The Perfect Gifts For the Holiday Season

With Christmas cheer comes an endless list of shopping to do. After all, Christmastime is the season of giving. Whether you are shopping for family, friends, or coworkers, there’s one thing to keep in mind; handmade and local gifts are more personal and memorable to the receiver. The most meaningful gifts are those purchased from local businesses that greatly benefit from the support. Discover our fantastic small businesses in Temple and give your friends and loved ones the best Christmas gifts to date.

Boutique clothing and accessories are always excellent gift ideas for the fashionable women in your life. Bell County has a great selection of local boutiques to choose from. Lenna Lane Boutique recently opened in downtown Temple. This local shop is one you won't want to miss out on when it comes to the perfect gift for someone special. Not only can you find outfit ideas and accessories to match, customers can also reserve a time to have their own hat bar experience. Pick your favorite hat and get ready to customize it with scarves, ribbons, charms, feathers, and so much more. This one-of-a-kind gift is one to consider. Other great boutiques include Brickwood Boutique, Zootys Boutique, The Shoppes on Main in Salado, The Hub, and roJo Salon & Boutique. These boutiques have plenty to choose from for women who enjoy all styles of fashion and accessories. 

Want to get more bang for your buck? Shop at some of our consignment stores that sell gently used apparel and accessories. Shar's Consignment, Twice Upon A Clothesline, and Sweet Repeats Thrift Shop have many clothing items at affordable prices.

Emporium Spices has all kinds of mixes, blends, and spices to choose from. The cook or baking enthusiast in your family will love a gift from this local spice manufacturer. Emporium Spices sells anything from poultry seasonings, guacamole kits and bread mixes, to 5-pack gift boxes.

Treno’s is a downtown Temple favorite. Lovers of this pizza restaurant enjoy the ranch just as much as the pizza. Stop by to purchase the delicious bottled ranch Treno’s has to offer or shop the selection of goods and apparel they have available next door at First Street Roasters. The ranch comes in several delicious flavors, perfect for every ranch lover on your gift list. Gift your food-enthusiast friends one of these bottled condiments.

A local coffee shop with lots of character, Peggy's Coffee House is located inside the Temple Mall. Peggy's Coffee House offers specialty drinks like Butter Beer, Double stuffed Oreo, and The Jordan. Give the gift of java chips this holiday season by grabbing a gift card to this local coffee shop, buying novelty mugs, or buying coffee by the pound.

Unique curiosities and antiques can also make perfect gifts for friends and family who love collecting vintage items. The downtown district has several antique shops to choose from for a unique, one-of-a-kind gift. The Parlour Antiques, 2nd Street Emporium, Darling Decor & More, and Relics Antiques are all filled with fascinating finds and gifts in a league of their own. These shops are worth looking around for fans of collectibles and all things vintage.

Did you know you can give the gift of a membership to the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum? Visitors can purchase a membership at different levels, such as Individual, Family, Engineer, Superintendent, and Railroad Baron. The memberships allow unlimited admissions for one full year and a 10% discount to the gift shop, where visitors can find an abundance of train and Railroad & Heritage Museum-themed items and other fun items. Want to take advantage of all of the exciting upcoming exhibits? A Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum membership would be the perfect gift for avid museum and train lovers in your family or friend group.

Salado Glassworks: Salado Glassworks hosts several blow-your-own-glass events throughout the year. Gifting tickets to one of these events will surely leave the artists on your list with something fun to look forward to. Upcoming at the Salado Glassworks shop are ornament crafting and other holiday-themed events.

McWha Books and The Book Cellar: Give the Gift of Reading. The readers in your life will love personal book recommendations, first editions, and classic favorites. Peruse the shelves at McWha Books in Belton and The Book Cellar in Temple to find the perfect book.

Texas Tour Gear: Have a musician in your life? Nothing makes a better gift than musical instruments or accessories for guitars and drums. Stop by this shop in Belton for musical wares and equipment.

Hand-crafted and unique gifts are always some of the most cherished items gifted during the holidays. No friend, family member, co-worker, or significant other is perfectly alike. With unique personalities comes the reason for personal, one-of-a-kind gifts. Shop in downtown Temple and throughout the destination for curiosities, fashionable favorites, food, and more!