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9 hot Houston food and drink specials to cheer on the Astros big playoff run

Astros playoff specials

Photo by Dylan McEwan

Like Alex Bregman said, “we’ll never know” what it’s like for the Houston Astros not to win the AL West. Now the real work of defending the team’s World Series title begins with a best-of-seven series against the Minnesota Twins.

Fans will certainly pack Minute Maid for both games this weekend, but far more people will want to root for Bregman, Jeremy Pena, Justin Verlander, and the rest of the team than can fit in any single stadium. Thankfully, a number of Houston-area restaurants and bars are offering specials that will last throughout the playoff run — hopefully all the way to another World Series victory parade.

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up a list of local restaurants and bars serving specials for the ALDS series.

But first, a quick time out.

Vote for our Ultimate Sports Bar Showdown

CultureMap and SportsMap are teaming up to celebrate the return of the fall sports season with The Tailgate, our all-out party devoted to everything sports. It’s happening Wednesday, October 25 at Silver Street Studios, and tickets are already on sale.

For The Tailgate’s second year, we’re inviting CultureMap and SportsMap readers to vote for Houston’s best sports bar in our Ultimate Sports Bar Showdown. Our panel of editors and other local experts has compiled a roster of 16 local favorites with an array of different strengths. Some are owned by professional athletes, while others are part of local or national chains.

Vote here for your favorite.

Want to find out who wins? Join us at The Tailgate on Wednesday, October 25 at Silver Street Studios. Favorite restaurants such as FM Kitchen and Bar, Wild Concepts, Leaf & Grain, Ramen Tatsu-ya, and CultureMap Tastemaker Awards Best New Restaurant winner Aiko will serve sports-themed bites alongside many of our Ultimate Sports Bar nominees.

The event also will shine a spotlight on sports-related nonprofits and give you the chance to pitch in and make a difference for the causes they champion. Learn more about Dynamo and Dash Charities, Houston Texans Foundation, and others.

General admission ($50) and VIP ($75) tickets are on sale now. All tickets include bites by participating restaurants, complimentary premium beverages, and access to fun activities throughout the event. VIP tickets offer one-hour early entry, a dedicated VIP bar, and a meet-and-greet with former Houston Texans star Jonathan Joseph. Buy them now.

Home run food and drink specials

Back to the ’Stros. Check out the list below for food and drink deals that include beer specials, hot dog discounts, and tasty frozen cocktails.

Chapman & Kirby
Located near Minute Maid Park, the EaDo bar and restaurant will feature $25 beer buckets during Astros games. Pair them with snacks like queso, brisket fries, chicken tenders, and fajitas nachos.

Christian’s Tailgate
The popular burger joint and sports bar will feature $20 buckets of beer and drinks named after Astros mascot Orbit.

Craft Pita
Get buy two get one free spreads for takeout or delivery throughout the postseason. Choices include hummus, beet hummus, spicy hummus, labneh, and babaganoush.

Flight Club
The interactive dart bar is offering Astros fans a flatbread and a beer for $10 during home games.

FM Kitchen & Bar
The comfort food restaurant near Washington Avenue will feature specials such as $5 Crawford Bock drafts, $20 Estrella Jalisco buckets, and $12 Astros-themed cocktails. In addition, get a hot dog for just $4 (toppings like chili, cheese, and guacamole available for an additional cost).

Heights & Co.
This popular patio bar will feature specials, including the ‘Stros Smash Burger, the Crush City Margarita, and $1 off all beers. In addition, get a complimentary beer with the purchase of a Brisket Grilled Cheese.

Jax Grill
Get 10 percent off your food bill for wearing Astros gear during all playoff games at both the Shepherd Drive and Bellaire locations.

J-Bar-M Barbecue
Get happy hour prices all day, every day throughout the Astros post season run at this barbecue joint in EaDo. That includes $5 frozen margaritas and watermelon ranch waters as well as $15 beer buckets.

The Upside Pub
This neighborhood-friendly spot in Garden Oaks will have the sound on for all Astros playoff games. Get an Astros dog (a bacon-wrapped brisket hot dog topped with queso, pico de gallo. and crispy onions and jalapeños) with fries and a Crawford Bock for $15.

Photo by Catchlight Group

Lance McCullers Jr., José Altuve, and Kyle Tucker Team Up for $600,000 grand slam charity bash

outta the park

Houston has long topped lists for most generous cities in America, and our celebrity pro athletes have always been MVPs in that regard.

A grand slam example is Team Up, an annual event starring Houston Astros superstars Lance McCullers Jr., José Altuve, and Kyle Tucker. The trio recently hosted their fifth annual Team Up event, which raises funds for the three beloved charities they each founded, working with the well-respected Athletes and Causes foundation.

A 30-second timeout for our Tailgate

More on the Team Up event, but first, Houstonians who want to step up for tomorrow’s athletes should hit CultureMap’s Tailgate event.

Our big, sports-themed bash returns at 7 pm Wednesday, October 25 at Silver Street Studios (2000 Edwards St.). Fans can enjoy sports-inspired bites from some of Houston’s top and award-winning restaurants and premium cocktails. Partiers can also bid on memorabilia from Texas legends, get their game on with game-day fun, and check out local sports-focused nonprofits and give back in a big way.

Early bird tickets are $35 and $60 for VIP through Saturday, September 30, then move to $50 for general admission; $75 for VIP. Find a full roster of the hot restaurants, sponsors, plus more information here. Kill any chance of FOMO and grab tickets early: Like all great CultureMap events, tickets will go fast.

Astros, A-listers, and fans Team Up for a huge night

Back to Team Up — also held at Silver Street Studios — where more than 500 fans gathered for a chance to meet the three Astros stars and for score coveted photos with them. The record-breaking event raised more than $600, 000 and support their charities: the Lance McCullers Jr. Foundation, which supports animal rescue, adoption, and no-kill shelters; the Kyle Tucker Foundation, which assists those in need of hospice care; and the José Altuve Foundation, which supports the Sunshine Kids foundation.

Astros players’ wives were on hand to support their hubbies, as well as teammates Ryan Pressly, Michael Brantley, Maurico Dubon, Kendall Graveman, and Grae Kessinger. Astros staffers also showed up to support the cause and mingle with the crowd.

Nina and Jos\u00e9 Altuve Team Up 2023Nina and José Altuve.Photo by Catchlight Group

High-rolling local philanthropists and fans checked out and snapped pics of the mini fleet of Rolls Royce and Bentley rides on display. Refreshments came courtesy of a Champagne wall and specialty spirits and cocktails from Maven (McCullers is a partner). Attendees got a chance to win jewelry or a highly coveted Astros World Series ring and learned more about each charity, including Bo’s Place.

“For us, it’s a big night to represent Houston and all the people who are here,” McCullers told us (we’ve been hanging with him at Team Up events since 2018). “We restaurants, people in the beverage space, partners — all these people who help throw this amazing event. And we have the amazing charities here and the one’s we’re here representing, so it’s just an important night for us. We’re just really proud to represent Houston, represent the Astros, and keep coming every year to make it bigger and better.”

Lance McCullers, Jr., Beau King, Jos\u00e9 Altuve, Joanne King Herring, and Kyle Tucker Team Up 2023Lance McCullers, Jr., Beau King, José Altuve, Joanne King Herring, and Kyle Tucker.Photo by Catchlight Group

The fiery, always team-first Astros ace also reminded fans not to sweat the season — and postseason. “We control our own destiny — we’re in first place,” he said. “ We’re confident in the team that we have, so we have to just make sure that we go play our best brand of baseball. If we win the division — that’s our goal — we don't have to worry about anybody else.”

We also pressed McCullers to come up with another epic slogan this year, after her dropped the unforgettable “Bury Me in The H” rally last year. (We’re waiting, LMJ.)

Dream sports packages and fur babies FTW

Emcees Julia Morales, the fan-fave Astros reporter, and emcee/auctioneer Johnny Holloway hyped the crowd for the live and silent auction, which featured a widely sought-after private dinner with Kara and Lance McCullers Jr., Altuve, and Tucker. One-of-a-kind art by Skel of dazzling portraits of Altuve, McCullers, Tucker, the team were also hot items, as well as a chance to throw the first pitch at a game plus Diamond Club seats.

Julia Morales and Johnnie Bravo Team Up 2023Julia Morales and Johnnie Bravo.Photo by Jacob Power

Even the Rockets got int the game: bidders threw their hands up for courtside Rockets tickets along with a dinner in the owner's suite, courtesy of Blake Fertitta.

Adorable puppies and doggos from Animal Shelter and Adoptions melted hearts; one adorable fur baby found a forever home with one of the volunteers. A handsome and noble service dog also reminded the crowd of the importance of saving and supporting animals.

Tena Lundquist Faust, Margie Lundquist, Sandra Cooper, Tama Lundquist Team Up 2023Tena Lundquist Faust, Margie Lundquist, Sandra Cooper, Tama Lundquist, and an adorable pup.Photo by Catchlight Group

Partiers stepping up for the grand slam night included: Nina Altuve, Samantha Scott, Kat Pressly, Joanne King Herring, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner, Donna and Norman Lewis, Frances and Tony Buzbee, Danny and Iris Shaftel, Monica and Joe Casiano, Cherie and John Lindley, Jenna Lindley, Shelli and Steve Lindley, Matthew Lindley, Randy Hopper, Bill Baldwin andFady Armanious, Randy Bates, Tama Lundquist, Tena Lundquist Faust, Christine and Steve Johnson, Jody Merritt, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Chris LaFollette, Mick Pritchett, Charlene Floyd, Bobbie Nau, Lesha Elsenbrook, Shelley Boyer, Melissa and Dan Sugulas, Katie and Jon Deal, and many more.
Photo by Lauren Holub

Lance McCullers, Jr. sends shout out to undefeated Spring Branch Little League Astros team vying for championship

LITTLE LEAGUE LEGENDS

Every Saturday afternoon since March, a group of kindergarten boys has been taking the baseball field in Spring Branch, displaying skills and determination emulating their namesake team, the World Series Champion Houston Astros.

With a remarkable 14-game winning streak, these pint-sized athletes have captured their community's attention and are set to compete in the championship game this weekend.

Within the Spring Branch Memorial Sports Association (SBMSA), which boasts 52 teams of five to six-year-olds, this extraordinary group of youngsters has emerged as the cream of the crop. Their outstanding performance throughout the season has earned them a shot at a perfect record, with only one final game standing in their way.

The impressive success of these young 'Stros even caught the attention of Lance McCullers Jr., who sent a heartwarming video message to the team. The Astros pitcher emphasized the importance of having fun on the field and cherishing the camaraderie of playing Little League with close friends.

Lance McCullers JrLMJ gave the young hopefuls some sage advice. Photo by Tim Warner Getty Images

"You play your best when you're having fun," McCullers Jr. said, "and playing Little League with your best friends are some of the most amazing times of your life!"

Head coach Steven Rasch commends the boys for their unwavering commitment and effort. "These boys have demonstrated an exceptional work ethic," he says. "Through regular practices and additional batting cage sessions with their supportive parents, their skills have grown exponentially throughout the season."

Reflecting on their journey, Coach Rasch highlights pivotal games where hits and double plays played a crucial role in the team's victories, proudly adding, "Our offense and defense truly complement each other."

Whether the team wins or loses on Saturday, it has been an outstanding season for the players and their families.

"We are so proud of these boys. It has been a long season, but the growth the boys have experienced over the past few months has been phenomenal to witness," Lauren Holub, mom of little 'Stros player Henry, tells CultureMap. "Getting a personalized message from Lance was just icing on the cake for the boys – they were literally jumping up and down with excitement, and it motivated them to keep going, for sure."

Photo by Lauren Holub

The SBMSA Astros team is heading into their championship game undefeated.

Photo courtesy of Visit Houston

Ken Hoffman takes a swing at Houston Astros' pitch to build a new downtown hotel

Hoffman's Houston

Astros owner Jim Crane says the team is ready to break ground on a major construction project that will include a hotel and entertainment complex across the street from Minute Maid Park as soon as the 2023 baseball season wraps up – hopefully with another World Series parade in downtown Houston.

AstrosWorld!

But another hotel? Another entertainment complex? More construction downtown? My first reaction was, how much more does Houston need? I remember when the Super Bowl was held in Houston in 2004, clubs and restaurants sprung up downtown practically overnight, only to disappear virtually the morning after. When it came to downtown development, the expression “less is more” turned out true. At least that Super Bowl.

I asked my contacts in government and the Houston welcome wagon, is this a good idea, building a hotel and entertainment complex next door to Minute Maid Park? Do we need it? Can we sustain it?

The answer every time was a resounding yes! For a couple of reasons: first, downtown Houston, coming out of Covid, is booming, leadership is creative and budget-minded these days, and most important, if Jim Crane is behind the idea, you can trust it’ll work. The guy’s got a track record.

“In 2004, the idea was to turn downtown’s Main Street into Bourbon Street. Is that what we really want? It was a misguided plan, the wrong philosophy, and businesses opened and closed in short order,” a source told me.

It was a different story when the Super Bowl returned to Houston in 2017. This time Houston saw the Marriott Marquis, a 1,000-room hotel complete with an iconic Texas-shaped swimming pool, open in time for the tourist onslaught. Also, Avenida Houston greeted downtown visitors with new restaurants and entertainment venues. Both the Marriott and Avenida Houston have continued to thrive long after the Super Bowl left town.

“We want our downtown to attract visitors while providing services for the growing number of singles and families who are making their home downtown. As we continue to host major events and conventions, there will be a need for more hotel rooms,” the source said.

The Astros’ plan to build a sprawling hotel and entertainment complex originally was discussed in 2021 but was put on hold due to Covid. Now Crane and the Astros are ready to come out swinging. Similar complexes operate successfully next to the baseball stadium in St. Louis, Chicago and other cities.

An Astros-themed hotel adjacent to Minute Maid Park is particularly intriguing. The lobby could be home to an Astros museum and team Hall of Fame. Rooms and restaurants could be decorated in honor of Astros legends – the “Nolan Ryan honeymoon suite,” or “Strech Suba’s Bullpen Bar and Grille.” There could be meeting space for autograph and memorabilia shows. There could be a broadcast facility for post-game interviews and analysis. And maybe one day, fingers crossed, a betting parlor like the Cubs have at Wrigley Field.

The Astros have a contract to play at Minute Maid Park through 2050 – the only long-term contract that doesn’t make Crane cringe. Anything that enhances the fan experience and generates revenue is good for the team and the city. I might even consider going downtown on non-game nights.

Photo courtesy of City of Houston Mayor's Office

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner finally collects on World Series wager with his Philadelphia counterpart

pay up, philly

As Houston prepares to celebrate the Astros this weekend at FanFest, Mayor Sylvester Turner is collecting on a friendly World Series wager with his Philadelphia counterpart.

Turner cashed in on his bet with Philly's Mayor Jim Kenney at the United States Conference of Mayors 91st Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, January 19. Fans may recall that Turner placed the wager on October 28, betting that his Astros would best the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series. (They did so on Game 6 in a 4-1 victory.)

Here's what he offered:

Kenney, who lost, had to pony up two-four packs of beer (brewed in Philly) plus a $500 donation to Houston's Kids Meals. The beer, produced by Philadelphia company Triple Bottom Brewing, is woman-owned company, powered by renewable energy, and hires workers in need of second-chance employment.

Turner, for his part, says Triple Bottom Brewing's values especially align with his and posed for pics with Kenney.

"The City of Houston and baseball fans will never get tired of celebrating the Houston Astros and the 2022 World Series Championship," Turner said in a statement after the meeting. "I am grateful to Mayor Kenney for following through on our friendly wager and especially for donating to a Houston-based organization with a mission to end childhood hunger."

Photo by Josh Olalde

Alex Bregman teams up with prominent Texas ranch for totally bomb beef jerky

it's the bomb

Never let it be said that nothing good came out of last year’s Major League Baseball lockout. Sure, fans missed part of Spring Training, but it paved the way for a partnership between an Astros All-Star and a prominent Texas ranch.

Alex Bregman has added beef jerky from R-C Ranch to his growing Breggy Bomb brand. It joins his salsas, barbecue sauces, and spice rubs.

As Bregman explains, instead of spending his February in Florida at Spring Training, the lockout provided him with the opportunity to attend the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. There, he met R-C Ranch co-founder Blake Robertson.

“It took off from there,” he says. “And now we have the best beef jerky in the land. We want everyone who tries our products to be happy, satisfied, and full.”

Robertson’s business partner Ryan Cade explains that the company has always offered jerky as a way to utilize meat from the round. Like all jerky, it’s seasoned and smoked, but R-C Ranch’s end result is more tender than the jerky most people are familiar with.

“So many people grew up eating jerky from the convenience store that’s super tough — your jaws needed a break,” Cade says. That’s not the case with R-C Ranch’s jerky.

“A lot of people compare it to steak bites instead of other jerkies. The crown jewel is always the Wagyu beef — the marbling, the tenderness, and rich flavor — that make ours stand out.”

Currently, the jerky is available at R-C Ranch’s butcher shop at the Houston Farmers Market, at H-E-B stores throughout Texas, and several Spec’s stores. Astros fans will find it at stands throughout Minute Maid Park. It’s also available for shipping via the R-C Ranch website and as a bundle from Breggy Bomb.

“It’s the only jerky I eat,” Bregman says. “I’ll crush this all day long. It’s the best beef jerky in the land.”

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Huge College Football Championship food fundraiser stars 30+ Houston restaurants

CFP's foodie fundraiser

The recent announcement of the four teams competing in this season’s College Football Playoff serves as an important reminder than this year’s championship game will be played in Houston on Monday, January 8, 2024.

A number of events will surround the game, including a fan experience at the George R. Brown Convention Center and concerts at Shell Energy Stadium. Of course, it wouldn’t be Houston if the city’s restaurant scene didn’t participate in the festivities — and raise a bunch of money for a worthy cause.

Towards that end, the game’s host committee has organized Taste of the Championship, which will be held at Minute Maid Park on Sunday, January 7. The event will feature a roster of more than 30 local restaurants selected in concert with James Beard Award winning chef, media personality, and CultureMap Wine Guy Chris Shepherd along with music by Louisiana-based party band The Phunky Monkeys.

Participating restaurants include a number of Houston classics as well as newcomers and cover a wide range of cuisines. They include CultureMap Tastemaker Award winners such as Blood Bros. BBQ, Burger Bodega, Coltivare, Craft Pita, Fluff Bake Bar, State of Grace, and Street 2 Kitchen. Other notable names include Cali Sandwich & Pho, ChòpnBlok, Crawfish & Noodles, Frenchy’s Chicken, Fung’s Kitchen, Navy Blue, Pondicheri, Riel, and more.

Diners will even spot some of the restaurants featured on Eat Like a Local, Shepherd’s TV show on KPRC 2, such as Josephine’s Gulf Coast Kitchen, Little’s Oyster Bar, Phat Eatery, Saigon Pagolac, and Truth BBQ.

In addition to the professionals, teams from four Houston-area high schools will participate as part of the Texas Restaurant Association’s ProStart campaign.

"It's so cool to bring all of our restaurant friends together for this great event," said Shepherd. "It's the first time that Houston will host the national championship game, so let's show up and show off our hometown. Our city is special because our community always bands together for great causes, and we're all thrilled to support teachers and education. My advice: come early and come hungry!"

Tickets, priced at $350 for general admission and $500 for VIP, include all food and drinks served at the event. Proceeds from Taste of the Championship will benefit the Houston Loves Teachers campaign and Extra Yard for Teachers, a program that aims to inspire and empower quality teachers.

Mike Tyson jumps in ring with Houston celeb dealer to launch exclusive collectible coins

forget bitcoin; this is badcoin

Boxing legend and pop-culture icon Mike Tyson may not want to hand over $450,000 to that drunk dude he had to check in an airplane last year. But Iron Mike is ready to give people his own line of signative coins (and they're not made of iron, natch).

Tyon has joined forces with Houston’s Celebrity Mint to launch a limited edition series of gold and silver collectibles, just in time for the holiday shopping season. Crafted from .9999 gold and .999 silver, the pioneering, legal tender trading coins are now available on CelebrityMint.com and eBay.

Thousands of viewers tuned in to eBay Live last week as Iron Mike joined Celebrity Mint to unveil his exclusive line of products. “This is legendary,” Tyson said on the eBay Live broadcast. “This is humbling me. I’m very proud of this... This is the baddest coin on the planet.”

Celebrity Mint – founded by the Duncan Group of Houston’s U.S. Coins and Jewelry – is fusing the timeless thrill of sports memorabilia collecting with the prestige of coin collecting to invite a new generation of collectors into the fold.

Tyson’s Celebrity Mint collectibles include Iron Mike Signature Series Coins, including 1,499 coins at 2 oz. silver and 491 pieces at 5 oz. silver. Each item is autographed by Tyson and certified by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).

Mike Tyson Celebrity Mint HoustonTyson authorized a full line of coins and cards. Photo courtesy of Celebrity Mint Houston

Fans can also check out the 0.5 Gram Gold Legends Series cards, authenticated and certified by Numismatic Guaranty Co. (NGC) through its coin grading arm NGCX. Only 1,000 were made, including 100 chase cards with a vibrant green colorway.

More hardware includes 2-oz. Silver Chibi Coins and 24k Gilded 2 oz. Silver Chibi Coins, both graded by PCGS Proof Ultra Cam 69 or 70. Only 500 were made, including 50 of the 24k Gilded Silver, per press materials.

Mike Tyson Celebrity Mint Houston

Photo courtesy of Celebrity Mint Houston

Celebrity Mint's Kenny Duncan Jr. with Mike Tyson.

“We are unveiling the ultimate sports collectible piece,” said Celebrity Mint co-founder Kenny Duncan Jr. in a press statement. “When we founded Celebrity Mint, we wanted to work with icons – the best of the best. It is an honor and pleasure to work with Iron Mike to create these new collectibles that celebrate his legendary career.”

This isn’t the first time sports icons are getting their mint on. The worlds of sports memorabilia and rare coins collided in October as Celebrity Mint debuted its first ever legal tender trading coins with wrestling icon Ric Flair (wooo!) at New York Comic Con.

Upcoming launches for its inaugural Legends Series will include boxing boss Floyd Mayweather, all-time baseball hit leader and cultural lightning rod Pete Rose, and more to be announced soon.

Houston's Rice Village has the gifts from everyone's wish list this holiday

Wrap It Up

Make this holiday season a little more merry and bright when you shop for everyone on your list at Rice Village. The walkable shopping destination has everything from sparkly jewelry to yummy desserts to indulgent beauty treatments — take a look at some gift inspo below.

Sweet treats
Give the gift sure to please everyone: Van Leeuwen Ice Cream. Or if a frozen gift isn’t your thing, pick up a gift card for ice cream and get a scoop (or two or three) for yourself while you're there. Made from simple and choice ingredients, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream has 20-plus classic and vegan ice cream flavors to choose from.

Treat yourself and others with Sprinkles Cupcakes this holiday season, with flavors like Christmas cookie, gingerbread, chocolate peppermint, and much more.

Show your host or colleague how much you care with a holiday treat from Badolina Bakery & Cafe. Their picturesque cakes — which are available in sizes of six, eight, or nine inches — are offered in a variety of shapes and flavors including raspberry rose, chocolate mousse, and cheesecake. While some are available daily on a first-come, first-served basis, it's recommended you place an order at least 24 hours in advance.

Break bread with friends by gifting one of Badolina's signature loaves. For something all wrapped up, a cylinder of triple-chocolate chip cookies or a box of florentines is the perfect present.

Festive fashion
The recently opened Saint Lo Boutique is where fashionistas-in-the-know go. It offers upscale, contemporary women's clothing from labels that are carefully curated from all over the world. For holiday party outfit inspo, head here.

For men, Mizzen+Main has redefined the workplace wardrobe with clothes that feel like athletic wear and look like custom-tailored fits. Best known for its wrinkle-resistant and machine-washable dress shirts, the brand also makes incredibly comfortable flannels, no-tucks, polos, shorts, pants, vests, pullovers, jackets, blazers, and so much more.

Your search for the perfect present stops here. With crowd-favorite styles in signature soft fabrics, Tasc Performance has something for everyone on your list — all you need is the wrapping paper.

Make your holiday haul walk taller this year with a gift from Tecovas. Their handmade Western boots, bags, and apparel have a quality, fit, and feel you’ll notice from the first time you hold them and try them on.

Vuori draws inspiration from the active California lifestyle: an integration of fitness, yoga, surf, and life. Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Lean into comfort with Vuori’s best-selling DreamKnit fabric — find it for him in the Ponto Collection or for her in the Halo Collection.

However you celebrate, Warby Parker has merriment-inspiring frames, gift cards, and accessories to make your season a success. All winter long, every pair of glasses or sunglasses comes in eye-popping, ready-to-unwrap packaging designed by artist Amrita Moreno. Purchase any two or more prescription pairs, and receive 15 percent off — like magic. (Restrictions apply.)

Nanos, the Spanish fashion house dedicated to children since 1963, offers baby boy, baby girl, little boy, and little girl clothing made in Spain, where every thread is treated with love. This holiday, give the littles in your life the gift of high-quality clothing.

Merry makeup and skincare
The Haus Holiday Haul from Face Haus includes a Haus Facial ($110 value), The Rescue Worker Super Nutrient Face Oil ($39 value), The Schmoozer Hydrating Lip Care ($10 value), and a video tutorial from on of their superstar Esthies, who will help you choose a facial and share tips and tricks on how to use the products at home. Get all this for only $145.

Find fragrance gifts for $75 and under at Sephora's, and scoop up sets for everyone on your list (including you!).

Give the gift of a holiday glow-up with a SkinSpirit gift certificate that's valid on any treatment from SkinSpirit's extensive menu of medical-grade facials and aesthetic medical services. With 20-plus locations throughout California, New York, Texas, Washington, and Utah, SkinSpirit is the No. 1 provider of Botox and dermal fillers in the U.S.

Bluemercury is making gifting this holiday season easier than ever. Visit the link to explore their gift guide and plan your trip to your neighborhood location in Rice Village. Visit the Beauty Experts in-store for advice on all the latest limited edition gift sets. Plus, they'll even wrap your gifts for you, too.

Swing by Drybar pre-party for a head-turning blowout, or stock up on high-quality haircare products to keep your locks glossy all year long.

For both the "New Year, new you" resolution-makers and those looking to keep up with their fitness routine, Solidcore offers a high-intensity, low-impact, full-body workout on a pilates-inspired reformer. These slow and controlled movements are scientifically designed to break down muscles so they build back stronger.

Glittering baubles
Studs offers a fresh take on ear piercing with curated earscapes and reasonably priced earrings (that make great gifts for both adults and teens, hint hint). Expert piercers provide a clean and stress-free experience that includes placement that works best with your unique ear anatomy.

Featuring beloved precious and semi-precious stones, like their signature turquoise sourced from Arizona and set in 14K gold, local jewelry brand Christina Greene is a go-to for gifting.

Some seasonal favorites include the Simplicity or Southwestern collections for her, cufflinks sets for him, gold beaded bracelets for the trendsetter in your life, or the Letter Necklace collection for those celebrating major milestones in their lives (like "mama," "Mrs.," and "love").

CB2 Christmas tree

Photo courtesy of Rice Village

CB2 has exquisite gifts and decor for the home.

Home for the holidays
Shop for the master chef, self-care guru, WFH wiz, budding sommelier, and beyond at CB2. For the entertainer(s) in your life, think modern cheese knives and serving trays, soft throws, candles, beverage dispensers, ice buckets, and gold or marble cake stands.

For the game lover in your life, board games like chess and Scrabble never go out of fashion. Try versions made with marble or wood breathe new life into the classics.

Stop by and get some supremely soft statement gifts with an undeniable wow factor at Parachute Home. Truly thoughtful essentials to elevate the every day, these crowd-pleasers are perfect for cozy season. Choose from soft sheets, cozy quilts, joyful jammies, and more essentials to promote great sleep.

For midcentury modern-inspired furniture and decor with a conscience, head to West Elm. Nearly 60 percent of their products support at least one of their sustainability initiatives, making it even easier to feel good about how home comes together.

Stop in at Rice Village to stock up on these and other great last-minute gems for your friends and loved ones

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Visit these retailers and more at Rice Village, located at Kirby and University.

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