Meet the cutest iPod docking station and speakers we've ever seen, the iPig. Ifoinkers are not your thing, there's always the iPanda, the iPom (a chic apple)and Pac-Man baddie iBoo. iPig by Speakal, $130, at Sears, amazon.com,newegg.com.
Barnes & Noble has an answer to the Kindle, and it's called the Nook (a farsuperior name, we think—much more connotative of curling up with a good book).The spiffy device has a color touch screen, 2GB of expandable storage and letsyou lend books to friends for free. Pre-orders available now for delivery inJanuary 2010. Barnes & Noble Nook, $259, barnesandnoble.com
This gift for the green-minded is fueled by the ions in regular ol' tap waterand runs for up to eight weeks without batteries or electricity. A memory chipeven keeps track of the time while you swap out the agua. Now, if only thesegeniuses could figure out how to run my car the same way. Water-powered clock byBedol, $16, at Contemporary Arts Museum Houston.
The latest breakthrough in personal transportation, the YikeBike is the world'sfirst super light electric folding bicycle. Oh, and it looks supercool, too.YikeBike, pre-order available at yikebike.com, first deliveries start mid-2010.Total price between €3500-€3900 (approx. $5,200-$5,800), deposit €100 (approx.$150).
With two shutters set eye-width apart, the Fujifilm Finepix Real3D digitalcamera takes photography to a new level with three-dimensional images that burstoff the screen (or page). The additional viewer ($400) and online prints ($6.99)make this far from cheap, but there's nothing on the market like it. FujifilmFinepix Real3D W1 10MP digital camera, $600, japandirectshop.com,japangadgetshop.com, electron-world.com.
May all your Harry Potter fantasies come true (the PG ones, at least). Controlyour world, or at least your entertainment center, with thisuniversal-remote-turned-magic-wand. With a flick of the wrist or a swish or atwirl (13 motions in all) you can become master of your domain. Magic Wanduniversal remote by Kymera, £49.95 (approx. $83), thewandcompany.com
A pocket-sized stunner, we love the 4GB special edition iPod shuffle in gorgeousstainless steel. $99, exclusively at the Apple store, apple.com.
Chargers are so not pretty. Cover yours up with this faux-grass chargingstation, and let your tech toys imagine they're enjoying an afternoon on thelawn. Grassy Lawn Charging Station, $25, thinkgeek.com.
Technology and nature collide in this rustic charging dock. When you just can'tlook at anymore sleek chrome shininess, plug your phone into this handy stump.Feel's like you're camping already, huh? Enchanted woods iPhone dock, $98,anthropologie.com.
Beware, sleepyheads. Snooze too long and Clocky will jump off your bedside tableand hide until you get up, find her and turn off her alarm. Chrome Clocky byNanda, $45, at Nordstrom, Kuhl Linscomb, Bering's, Impromptu, Events.
The Polaroid is dead. Long live the Instax! Sure, digital is great, but when youwant funky, slightly messy images and instant gratification, there's no cuteroption than the light, easy Fuji Instax, which delivers credit card-sized shotsin seconds. Fuji Instax Mini, $85, at Urban Outfitters, amazon.com.
Finally, a custom home audio system without the hassle of custom installation.The Sony Altus system streams music from your iPod or iPhone through up to 10premium speakers throughout your home, and can even be split among multiplemusic sources. Sony Altus Wireless Music System for iPod, $700 for the completesystem, at Best Buy, sony.com.
Now any bar (or shower or car) can be a karaoke bar with the iKaraoke. Plug itinto any iPod or iPhone and turn up the tunes: It minimizes the vocals sonothing interferes with your inner Aretha. iKaraoke, $49.99, at the Apple Store,RadioShack, Fry's, Best Buy, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond.
Forget blades—the newest Dyson fan looks like something out of a Sci-fi movie.It uses "air multiplier" technology to draw in air and amplify it, resulting ina smooth breeze. Dyson Air Multiplier Fan, $300-320, exclusively at dyson.com.
For those who thought Nutcracker Market was strictly a fall tradition, Houston Ballet is making a strong case for adding spring shopping dates April 17-19, to the calendar. Nutcracker Market Spring returns with a lighter, more edited version of the favorite holiday market, featuring 150 merchants instead of the massive 280 for its fall counterpart. Designed with spring and summer in mind, the market is focused on easy entertaining, vacation-ready style, and home updates – it's less about gifting and more about a seasonal refresh.
Watercolor artist and designer Taylor Paladino's products are always highly sought-after at the fall event, and he is excited to visit Houston for the spring crowds. "The Nutcracker Market is my Super Bowl. It is quite literally the biggest event on our calendar — and the most fun," Paladino tells CultureMap. "We love to see all of the friends we've made in Houston, and I can't wait to show them some of my newest collections."
What's new
This is not a repeat of the fall lineup. More than 80 merchants who did not participate in the 2025 fall market and over 60 who are entirely new to Nutcracker Market will be on hand with their spring and summer favorites. The result will be a noticeably different and more relaxed experience.
Shoppers will get to explore several new brands, including:
- Absorb-Lumen: Beautiful towels for everyday life.
- Florida Pure Sea Salt: Natural sea salt for food and cocktail rims.
- 1 Hide Bags: Chic custom bags and timeless leather belts.
- Aaron Grey Co.: Southern-inspired, hand-drawn apparel and accessories.
- Bora Handcrafted Jewelry: Oxidized sterling silver/gold jewelry with semi-precious stones.
- Good Time Charlie Land Company: Joyful Jellycats and thoughtfully curated spring decor.
- Mills Gourmet: Easy and delicious snacks, hours d'oeuvres, and more.
- Novi Creations: Artisan bohemian jewelry inspired by the national parks.
What to expect
For seasoned shoppers, the smaller size makes navigating NRG Arena easier, while the bevy of new merchants keeps it exciting. For first-timers, the market is a great introduction to one of Houston’s most anticipated shopping experiences, with all the charm and none of the overwhelming holiday frenzy.
Many of the same conveniences will still be available, including package check, curbside pickup, valet parking, and early-bird shopping. While strollers, carts, rolling bags, wagons, and pets are not permitted, children under two years old are free. Although the market will be smaller than its fall counterpart, comfortable shoes and clothing a must for navigating the aisles. Tailgating and mimosas always add to the fun, but taking breaks for water and snacks is highly encouraged to ensure a stress-free shopping experiences.
Why it matters
The return of the spring market follows several years of rebuilding the fall event. “Pausing Nutcracker Market Spring in 2022 allowed us to focus fully on the beloved fall Nutcracker Market, building our audience back to pre-pandemic levels,” Sonja Kostich, executive director of Houston Ballet, tells CultureMap. “This momentum has given us the confidence to reintroduce Nutcracker Market Spring to Houston.”
This decision is supported by huge numbers from the 2025 fall market, which drew more than 104,000 shoppers and generated over $24 million in merchandise and ticket sales. The fall market raised more than $6 million in support of Houston Ballet’s productions, training programs, and community campaigns. Like its fall counterpart, the spring market continues that giving mission, with each purchase supporting the arts.
Tickets
General admission is $20 for a one-day pass, available at Ticketmaster.com or H-E-B Business Centers. Early Bird Admission is $40 for those who want a 90-minute head start on Friday and admission to all three days of the market.
Courtesy of Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market
Shoppers browse a fresh mix of spring-ready finds at Nutcracker Market Spring, where new vendors take center stage.
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