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
Thrive & Inspire: Working with Seniors — ‘America’s Best’ — a Joy for Medicare Expert Justin White

Justin White, Founder of Senior Health Services

WHAT IS THE secret to running a successful business? First, you have to have a mission that you care about. I absolutely love helping people understand Medicare! Secondly, I have always succeeded because the agents I work with know that I care for them and truly want them to succeed. I love developing leaders and watching them soar! If I help them get where they want to be, I will never need to worry about me! We all rise together.

Keep Reading Show less

LeBrina Jackson

AS WE GET into the holiday season, we’re reminded of what we have, what we want and what might be lacking. As Sheryl Crow says in her song, Soak up the Sun, “It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you've got.” We caught up with LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, Texas, and learned how she tackles the holiday season with hope, love and most importantly, gratitude.

Keep Reading Show less

Paella Valenciana at Mi Luna

THOUGH IT'S BEEN in Houston less than a decade, Sof Hospitality has made major inroads with foodies and critics alike. Its concepts include Doris Metropolitan, Hamsa and Badolina Bakery, all of which deliver the rich flavors of Israeli cuisine in complex, photogenic and delicious dishes. Its newest, Októ, opened earlier this year, one of several energetic restaurants to bow in the Montrose Collective, just in time for the holidays.

Keep Reading Show less
Food