our favorite holiday shopping in houston
It hit me hard this morning that Christmas is just two weeks from today and there’s still so much left to do! Maybe it’s having a baby but for some reason, I’m off my game this year. We normally are about done with Christmas shopping by this point but it’s looking pretty sad underneath our tree in the present department. Thankfully Boone and I hit up our favorite spot last week, River Oaks Shopping Center, to mark a lot of names off our list! Now if I can just find a few minutes to wrap, we’ll be in business.
What I love most about buying gifts in River Oaks Shopping Centeris that I can find things unlike anywhere else. It’s not like the typical mall shopping where everything is cookie-cutter and you pick up a scarf that everyone has seen on 84 different people. No, River Oaks Shopping Center is where you go when you want gifts that feel personal, special, and meaningful. Where the shop owners take pride in their crafts and take the time to gift wrap your presents in unique, beautiful holiday paper. Where you’ll find something for everyone on your list, from fine chocolates for the sweet tooth to trendy dog collars for the pet parent. River Oaks Shopping Center truly has it all, while still giving you an enjoyable and laid-back shopping experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Boone and I pulled up to the Center last Thursday around 11am and parked without a problem- no meters, no parking garages, just easy peasy (free) pull-up-and-park. I whipped out his new umbrella stroller and we spotted Cacao & Cardamom Premium Chocolates, which we’ve never been in, so naturally we had to see what the hype is all about. Located right next to the historic theatre, I’ve never seen a more beautiful selection of chocolates that looked almost too pretty to eat. Note: almost. The chocolate fountain alone lured me into the shop and once I was inside, found the perfect treats for several ladies on our list.
After sitting outside to enjoy the cool weather (and some Starbucks), we walked down to the newest pop-up in River Oaks Shopping Center, Burd & Burdies. I actually know the owner from her well-known local earring line, Burd Life, and was so excited to hear that she has a pop-up in ROSC. SO MANY GORGEOUS THINGS! I wanted to buy the entire store, not just as gifts but also for myself. Every item is unique and one-of-a-kind; Natasha’s Mom even makes beautiful pashmina scarves that hang along one wall. Be sure and stop by soon because Burd & Burdies’ last day in River Oaks Shopping Center is December 31st. If you have any hard-to-shop-for ladies on your Christmas list, you can definitely find something they’ll love here!
I hadn’t been in Talbots in months and have been on the hunt for some comfortable winter flats, so we popped over to see their shoe selection. They have so many gorgeous shoes and handbags right now, I knew I was supposed to be buying gifts but had to treat myself, too. They had the cutest plaid puffer vests that I picked up for my Mom, and are still running a 30% OFF storewide sale that is hard to beat! The stores in River Oaks Shopping Center are all so stroller & baby friendly- it’s a nice change of pace from other shopping areas where it’s hard to navigate a stroller. Talbots has these big comfy houndstooth chairs that make a nice rest stop for weary shoppers, young and old.
On the way out of Talbots, I couldn’t get over how festive their window display is for the holidays and had to snap a few pictures. I love the details of the letters to Santa that I’m covering in these photos- I wish Bear had been with us because he would’ve LOVED it. The shops and restaurants in River Oaks Shopping Center always go out of their way to make things special, especially around the holidays, not just for adults but also for children. While Boone looks serious in these pictures, he didn’t cry once and enjoyed the outing, too!
I plan to make one last run to River Oaks Shopping Center next week for last minute gifts- I didn’t have time to run in a few of my favorite stores like Chico’s or Vikari. I also want to get my nails and hair done before holiday parties we have coming up and y’all know I love me some Full Blown Dry Bar and Nailtique!
Are you almost done with your holiday shopping? Just getting started? There’s still plenty of time to get it done but shipping gets risky at this point so I prefer hitting the stores myself over online shopping. Plus, nothing gets you in the holiday spirit quite like beautifully festive windows, holiday music playing in the background, and the chilly temps we’re finally having in Houston. It’s truly the most wonderful time of the year and I love it!
xo, Britt
*This post is sponsored by River Oaks Shopping Center, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.