bird Dog 212 West Alamo St., Brenham (979) 347-0522 balladofthebirddog.com
Dreaming of a Tropical Christmas
Vacations might look a bit different this season, but Monstera Hoops from Wild & Honey Co. keep sandy beaches close to mind. These delicately crafted, polymer clay earrings take their inspiration from the monstera plant, whose vibrant, exotic leaves have become a popular decor design trend in recent years. Though only available online, all shipping is free, and each order comes with a pair of free stud earrings. This purchase supports the education of Texas A&M University student and designer, Ale. Handmade in College Station. $21.
Luxe Largesse
Perfumes and lotions
are timeless indulgences that have been wrapped and gifted endlessly — and for good reasons: they’re always appreciated and one size fits all. Skip the bustling department stores
or online shopping, and support a local purveyor with small southern charm that carries Tennessee-made fragrance collections by Shelley Kyle. Choose from bath and body products, such as body wash, bar soap, and talcum powder, in addition to perfume and lotion. Items can be purchased individually or as gift sets and are available in an assortment of scents, such as Sorella, with notes of gardenia and tuberose. Prices start at $10.95.
Stonecroft Marketplace 203 E Washington Ave., Navasota (936) 825-2090 stonecroftmarketplace.com
