Editor's Note: Periodically, CultureMap contributor Deborah Elias scours the city to report about some of her favorite things. This is her holiday edition.
Finding the right gift for that someone special in your life can always be a challenge. With so many options to choose from it can be overwhelming. I have found some fun and unique items that will be surely please even the most discerning folks.
So the name truly says it all! Every guy dreams of building his own "Man Cave" and it can be a struggle finding the perfect gift to stock it with. With Mancave Toyz you will be hard pressed not to find the perfect gift. Charles Rosenblum designs and builds the most amazing items. From beer coolers, to humidors and beer pong tables, his products are unique and will definitely let your man know you truly get him. They can be personalized with logos, sports teams, and names and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The pieces are affordable and made of 100 percent wood. This will for sure make him the envy amongst his friends.
I love, love, love the Hanh collection of fashionable handbags, wristbands and hand painted umbrellas. In 2011, Hanh unintentionally created a fashion movement. After she was unable to find a handbag to wear to a gala, she hand-painted one to match her gown, creating a unique look that paired art with fashion. When a woman purchased the handbag off her arm that night, she realized she was on the verge of something big and began to develop her empire.
Hanh handbags, which range in price from $175 to $325, are hand-painted with fabric paint and are made in Houston. They are available in sizes ranging from large totes to mini-clutches. Bags can also be customized to the client’s liking. But don't stop at the handbags: Hanh also makes a variety of other products including leather bracelets. My suggestion is to get both for a wonderful gift for the special woman in your life.
LIQS “Cocktail Shot” is an incredibly fun line of shots but with a crafty-style cocktail twist. The line consists of four, premium and ready to serve shots – Tequila Cinnamon & Orange, Vodka Cucumber & Lime, Vodka Kamikaze and Vodka Lychee & Grapefruit – packaged in eye-catching, pocket-sized containers made of reusable and recyclable plastic shot glasses. They also make a great hostess gift and you will surely be the life of any party with these in hand. And remember to drink responsibly.
Who doesn't love a good sipping tequila or a margarita on the rocks? Titanium Tequila is a Houston-based tequila company which features 100 percent Blue Weber Agave tequila. This unique brand of tequila grown in the highlands of Jalisco has won several awards and can be found at Spec’s for $36.99. Most recently the brand has partnered with local bartender whiz and flare extraordinaire JoJo Martinez, who recently rolled out their new recipe book. So many cocktails so little time!!!
In keeping with "the cocktails are fabulous" theme, I present Yellow Rose Distilling. It's the first legal distillery in Houston city limits and debuted earlier this fall. This 10,000-square-foot facility with tasting room is located adjacent to Uptown and Memorial Park. Craft liquor aficionados can enjoy public tours and sampling hours – tickets are just $7 – Thursdays and Fridays from 4 until 7 p.m. plus Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. This could be a fun location for your next private party as it boasts a blank slate with standing capacity in the distillery easily accommodating up to 400. Guests can enjoy a wonderful assortment of craft cocktails created by brand mixologist Houston Farris that utilize the four-year-old brand’s whiskeys, bourbons and recently launched vodka.
These adorable frames are a fun way to get those beloved photos off of Instagram and onto your mantle or desk. The frames come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and prices ($10 to $15) and of course the ability to personalize will make them truly your very own. #perfectgift.
This jewelry is intimidating, edgy and as unique as it gets. The All Stainless H3 bracelet, $250, is designed using 316 stainless steel (surgical grade) nails and stainless steel rings. Closure is with a captive pin stainless steel shackle. Not only the jewelry is unique but also where the name is derived. The "H3" part of the name is a dual reference. It refers to a famous name who wears the alternate version of the bracelet (with neoprene rings). Musician Hank Williams III, son of Hank Williams Jr., was the third person to own a piece like this before it was named. Hank III was shortened to H3. You can find this line at pop-ups at Siphon Coffee and online for purchase.
In a world where very many photos get taken but very few actually get printed, comes a great idea to manage and display your photos. Collageheadz enables users to capture moments of their life in print. The company specializes in designing custom prints for business, schools and organizations helping them showcase all their assets to help sell or promote their products and services. Whether for personal, business, sports, or entertainment, CollageHeadz will help you tell your story in a way that is truly remarkable.
SKOUT Jewelry is intimidating, edgy and as unique as it gets. The All Stainless H3 bracelet is designed using surgical grade nails and stainless steel rings.
