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Compiled By INSITE STAFF
“ The stockings were hung by the chimney with care …”
— in hopes that Santa would stuff ‘ em with lots of good loot ! We ’ ve ditched the annual standbys — boring ol ’ socks , notepads , and lip balms and traditional mandarin oranges , walnuts , and dreaded lumps of coal — to bring you some outside-the-gift-box ideas . After all , sometimes the best presents come in small packages and make for the biggest surprises — and perhaps one or two will even knock their socks off !
Dot and Dash Necklace
Even if you ’ re not an Aggie , you might find something special for your someone special at this store that ’ s all about Texas A & M . The shop carries personalized jewelry from Austin-based company Dot and Dash Design using tiny beads to spell out single words and short phrases in Morse Code . Strung on thin goldplated chains , these delicate necklaces sport the names of 13 sororities as well as a few other A & M- isms , such as “ Big ,” “ Little ,” “ Howdy ,” “ Whoop ,” and “ Gig ‘ em .” For the non-Aggies in your life , our favorite is “ Hero ” — for that extraordinary person who always goes above and beyond . And of course , you can hardly go wrong with sharing , simply , “ I love you .” $ 42.99 ; silver and custom options available at dotanddashdesign . com .
Aggieland Outfitters 303 University Drive East , College Station ( 979 ) 703-1848 aggielandoutfitters . com
Book-Tails Bookmarks
These furry critter place holders can help make storytime more snuggly and keep youngsters company while they practice their reading skills . The soft and squishy stuffed animal heads are connected to tails with a long braid and can fit between the pages of almost any-sized book . There are six animals to choose from , each sporting a pair of golden spectacles , including a magical unicorn , a lazy sloth , a friendly corgi , and a cuddly cat . This independent bookstore sells new and used books , and a slew of novelties related to each genre . The store is easy to spot with its colorful awning painted like a bookshelf , and customers are oftentimes greeted by Dobby , the owners ’ sweet , four-legged pup , as they walk through the door . Ages 5 and up . $ 7.99 .
Muddy Water Bookstore 120 E . Washington Avenue , Navasota ( 936 ) 900-4662 muddywaterbooks . com
NICOLE SHAIR
DOT AND DASH DESIGN
10 November / December 2021