We would do anything for our kids and pets, so why not indulge them, even if they don’t fully appreciate the gift as much as you do? For the children, think soft, luxurious baby blankets or a toy truck handmade by a family in Happy, Texas (of course). For our four-legged friends, consider a cool collar or an electric bone you control remotely to keep them moving when you’re not home (actually, that’s a gift your dog will truly appreciate).
Our Made in Texas Gift Guide appeared in the December 2017 issue of Texas Monthly.
Step Stool
Rootin’ Ridge Toymakers • $145
Paul and Georgean Kyle started making wooden toys in 1975. They shut the doors of their Austin store in 2015 but still sell their personalized step stools online. The couple live on a bird sanctuary in the Hill Country and act as its caretakers. Buy Now.
Willis Collar
Son of a Sailor • $48
Pick your own paint colors to customize a natural leather collar made by the prolific East Austin company Son of a Sailor, which makes everything
from leather-bound notebooks to a mid-century-inspired wall clock. Available in three sizes and dozens of color combinations. Buy Now.
Semi Truck
The Happy Toymaker • $225
It’s a family affair for Jerry Sims, the Happy Toymaker, who builds ranch-inspired steel toys like this semi truck with painstakingly scaled moving parts. His two sons help weld, and his wife and mother paint in the workshop on the family ranch in 650-person Happy, Texas. Buy Now.
High Chair
Pastrana Studio • From $1,200
After having their first baby, furniture makers Julian and Kate Pastrana decided to make a high chair that fit more in line with their aesthetic. The result is this beautiful solid oak piece with a removable tray and a leather strap for safety. Buy Now.
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Blanket
de Buci Baby • $130
Sister duo Maya Nairn and Tara Lacayo of Austin-based de Buci Baby, bring a whole new elevated style to baby gifting with sleep sacks in French-esque pinstripes or smart flax linen and baby blankets, teddy bears, and crib sheets in toile, gingham, or floral. Buy Now.
Chester Mini Purse
Gaia • $48
The socially responsible Dallas brand Gaia employs local refugee women to make bags, accessories, and jewelry for a living wage and progress toward financial independence. The couldn’t-be-cuter mini purses come in cat, mouse, and heart shapes with colorful pompom accents. Buy Now.
Best Hikes with Dogs: Texas Hill Country and Gulf Coast
Melissa Gaskill • $17.95
Writer Melissa Gaskil shares the best hiking trails for pups—think terrain that won’t harm their paws and is hazard-free. All of the trails are in driving distance of Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. Buy Now.
Come and Take It T-Shirt
Paris Texas Apparel Co. • $24
Best known for its silk Texas-themed ties and bowties, Paris Texas Apparel Co. also carries guayaberas, tees, food products, and more online and at its Houston store (it’s expanding in January). The super-soft children’s tees are designed in-house or in collaboration with Texas artists. Buy Now.
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Peru Paisley Plaid Pet Bed
Original Digs • $106
Hailey Mahoney—who is rarely seen without her dog, a mixed-breed rescue named Capri—launched a line of designer canine crash pads in poppy prints in 2014. Each bed doubles as a floor cushion and is made in her father’s textile-manufacturing shop outside Dallas. Buy Now.
Texas Dress
Kid Made Modern • $280
Native Texan Todd Oldham has brought one of his whimsical, colorful prints to this darling girl’s dress that features iconic Texas figures—from Big Tex to a bluebonnet. It was made exclusively for Dallas fashion mecca Forty Five Ten and is now part of their dreamy children’s section. Buy Now.
Want more? Does your kid love to swing a bat or go fishing? You’re in luck. See For the Outdoor Adventurer. Or take another look at our other categories.
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