Merry Gifting

Still need gift ideas this holiday season? Check out this list.

Start checking off your list.

Photo by Kseniya Ovchinnikova/Getty

Whether they snuck up on you or you've been planning for months, the holidays are here. And with all the festive celebration comes plenty of gift-giving for a wide range of folks — need ideas?

From high-tech gadgets to spirits guaranteed to make you feel merry and bright, all the best presents are right here. You might even finish your shopping early this year, which is perhaps the best present of all.

Garrison Brothers bourbon Photo courtesy of Garrison Brothers Distillery

Garrison Brothers Distillery Texas Small Batch Bourbon
Give the holiday gift of hand-crafted boldness. Garrison Brothers bourbon is rich, smooth, and overflowing with quality, and always makes a great holiday gift for friends and family — or yourself.

Located in the Texas Hill Country, Garrison Brothers is the first legal bourbon distillery in Texas history and is one of the first distilleries in America outside of Kentucky to produce authentic, handmade bourbon whiskey — and only bourbon whiskey. They currently have a waitlist of more than 15,000 just to volunteer on bottling days, and their Cowboy Bourbon normally sells out within hours of its release.

Every expression of Garrison Brothers bourbon is made from a sweet mash bill and barrel-aged in the intense Texas climate. The extreme heat creates multiple aging seasons in a year, resulting in a darker, richer, and fuller bourbon — bolder than almost any other bourbon on the market.

Ice Tubing at JW Marriott San Antonio Photo courtesy of JW Marriott San Antonio

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
Experience a Hill Country Christmas at JW Marriott San Antonio. Explore new holiday attractions this year at The Snow Factory. Enjoy ice tubing at Snow Flow Mountain and let snowballs fly at the Snowball Build & Blast.

Open to the public and resort guests, bring the family and get into the holiday spirit November 11 through New Year’s Eve. Book your stay now and use promo code CULTUREMAP23 for a special discount on tickets to Snow Flow Mountain. Blackout dates may apply.

Cameras and accessories Photo courtesy of Gadjit

Gadjit cameras and accessories
Gift the joy of photography with Gadjit, Texas' go-to online camera store. Discover an extensive selection of new, open-box, and used cameras and lenses, from modern digital to vintage analog. Gadjit stands out with a commitment to quality, underscored by a 90-day warranty, hassle-free returns, and worldwide shipping.

Benefit from their buyback program, as they offer cash back for your camera equipment. CultureMap readers enjoy a special discount with code CULTUREMAP. For expert advice, visit www.gadjit.net or call 832-304-1777.

Alto Photo courtesy of Alto

Alto annual membership
Give the gift of safer rides this holiday season. Alto is known for its remarkable ride experiences in branded luxury SUVs, driven by professional employee drivers. Every Alto ride includes thoughtful amenities like water bottles, chargers, and WiFi, plus you’re the DJ by selecting from curated playlists like the newly added Holiday Vibe. You can even turn on Do Not Disturb for a quiet ride.

An Alto annual membership makes the perfect gift for those who are always on the go, or in need of a special night out. Plus, it keeps on giving all year long. Annual members receive up to 30 percent savings on every Alto ride, access to prescheduled rides, and priority booking during busy times.

Facial recovery oil Photo courtesy of Tulum Wellness Spa

Eminence Organic Facial Recovery Oil from Tulum Wellness Spa
A toning and hydrating oil created with precious herbs to soothe and renew sensitive and aging skin. Made with Biodynamic ingredients from Demeter International Certified Biodynamic farms. This luxurious facial oil is suitable for all skin types, and you can purchase it at Tulum Wellness Spa.

Let the smell of copal and palo santo transport you away from Houston — even if just for a few hours — and into the restorative mindset of Tulum, Mexico. Services are customized to treat your unique, individual needs by a team that averages 15 years of experience. Each person, product, and service is intentionally chosen to bring natural solutions and scientific advancements to both men and women. Shop the Black Friday sale, happening November 17-18.

shopping holidays promoted

This Week's Hot Headlines

Shaq surprises Houston restaurant with $1,000 tip and more top stories

Courtesy of Ninfa's

Shaquille O'Neal had lunch at Ninfa's Uptown.

Editor's note: It's time to look back at the top Houston news of the week, starting with a surprise visit — and big tip — from Shaq. Plus, Houston ranks among America's most overpriced cities, and rents rise in Sugar Land. Get the details on our most popular stories below, then find the best things to do this weekend here.

1. Shaquille O'Neal leaves $1,000 tip at Houston Tex-Mex institution. NBA Hall of Famer and media personality Shaquille O’Neal surprised the crowd at The Original Ninfa’s Uptown when he stopped by for lunch, posing for pics and leaving a very big tip.

2. Veteran Houston bartender shakes up the Heights with new tropical bar. The woman behind your favorite bartender’s favorite bar has quietly opened a new cocktail spot in the Heights. Called Berwick’s Birds of Paradise, it’s the latest project from Double Trouble owner Robin Berwick.

Berwick's Birds of Paradise bar Robin Berwick Owner Robin Berwick took inspiration from hotel bars for BBOP. Photo by Vivian Leba

3. Houston is one of America's most overpriced cities, study finds. In what may come as a surprise to some local residents, a new study ranks Houston among the 10 most overpriced cities in America.

4. This Houston suburb had the highest apartment rent prices in June. Apartment rent prices in June were more expensive in Sugar Land than anywhere else in Houston, according to the latest monthly rent report from Zumper.

5. Houston influencer opens an antiques-filled boutique hotel in Montrose. 109 Stratford Street in Historic East Avondale has recently opened as a nine-room boutique hotel, The Marlene Inn, from owner and Instagram influencer Lily Barfield.