Still Social: Pick-Me-Ups to Send to Loved Ones

Greeting card from Space
Greeting card from Space

There’s a sentiment floating around on social media and in podcasts these days, that “social distancing” is a misnomer; rather, we should be practicing physical distancing, and social togetherness. Staying in touch via video chats and virtual book clubs has proven popular and crucial to maintaining good mental health. During this time, Houston’s small businesses are making it easy to have a purposeful pick-me-up delivered to loved ones. Here are a handful of happy gifts to give — for Passover, Easter or just-because.


Michael’s Cookie Jar 

Who doesn’t love a sweet treat? Have a decorating kit delivered to friends with kiddos (or to those who are kids at heart!). There’s an Easter one, with pretty pastel icing and sprinkles in tiny to-go containers; and an emoji-themed kit with piping colors to add funny faces to delicious yellow-iced cookies. ($20 each, plus a $4 delivery fee within 7 miles of its Weslayan storefront)

Gingersnaps 3

Gingersnaps, Etc. 

For the first time, The Center for Pursuit has taken its gingersnap fundraiser to the web! Order gingersnaps and “cheesesnaps,” along with other cookies, via the Nutcracker Market’s virtual marketplace through the end of the month. Proceeds will benefit The Center’s mission to provide avenues of choice, growth and personal independence for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To date, the organization’s Gingersnaps Etc. project has raised more than $5 million!

Joybox 

Innovative local florist Joybox will ship your Mother’s Day orders anywhere in the country — and is offering 20 percent off with the code SHIPPING20.

Greeting card from SpaceGreeting card from Space

Space 

This funky Montrose gift shop will ship anywhere in the United States. Too-perfect and memeable cards include ones that say “Sorry your birthday’s in April,” and “If I had a bubble suit, I’d be there in a heartbeat.”

Christina Greene

Local jewelry designer Christina Greene has created a delicate everyday piece called the True Star necklace. Fifty percent of proceeds from the sales of this item will go toward the CDC Foundation, which helps ensure that frontline workers have the supplies and testing materials needed to fight COVID-19. Have one sent to a health hero or loved one!

AT TOP: Texas Belle box from Joybox

Dispatches
‘Natural Passion’ Makes Fourth-Gen Houstonian Sarah Callaway Sulma a Realty Star

AS A FOURTH-generation Houstonian, Sarah Callaway Sulma has a unique and invaluable view of the city. Her deep seated connection to Houston led her down the path to becoming one the city's most well-respected, and renowned real estate agents. Sarah's natural passion for the real estate industry from a young age led her to where she is today. "I know that it sounds cheesy, but it is the truth! I wanted to be in real estate from a young age," Sarah shares. "The late-great restaurateur, Tony Vallone, put me together with real estate legend, Martha Turner, and Martha put me together with Cathy Cagle. The rest is history-13 years of success and counting!" Now with over 13 years in real estate and $55M+ in residential real estate sales, Sarah brings a rare combination of knowledge, skill, and advocacy to each one of her clients.

Keep ReadingShow less

THE LATEST RESTAURANT to make a splash in H-Town: Balboa Surf Club is Western Addition Restaurant Group’s first seafood concept among its three other restaurants. The Dallas-based company is building on the success of its neighboring sister, Italian-themed Il Bracco, located in Post Oak Plaza. Named after Balboa Island off the coast of California, Balboa Surf Club aims to be the lighter option with vacation-vibes.

Keep ReadingShow less
Food

A rendering of the aerial view of Lynn Wyatt Square

THE DOWNTOWN THEATER District is about to experience a transformation, with the long anticipated grand opening of Lynn Wyatt Square for the Performing Arts (LWS). Located within a “square” created by Texas avenue and Capitol, Smith and Louisiana streets, and flanked north and east by the Alley Theatre and Jones Hall, the beautifully designed, $26.5 million green space has it all: a flexible performance lawn for concerts, a cascading fountain, one-of-a-kind rockers and tête-à-tête seating, and plenty of accessible entries to its promenades and gardens. Wyatt made a $10 million gift toward the project, and Downtown Redevelopment Authority, Houston First, and numerous foundations funded the rest. LWS will be fully open to the public beginning Friday, Sept. 22.

Keep ReadingShow less
Art + Entertainment