“The stockings were hung by the chimney with care …” — in hopes that Santa would stuff ‘em with lots of good loot! We’ve ditched the annual standbys — boring ol’ socks, notepads, and lip balms and traditional mandarin oranges, nuts, and dreaded lumps of coal — to bring you some outside-the-gift-box ideas. After all, sometimes the best presents come in small packages and make for the biggest surprises — and perhaps one or two will even knock their socks off!
Compiled by Insite Staff
Dot and Dash Necklace
Photo courtesy of Dot and Dash Design
Even if you’re not an Aggie, you might find something special for your someone special at this store that’s all about Texas A&M. The shop carries personalized jewelry from Austin-based company Dot and Dash using tiny beads to spell out single words and short phrases in Morse Code. Strung on thin gold-plated chains, these delicate necklaces sport the names of 13 sororities as well as a few other A&M-isms, such as “Big,” “Little,” “Howdy,” “Whoop,” and “Gig ‘em.” For the non-Aggies in your life, our favorite is “Hero” — for that extraordinary person who always goes above and beyond. And of course, you can hardly go wrong with sharing, simply, “I love you.” $42.99; silver and custom options available at dotanddashdesign.com.
Aggieland Outfitters
303 University Drive East, College Station
(979) 703-1848
aggielandoutfitters.com
Photo by Nicole Shair
Backscratcher
No passport is needed to explore the well-stocked aisles filled with groceries and housewares from China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and other Asian countries. Your curiosity may be piqued while perusing the exotic candy and canned goods labeled with syllabic script. But may we suggest a useful and inexpensive present that’s one-size-fits-all-ages? The bamboo arm extender is not only handy for reaching those hard-to-itch spots but is effective at clearing missing shoes and long-lost dog toys from underneath the couch. For under a dollar, you might want to snag a few extras for yourself. $.99.
BCS Asian Market
2704 Texas Ave. S, College Station
facebook.com/BCSasianmarket
Chocolate Fudge Sauce
Photo courtesy of Messina Hof
Calling all chocolate lovers! This decadent indulgence, available for purchase at the Messina Hof Winery Tasting Room and Wine Bar, may have you eating it by the spoonful straight from the jar. The delectable pairing of insanely rich flavors melds creamy dark chocolate fudge with the sweet yet subtle infusion of Papa Paulo Port dessert wine. Whether you drizzle it on ice cream, spread it on fruit, or mix it into coffee, this 10-ounce jar could well be your loved one’s next best guilty pleasure. $8.99
Messina Hof Winery
4545 Old Reliance Road, Bryan
(979) 778-9463
messinahof.com
Heaven Scents Wax Snaps
Photo by Nicole Shair
For those who want the aroma but prefer not to burn candles, head to Post Oak Mall to find the family-owned-and-operated store that produces paraffin wax melts and other scented products. They come in packs of six small, six medium, or 10 large snaps and require a wax warmer. These tiny melts are strong enough to fill any small area with a bold perfume. The store also carries candles, air fresheners, aroma beads, fragrance oils, as well as Smelly Jelly Jars that are made with water-based, scented crystals; have a lighter fragrance; and last up to nine months. This holiday, choose from festive scents such as the outdoorsy Frosted Pinecone infused with pine, rosemary, and cedar; the sweet and peppermint-y Candy Cane; and Apple Dumpling, a mix of apple, cinnamon, and vanilla. Small: $3.25; Medium: $5.95; Large: $10.95.
The Candle Box
1500 Harvey Road, College Station
(979) 693-1200
the-candle-box.myshopify.com
Book-Tails Bookmarks
Photo courtesy of IF
These furry critter place holders can help make storytime more snuggly and keep youngsters company while they practice their reading skills. The soft and squishy stuffed animal heads are connected to tails with a long braid and can fit between the pages of almost any-sized book. There are six animals to choose from, each sporting a pair of golden spectacles, including a magical unicorn, a lazy sloth, a friendly corgi, and a cuddly cat. This independent bookstore sells new and used books, and a slew of novelties related to each genre. The store is easy to spot with its colorful awning painted like a bookshelf, and customers are oftentimes greeted by Dobby, the owners’ sweet, four-legged pup, as they walk through the door. Ages 5 and up. $7.99.
Muddy Water Bookstore
120 E. Washington Avenue, Navasota
(936) 900-4662
muddywaterbooks.com
