There are tons of cute, one-of-a-kind boutiques in the Heights, and more opening up all the time. With Christmas right around the corner, there’s no better time to check out the multitude of quirky and cool shops that line 19th Street and beyond. We bet you can check off everyone on your list without ever leaving the neighborhood!
Bliss on 19th
If you’re in the market for a nice gift, cute accessories, or home decor items, don’t miss Bliss on 19th, located at 235 W. 19th Street. From baby showers to birthdays and graduations, you’re sure to find just the right thing for any occasion, as well as a nice selection of greeting cards. Hate wrapping presents? Don’t worry! Bliss offers gift wrapping services too. Opening hours are Monday 11:00-4:00, Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-6:00, and Sunday 12:00-5:00.
Vinal Edge
Got a music lover on your Christmas shopping list? Just a few doors down from Bliss, Vinal Edge offers a wide selection of new and used CDs and records, specializing in hard-to-find music from more obscure bands and labels. While Vinal Edge has been in business in Houston since 1985, the shop just moved to the Heights in 2012. Regular live in-store events and new releases from popular local bands bring in music lovers from all over the city. Vinal Edge is located at 239 W. 19th Street.
Thread
Kid’s clothes today are so cute that it can be hard to stop buying them, even though they are outgrown so fast. Located at 249 W. 19th Street, Thread offers a wide range of gently used kid’s clothes in excellent condition, from many high-end brands like Mini Boden as well as classic names like Carters. The store is clean, organized, and immaculate, unlike many resale shops, and the clothes are new styles. Many items still have original tags on them, and everything is clean and in like-new condition. In addition to kid’s clothes, you’ll find a selection of stylish, barely-worn maternity and nursing wear for mom and baby items like strollers, carriers, and furniture. While you might feel a little strange about gifting something that isn’t new, the kids on your list are guaranteed not to care or notice.
Hello-Lucky
Hello-Lucky specializes in locally made, American made, and fair trade items including gifts, artwork, and small goods for men, women, and kids. Hello-Lucky is home to the “It’s ok to love Houston” t-shirts you may have seen around town, as well as cards, small leather goods, gifts for bridal parties, and all sorts of other interesting things. Whichever item you pick at Hello-Lucky, it’s almost guaranteed that the recipient won’t be getting the same thing from someone else. You’ll find the store at 1025 Studewood.
Jubilee
If you are in the market for funky and unique clothing, fashion accessories, or home decor, Jubilee has you covered! You’ll also find a selection of vinyl records, seasonal items (Christmas goodies a-plenty!) and baby stuff. Jubilee is definitely lady-centric, but you’ll find stuff for the guys on your list at plenty of other neighboring shops. Jubilee is located at 325 West 19th.
Fly High Little Bunny
A reincarnation of their store on Shepherd and Alabama, the Fly High Little Bunny is a gem of a jewelry and craft store. This beautiful story has most unique collection of jewelry, from gorgeous stone to sleek, geometric patterns. These one-of-a-kind treasures are always being changed out, so every time you stop in, you can expect to see something different! On top of the amazing jewelry, you will find handcrafted bags, t-shirts, postcards, Turkish lanterns, terrariums, and more. Treat yourself and someone you love to a unique gift, or what the store calls “Jewelry for the Magnificent” from Fly High Little Bunny! (Also, their Insta page is gorgeous.) Go check them out at 301 W 19th Street.
Heights Cigar Lounge
If you’ve got a cigar aficionado in your life, Heights Cigar Lounge is the perfect spot to find a large selection of cigars, as well as accessories like cutters, storage boxes and humidors, and lighters. Clueless about cigars? The knowledgeable staff can steer you in the right direction, or you can buy a gift card and let the recipient pick out their own cigars. You can also stay and enjoy your purchases on-site in a comfy leather recliner, if cigars are verboten at your house. Whether you stay for a stogie or get your items and go, you’ll leave smelling strongly of cigar smoke, so be expecting that. Heights Cigar Lounge is at 240 West 19th.
EMERSON ROSE
If you love Houston and can appreciate how important tacos are in life (pro tip: they are very important), then you will appreciate the amazing boutique Emerson Rose! Stop by Emerson Rose at 350 W 19th Street and find the perfect selection of chic and trendy gifts. Emerson Rose is known for fun graphic tees, forward-thinking fashion, and Texan-themed home decor, perfect for your favorite Houstonian. If you spot a gift this season that is fresh and unforgettable… It’s probably from Emerson Rose! Circa Real Estate is just a door down from Emerson Rose, and believe me, they know all of us by name. The only downfall of working on 19th Street…. The AMAZING shopping! Emerson Rose is no exception.
ECLECTIC HOME
Eclectic Home is located at 345 W 19th Street in the middle of the historic 19th Street. But don’t let the word historic mislead you! Eclectic Home provides all of the home décor needs you may need to create a modern, luxurious, feel for your home. Whether you need large staple pieces, or small finishing touches, Eclectic Home is committed to making your home fit your vision. Stop by their store and chat with one of their friendly staff members, who will be happy to show you how to bring your dream home to life!
BIG BLUE WHALE
A call-back to the old toy stores of time past, Big Blue Whale is one of the brightest stores on 19th Street. This store specializes in providing the best current and vintage toys and games for the little ones in your life. With so many colors, textures, and fun displays, you will immediately filled with childlike splendor as soon as you walk in the door. You will always be greeted by one of their friendly staff members, who are all dedicated to finding you the perfect gift guaranteed to make the child in your life (or within you!) smile. Big Blue Whale is located at 237 W 19th Street.
Erica DelGardo Jewelry Designs
Thinking of a Christmas gift that comes with wedding bells? Or trying to find something classy and unique for your spouse? Look no further: Erica DelGardo Jewelry Designs has a beautiful collection of rings, necklaces, and more—with just the right amount of sparkle. A staple in the jewelry business on 19th Street since 2007, Erica DelGardo has handcrafted jewelry that will put stars in your eyes. And their engagement ring collection is completely customizable, so you can be sure when you say “I do,” the ring on your wife’s hand is as unique and special as she is. Find Erica DelGardo Jewelry Designs at 329 W 19th Street.
AG ANTIQUES
Looking for something original or a little out of the box? Don’t be afraid to try visiting an antique store for that one-of-a-kind Christmas gift! One of our favorites is AG Antiques located at 313 W 19th Street. AG Antiques is nestled in a large open space in the middle of Historic 19th Street. Their large space is completely filled with historic gems just begging to be the centerpiece of your next home, office, or studio! From furniture to art to home accessories, you can find the perfect gift for the person you love this holiday season.
Of course, these are only a few of our favorite local Christmas shopping spots. There are way too many to talk about each one! With such a variety of interesting and unique local boutiques, who needs Amazon Prime?
And if you’re on 19th Street, don’t forgot to stop by and say hi! We are located in the Circa Real Estate office at 350 W 19th Street. We’d love to talk about anything Heights!
Resource: Go to Shop 19th Street‘s website to see a full list of companies on 19th Street. And happy shopping!