12 Places To Shop For Unique Gifts in Montrose This Holiday Season

’Tis the season for buttered rum (try Anvil’s!), snuggling under blankets, spreading cheer and of course, shopping for loved ones. Montrose is home to some of Houston’s best and most creative shopping venues, whether it’s gourmet macarons — those delicate, chewy French meringue cookies — or world class artwork, all you need is some thoughtfulness and a willing bank account. Here are just a few options to get you started for the holiday season shopping.

The Guild Shop / 2009 Dunlavy St.
Hidden treasures abound at one of Montrose’s most beloved resale shops. It’s like going to an estate sale, but it’s got better hours and rotating items like antiques, furniture, accessories, paintings, pottery and everything in between (even fine leather saddles if you have a horse lover on your shopping list). Proceeds from sales here benefit the St. James House, which makes spending that money even easier.

Space Montrose / 1706 Westheimer Rd.
It is impossible to have a list about shopping in Houston — especially in this neighborhood — without including Space Montrose. Other than the fact that it proudly uses “Montrose” in its proper name, it’s a fabulous place to find handmade goods for just about anyone. There’s an entire section dedicated to babies and toddlers, with items like handmade moccasins, clothing and stuffed animals, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, artwork, clothing, coasters, cards, candles, soaps…the list goes on for days. Don’t miss it. You’ll never know what trinket will be the perfect keepsake to slip into a stocking.

Enjoylife Enjoymusic / 1625 Westheimer Rd.
Music lovers of all genres can get some extra joy out of the simple designs of this fashion line dedicated solely to the pursuit of happiness and music’s role in that pursuit. A newcomer to Montrose, the Enjoymusic Enjoylife (EMEL) showroom has been up and running a few months now. In addition to t-shirts sporting phrases like “Music is a sexy drug,” the shop has varied styles of tops, plus rotating art exhibits which prominently feature music as a theme in the work.

Whole Foods / 701 Waugh Blvd.
Some of the greatest Christmas gifts are those of the edible or drinkable kind. The specialty products at Whole Foods — from vegan cookies to organic wines — make great host/hostess gifts for holiday parties. Put together a full basket for a thoughtful gift to the person with a discerning palate in your life, just make sure there are no curious pets in the house when you place it under the tree. There are so many things to choose from, it’ll be fun putting together the gift.

Wardrobe / 810 Waugh Dr.
The award for commerce with a conscience goes to Wardrobe, another new addition to the Montrose shopping scene as of this year. Many of the brands sourced for the boutique have some charitable or sustainable element, like giving back to non-profits or recycling materials into jewelry. Many of the items are also handcrafted by local and regional purveyors.

Spec’s / 1011 Westheimer Rd.
Getting into the spirit of the holiday, Spec’s has one of the best varieties of booze in town. Find the perfect French burgundy for the wine connoisseur, a great stogie for the cigar fiend, a bomber of a local craft beer for the adventurous brew-seekers or a nice bottle of Scotch for those that enjoy some of the finer things in life. There are also gourmet snacks to accompany all that alcohol, which makes it a great place to shop for that holiday party you might be hosting this year.

Magick Cauldron / 2424 Montrose Blvd.
Another example of the diversity of Montrose businesses. There are many items here that can’t be found anywhere else in the city. For those that appreciate the mystical side of life, there are divination tools like tarot card decks, runes and pendulums (all of which make great gifts), plenty of books, candles, herbs, jewelry, gemstones and oils. You never know what intriguing things you’ll find upon each visit.

Duo Houston / 1665 Westheimer Rd.
This fashionable boutique has more than one draw. In addition to its selection of chic clothing for men and women, there’s almost always a crazy-good sale happening to entice you in the door “just for a look.” Many times it’s a “buy two get one item for $1,” which makes holiday shopping for a fashionable friend that much easier. (Grab something for yourself too for the fancy New Year’s party!)

Macaron by Patisse / 2033 W. Gray St.
These delicate French cookies are highly sought after at this River Oaks institution, and rightly so. With the perfect amount of crunch, a tiny bit of chew, and a gooey filling in between, it’s easy to see why the macaron has become the new “it” cookie in town. Macaron by Patisse does one thing, and does it very well. If you’re able to avoid the temptation of eating every last one, they do make fine gifts for those that appreciate a perfectly done macaron.

Natural Pawz / 2039 W. Gray St.
Fluffy’s stocking is looking a little empty you say? Natural Pawz in the River Oaks shopping center is here to help. Billed as “the health food store for pets,” this local chain of pet stores carries plenty of specialty foods for our furry friends. There are also treats, accessories, toys, beds and more for that special dog or cat in your life.

Steinway Piano Gallery / 2001 W. Gray St.
Going for a grand present this year? A piano would certainly fit that description. Waltz into the Steinway Piano Gallery to peruse their gorgeously made instruments that are an investment that keep on giving for generations. You can always find a teacher after you take your new heirloom home to teach you the correct way of tickling the ivories.

Archway Gallery / 2305 Dunlavy St.
If you can wait until after Christmas to buy a gift, it’s the perfect time to visit Archway Gallery — which is an artist owned and operated establishment. Their famous post-Christmas sale goes on for three days, which means December 26-28, you can get discounted artwork from some of Houston’s most respected artists. The pieces are varied, from woodwork, sculpture, sketches, paintings, ceramics and more.