Shop-a-holic’s Guide to Houston

Did you join the Black Friday madness after Thanksgiving or did you hide at home like I did? I will admit to doing a little online Black Friday shopping, but I simply can’t face the angry mobs the day after Thanksgiving. I’d rather stay home, watch whatever crime show marathon is on television, and head to the mall on weekdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas; I’ll trade giant financial savings for sanity and room to think any day of the week (Monday through Friday, anyway!).

In a city the size of Houston there are no shortage of great shops, malls, and outlet malls to choose from. Here are some of my favorite spots for great gifts for everyone in my life … including myself.

Houston Galleria

The Houston Galleria is stunning in size and scope. It’s got the standard mall favorites like Banana Republic and Macy’s as well as high-end options like Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Nordstrom. Make sure you check Dillard’s for great deals; I like to hit their beauty counters first because they have many of the same options as higher-end department stores but I often find great discounts. The Galleria is open Monday-Saturday 10 AM-9PM; Sunday 11 AM-7 PM.

Where to eat: Gigi’s Asian Bistro and Dumpling Bar. I adore Gigi’s – sometimes I go to the mall just to eat there! Modern Asian-fusion in a beautiful atmosphere, the service is some of the best in the city. I recommend the Edamame Dumpling, which is simply heavenly.

The Houston Galleria is located at 5085 Westheimer Rd. (map).

Rice Village

Adjacent to Rice University, Rice Village is full of shops, bakeries, specialty stores and fun lunch spots. Rice Village has go-to standards like Gap, Sephora, and Banana Republic mixed in with eclectic independent boutiques. I like to go early and have a coffee at La Madeleine at 6205 Kirby Dr. (map) before I start shopping.

Where to eat: Shiva Indian Restaurant. Not only is the food delicious, but the service at Shiva is amazing every time. I love, love, love their Vegetable Samosa! Shiva is located at 2514 Times Blvd. (map).

The Guild Shop

I cannot believe I am sharing my favorite super-secret consignment shop with you! The Guild Shop is located at 2009 Dunlavy St. (map) and is my favorite spot to go and browse for hours and hours. I’m currently eyeing a pair of Jimmy Choo strappy heels, but The Guild Shop has everything: clothes, shoes, accessories, furniture, art, housewares and jewelry. I got a killer Whiting & Davis vintage purse at The Guild Shop for less than $10. Open Monday-Friday 9:30 AM-3:30 PM; Saturday 10 AM-2 PM; closed Sunday.

Where to eat: Mockingbird Bistro at 1985 Welch St. (map). The American Kobe Beef burger on their lunch menu is getting all the buzz, but I have a soft spot for Mediterranean Mussels.

Houston Premium Outlets

Get your bargain on at the Houston Premium Outlets in Cypress, just outside of the city. Located at 29300 Hempstead Rd. (map) this is a great alternative to hitting the mall. 7 for All Mankind, Elie Tahari, and Saks Avenue Off 5th are some of my favorites. Regular hours: Monday-Saturday 10 AM-9 PM; Sunday 11 AM-7 PM. Holiday hours: Monday November 29 through Thursday December 23: Monday-Saturday 9 AM-9 PM; Sunday 10 AM-7 PM; Christmas Eve (12/24) 9 AM-6 PM, closed Christmas Day.

Where to eat: Keep your energy up with a smoothie from Smoothie King or fuel up at Starbucks.

Shop the Museum District

I love to shop for gifts at museum gift shops, particularly for those hard-to-buy-for folks. A great coffee table book of art, a piece of artisan-crafted jewelry or an interesting fossil or mineral sample all make great Christmas gifts for the guy or gal who has everything.

• Houston Museum of Natural Science: HMNS is located at 5555 Hermann Park Drive (map). Open Monday, Wednesday-Sunday 9 AM-5 PM; Tuesday 9 AM – 8 PM.
• Museum of Fine Arts Houston: MFAH is located at 1001 Bissonnet at Main (map). The museum is open Tuesday & Wednesday 10 AM-5 PM; Thursday 10 AM-9 PM; Friday & Saturday 10 AM-7 PM; Sunday 12:15 PM-7 PM.

Where to eat: Bodega’s Taco Shop is located at 1200 Binz (map) but their patio is on Caroline Street. I recommend the Veggie Quesadilla, and make sure to include the corn relish; I don’t know what they put in there, but it’s pretty heavenly.

Photo credit: SXC