Soon all your free time will be spent decorating, baking, partying and shopping. Tons of shopping. Lucky for you, local Dallas shops are eager to help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. The pandemic was tough on our independent retail stores, so let’s help them out this year by shopping local as much as possible. Here is a list of just some of the fantastic local stores in neighborhoods across Dallas to start (and finish) your holiday shopping.
Toy’s Unique! – Park Cities
Have a child or two on your shopping list? Head to Toy’s Unique! in Park Cities. A local family has owned the toy store for the better part of 40 years, making them time-tested experts on what kids love. Aisles are stocked with everything from classic games to specialty toys to do-it-yourself craft kits. Don’t know what to get? The knowledgeable staff will help you find the perfect toy. They also offer complimentary gift wrapping which comes in handy when you are buying for several kiddos.
M’Antiques – Bishop Arts
Have a man on your list that is hard to shop for? If so, M’Antiques in Bishop Arts might be your lifesaver. The eclectic antiques ‘man cave’ sells vintage tools, furniture, toys and accessories. Every visit offers a new opportunity for different unique gifts. From vintage motorcycle lanterns to cast iron animal bottle openers to antique Coca-Cola signs, this place is a wonderland for anyone who loves vintage Americana items.
Dallas Pinup – Deep Ellum
For women who love all things vintage, head to Dallas Pinup. The collective of more than 20 female-owned clothing, accessory and gift shops sells vintage, glamour and burlesque items. Find anything from Hawaiian-inspired retro fashion from Toxique Tiki to Talking Pieces’ one-of-a-kind jewelry crafted with vintage bits and baubles to repurposed vintage furnishings from the mother-daughter team that make up Through the Looking Glass Furnishings. Fun and oddball needlepoint patterns from The Kitchy Needle and adult sippy cups from High Crafted AF round out the craft portion of Dallas Pinup’s shopping experience.
Scardello – Oak Lawn
For the cheese lover on your shopping list, boogie on over to the cheese lover’s daydream formally known as Scardello. Don’t worry if you are not a cheese-whiz yourself. The knowledgeable staff of this quaint cheese shop can walk you through the selection of cheese from around the world, or simply grab one of their pre-packaged gift boxes like the Chocolate, Cheese and Bubble box. If possibly picking out the wrong cheese for someone is too much pressure for you, grab a gift card which can be used on items in the shop or on one of the shop’s classes like America’s Favorite Cookies and Cheese or How to Build a Cheeseboard.
Jade & Clover – Deep Ellum
Jade & Clover is the perfect store to stop by for those co-workers, teachers or neighbors that you have no idea what to get. The lifestyle boutique has a sand-filled succulent bar where you can build your own planters and terrariums. It is like Build-a-Bear but for plants. If you do not trust your terrarium-making skills, the shop sells tons of cute succulents that make a perfect gift for anyone who likes low-maintenance plants. Money clips engraved with fun statements like ‘Cash Like Johnny’, trendy jewelry and onesies with ‘You Grow Girl’ embroidered on it could make great White Elephant gifts. If all else fails, grab a candle or funky colorful socks covered in tacos. Everyone loves candles and socks.
La Vie Style House – Highland Park
Looking for a bubblegum pink caftan for your favorite lady Texan? How about matching mommy-daughter tie-dye pink and yellow dusters? If so, you are in luck. La Vie Style House specializes in luxury designer women’s caftans, kimonos, shifts, wraps and dusters. The vintage-meets-modern dresses and headbands are the perfect gift for the fashionista on your list.
Lucky Dog Barkery – University Park
Don’t forget Fido this holiday season. Anyone with a dog knows we love them just as much (if not more) than any other member of the family. Stop by the Lucky Dog Barkery to spoil your furry friend with a new toy, gourmet treat or a stylish dog sweater for early morning walks in the cold.