By Christina Mlynski
As families begin to hang theirbrstockings and put the final ornaments on the tree, searching for one-of-a-kindbrChristmas gifts is now the next item on the agenda. The unique shops thatbrencompass Southlake and the surrounding cities of Keller, Grapevine andbrColleyville are the perfect spots to pick up distinctive presents.
Duringbrthe next 12 days before Christmas, we will be providing you with a list of abrdozen local businesses that are sure to make you the best gift giver of the holidays.brCheck back daily for a different highlighted business.
Day 1: Vetro Glassblowing Studio & Gallery
Master glassbrartist David Gappa is blowing out beautifully irreplaceable masterpieces of fine art inbrhis historicbrdowntown Grapevine studio. With an expanding repertoire of original artbrglass designs, combined with innovating techniques, a Vetro piece is sure to bebrthe talk of everyone’s holiday event. Gappa and his team construct a variety ofbrfine art pieces, including vases, jewelry, sculptures and decanters. Whilebrshopping around for the ideal gift, take a guided tour through the gallery tobrlearn the craftsmanship that goes into the art of glassblowing.
Day 2: The Owl's Nest Toy Shop
Sandy Challinor and Kristn Halfmann run one of the friendliest, most whimsical and diverse toy shops this side of the Metroplex. The Owl's Nest Toy Shop is a child's magical playground with a wide variety of new and exciting products. What makes this toy store unique is the global options of items. There are toys from Canada, Germany, Israel and even Sweden. On a smaller scale, this Southlake shop is devoted to new and innovative local Texas items as well. However, if one isn't sure what the latest kid-craze toy is, there is also and option to buy 'Owl's Nest' coins, which are redeemable in merchandise at the store.
Day 3: Pickled Pink Boutique
Keller's own family boutique, provides many Christmas gift opportunities, including home decor, women's clothing and children's apparel. What makes Pickled Pink Boutique one of a kind is its personalized clothing, including unique outfits for everyone's little one. Families are given a chance to style their children with a wide selection of boutique designer clothing, such as celebratory outfits, headbands and holiday apparel.
Day 4: Ferrari's Italian Villa
The Secchi family is bringing authentic Italian cuisine to Grapevine and its surrounding cities. Ferrari's is known for food that is representative of everything the Secchi's hold sacred: tradition, pride and family. The expanding dining population of Dallas Fort Worth continues to see new cuisines hit the scene, but Ferrari's still prevails with authentic Italian dishes, including gnocchi, lasagna and cioppinio. Whether you want to host a private event at the restaurant, take a cooking class or buy a Ferrari's gift card, this unique present is sure to be a hit with everyone.
Day 5: Corinthian Wellness Spa
This Southlake-based award-winning spa is transporting your mind, body and spirit to another world. Customers enjoy an experience of wellness and relaxation, which produces results in a high-end environment. The wellness center focuses on a variety of relaxation points, including stress reduction, anti-aging regiments and skin rejuvenation. This holiday season, Corinthian Wellness Spa is offering a huge gift card special with many options. For instance, if you purchase a $200 gift card, you receive a free $25 gift card. Other gift card specials include additional gifts with purchase, including bangles bracelet and body butter.
Day 6: Sample House & Candle Shop
Since the late '50s, Sample House is keeping its retail business in the family. Now with seven locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, this one-stop shop is known for its organized clutter. Sample House offers thousands of unique items that make great gifts. Want to give presents this holiday season that are unconventional? Choose from the best candle selection around — featuring hundreds of fragrances from more than a dozen top-notch companies. Don't forget to pick up a Poinsettia arrangement Tuesday to take 20% any blooming arrangement in stock.
Day 7: Finley's Barber Shop
Don't forget that men love to be pampered just as much as the next person — treat them to a perfect shave, hand detail or facial. Finley's Barber Shop offers a variety of services that are sure to be the right fit for men of all ages that want to take a step back in time to experience a classic grooming treatment. The price for services range from $11 to $98, offering a vast pool of pampering options to choose from. Finley's reinvents the ambiance of the traditional barbershop, combining the tricks of the trade with fundamental products and serious service.
Day 8: Markham Fine Jewelers
If you're looking for North Texas' best selection of one-of-a-kind jewelry then Markham Fine Jewelers is the place to shop. The full service in-house jewelry design center offers bridal rings, certified diamonds, wedding bands and diamond semi-mounts. Markham's professional staff has the craftsmanship and artistic skills desired to turn any jewelry item into that perfect Christmas present for that special person in your life.
Day 9: Homestead Winery
Rich, full-bodied flavor and award winning assortment of wines is what makes a bottle of Homestead the perfect holiday gift. Additionally, you can also sample wines from the oldest community operating winery in the Red River Valley of North Texas during daily tastings. Whether you're still in search of a present for your friends or family, Homestead offers a wine experience unmatched by others. Located just a block of Grapevine's Main Street, Homestead offers daily events and wine accessories. Some wine suggestions include Prairie Rose, Rose of Ivanhoe and Moon Shadow.
Day 10: Catherine Anne's Books
Established in 1994 by two sisters, the Keller-based specialized shop is home to unusual collectibles and vintage books. With a heavy emphasis on vintage books, Catherine Anne's Books invites fellow bibliophiles and book enthusiasts alike to come by, browse and discover new treasures. The book selections range from collection of classics to vintage school books and local authors. Additionally, if there is a specific book you are in search of, co-owner Cathie Jackson will provide book search services upon request.
Day 11: Lululemon Athletica
Who doesn't love to channel their inner zen? It's the best way to find inner peace and balance, especially after dealing with the holiday frenzy that usually takes place. Lululemon Athletica makes technical apparel for yoga, running, dancing and most other sweaty pursuits. This Southlake-tied shop issued a holiday guide for the year, which includes various outfits for that sporty and trendy person in your life.
Day 12: Malouf's: Fine Clothing for Men and Women
Luckily for us, Malouf's knows it's the last day of Christmas shopping and decided to provide a holiday gift guide of must-haves. Malouf's women's style consultant highlighted the pieces that are essential this season, making them the perfect holiday gifts. The options range from Cole Haan Smoking slippers to Crosby Derek Lam dresses to Aldo Martins jackets. This well renowned luxury apparel shop has a reputation for excellence and continues to seek out the finest quality merchandise, bringing the latest fashions from around the world.