Sure, sure, it’s better to give than to receive. It’s what comes before the giving that’s the hard part—thinking of just the right thing for everyone on your list, hitting store after store in search of them all, then wrapping the pile of presents. Have no fear: The D Magazine staff is here to help you knock out your gift list in a jiff. We share our most surefire Dallas shops for grabbing gifts and why we love them. And as a bonus: many of the places on this list will handle the wrapping for you. Now that’s what we call a win-win.
EIY
1. Talulah & Hess
5810 Live Oak St.
214-821-1927
“A Lakewood staple and always my last-minute go-to. I even found something for my very hard-to-shop for mom there!” —Gillea Allison, President, D Magazine Partners
2. Favor the Kind
2928 N. Henderson Ave.
214-370-8010
“There are plenty of other things to recommend, but I always zero in on the jewelry—usually for my mom, but there is a wide-enough selection to make all the women in my life happy. The pieces are statement-y but tasteful, unique, and eye-catching but also go with everything.” —Zac Crain, Senior Editor, D Magazine
3. Bluemercury
83 Highland Park Village
214-520-9400
“I’m a huge skincare junkie, and I love gifting my favorite beauty finds of the year to my friends. Plus, they always have the best holiday gift sets and wellness-themed advent calendars in stock!” —Lydia Brooks, Associate Editor, D Home & D Weddings
4. Oasis Plant Shop
416 W. Eighth St.
972-773-9989
“This is my first stop when I’m in the Bishop Arts area. I’ve gone in with zero knowledge of plants. Their staff is so helpful in guiding you with care tips and ideas for the perfect office plant, living room piece, or gift idea.” —Aileen Jimenez, Managing Editor, D Magazine
5. Commerce Goods + Supply
1321 Commerce St.
214-651-3643
“I can do no wrong buying jewelry here, according to my wife. They stock imaginative pieces from Paris boutiques at good prices. I also love the Stetson hat selection, and they carry books from our excellent D Magazine writers.” —Randy Rasor, Senior Staff Accountant, D Magazine Partners
6. St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange
5 Highland Park Village
214-521-3862
“The best place to go for a monogrammed baby gift, something for that hard-to-shop-for person, or a perfect little hostess gift! You can always find something there and everyone is so helpful! Plus they gift wrap everything, whether you bought it here or not.” —Lisa McLaren, Advertising Director, D Magazine
7. CAMP
9830 N. Central Expy.
214-612-0451
“A store where you can take the family and have as much fun hanging in the store as you will playing with the children’s gift you can buy there.” – Will Maddox, Senior Editor, D CEO
8. Dolly Python
1916 N. Haskell Ave.
214-887-3434
“One of my favorite places to look for and buy unique/vintage decor. I got the inspiration to make an eclectic art wall while browsing the store and actually got my first three pieces from here. On top of that, they have super fun clothes, accessories, and pieces that you won’t find anywhere else!” —Betty Burns, Special Programs Coordinator, D Magazine Partners
9. Neighborhood
2532 Converse St.
214-943-5650
“I am obsessed with their Oaxacan ceramics from Collectivo 1050. Salad bowls, pitchers, and mezcal copitas make great gifts. Pair them with their gorgeous hand-dyed napkins or dish towels.” – Kathy Wise, Editorial Director, D Magazine
10. Grange Hall
4445 Travis St.
214-443-5175
“For the person on your list who has everything, this Knox District staple constantly wows with luxe, off-beat, unique finds, from fragrances and candles to jewelry and home decor.” —Jamie Laubhan-Oliver, Editorial and Creative Director, D Home & D Weddings
11. Betty Lou/Froggies 5 & 10
6465 E. Mockingbird Ln., Ste. 312 & 314
214-522-5867
“Betty Lou is a perfect card, candle, and quirky-object staple. Plus, you can buy the kids a toy next door.” – Gillea Allison, President, D Magazine Partners
12. DLM Supply
837 W. Davis St.
469-917-8081
“They have timeless pieces that I’ve gotten for my dad and brother on separate occasions. Their men’s section is also mixed with some home goods that are very eclectic. On the women’s side, if I ever need an item for a special occasion, I always check them out. They have unique pieces ranging in price points, but it’s definitely a great spot if you’re needing something for a holiday party! They have very cute kid’s clothing/toys as well.” —Mia Carrera, Digital & Production Assistant, People Newspapers
13. Josey Records
2821 Lyndon B. Johnson Fwy., Ste. 100, Farmers Branch
972-243-2039
“It has evolved into small regional chain, but the original location that hugs LBJ sometimes feels like the only record store in the world. It’s got new releases, but it is a crate-digger’s paradise—especially since it acquired the remaining stock from the late, great Bill’s Records.” —Zac Crain, Senior Editor, D Magazine
14. MARKET
26 Highland Park Village
214-945-2571
“One of my go to’s. Jewelry, candles, perfumes, tops—you name it, they have it!” —Lisa McLaren, Advertising Director, D Magazine
15. Interabang Books
5600 W. Lovers Ln., Ste. 142
214-484-4289
“Interabang Books is always my go-to for finding something special for the bibliophiles on my list. And it’s physically impossible for me to leave without picking up one of the staff recommended–reads for myself. Win-win!” —Lydia Brooks, Associate Editor, D Home & D Weddings
16 a. and b. Toys Unique and Toy Maven
Toys Unique
5460 W. Lovers Ln., Ste. 236
214-956-8697
Toy Maven
6025 Royal Ln., Ste. 223
214-265-9971
“Choosing between these gift shops would be like…well…choosing between one of my kids, and you can’t make me do it. These two are 1 a and 1 b. Toys Unique is where I go when I have no ideas and need to discover something new. The only downside is that the shop is so densely packed with product, I worry I’m overlooking a great find; fortunately the helpful and knowledgeable staff is more than happy to make recommendations. Toy Maven’s selection is equally robust and helpfully organized by type, so if you’re shopping for a scientist-in-training, up-and-coming athlete, or Lego master, you know right where to head. Sometimes I like to bring my kids with me to see what they respond to, which feels a little more manageable here.” —Jessica Otte, Executive Editor, D Home & D Weddings
17. The Conservatory
4 Highland Park Village
972-629-9919
“They’ve got everything here—men’s and women’s clothing, home accessories, apothecary items, and a fantastic perfume selection. It’s like the most curated, elevated department store you’ve ever been inside.” —Jamie Laubhan-Oliver, Editorial and Creative Director, D Home & D Weddings
18. All Good Things
404 W. Eighth St.
214-579-9961
“I love running by All Good Things to shop their selection of trendy jewelry and fun beauty products. Plus, their on-site wrapping makes last-minute gifting a breeze!” —Lydia Brooks, Associate Editor, D Home & D Weddings
19. Madison
72 Highland Park Village
214-528-8118
“Madison has the best coffee table books and candles—I can always find a gift when I walk in. And for my teen, there is always some great Stoney Clover finds.” – Lisa McLaren, Advertising Director, D Magazine
20. Archer Paper Goods
214-272-7554
“The wrapping paper here is memorable for sure. Their ‘Pencil Shop’ is also fun for office supply fanatics. Their zodiac pencils are standard No. 2 pencils in each zodiac sign’s lucky color. At only $1 apiece, buying all of them to make a set won’t break the bank. Pairing them with one of their notebooks is perfect for the minimalist in your life.” —Aileen Jimenez, Managing Editor, D Magazine
21. Dude, Sweet Chocolate
408 W. Eighth St., Ste. 102
972-863-8981
“Who doesn’t love artisanal chocolate? With so many yummy options, you could put together an impressive (and tasty) gift basket. Pair with a nice bottle of wine or Prosecco and voila! A gift that won’t disappoint!” – Suzanne Groves, Editorial Director, D Custom
22. Oil & Cotton
2313 Beatrice St., Ste. 100
972-373-4528
“Feed the creativity of the artists in your life with a basket of art supplies from this stalwart studio and shop. I’m also a big fan of experiences as gifts, so when in doubt, gift them a class; they have options for every age and skill level.” —Jessica Otte, Executive Editor, D Home & D Weddings
23. Common Ground Games
1314 Inwood Rd.
214-631-4263
“I love board games, and at 4 and 6, my kids are getting to the ages where they can appreciate them, too, which is so fun. This store stocks everything from cooperative games for the younger set and classics from my childhood to trendy Pokemon cards.” —Jessica Otte, Executive Editor, D Home & D Weddings
24. Madness Games and Comics
3000 Custer Rd., Ste. 310, Plano
972-943-8135
“Located in a former pizza and video games parlor, this place is huge and has a massive selection of board games, plus collectibles, themed gift items, and more. The Geeks have inherited the Earth—or at least this spot on it.” —William Taylor, Editor, People Newspapers
25. British Emporium
140 N. Main St., Grapevine
817-421-2311
“My husband is English, and I love getting something cheeky for his parents here. They also have all the English candy for stocking stuffers that my kids grew up with.” —Pat Martin, Publisher, People Newspapers
SOS
Hire a Helper (or Use Your Phone)
Need a hostess gift in a hurry or a thoughtful thank you for your child’s teacher? Put the gifting gurus at Afloat to work. The app was born in 2022, when founder Sarah-Allen Preston’s son underwent open-heart surgery. As someone who loved celebrating the people in her life, Preston gained an even deeper appreciation for the power of a kind and timely gesture. “A simple gift on our doorstep symbolized to me that we weren’t alone,” she remembers. Through Afloat, she partners with local shops and makers to curate a selection of great giftables ready to be wrapped, accompanied by a hand-written note, and delivered same-day to your recipient. There’s options for every price point and occasion, but if you want something “off-menu,” inquire about their in-development VIP program, which will allow frequent users access to concierge services.
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