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
Leadership in Action: John Kuykendall Traded Newcaster Dream for Success in Luxury Retail

John Kuykendall, Showroom Manager, Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove

How did you get to where you are today? Growing up I had envisioned myself as a news anchor, living in NY and enthusiastically saying into the camera “Good Morning America!”. To this day, I am still a news/political junkie. My mother owned fur salons so specialty retail, luxury retail was in my blood through the family business. Eventually, mom shuttered the stores and I was recruited to a large specialty retailer. Over the next 30 years, I was in commissioned sales on the sales floor, became a department manager, worked my way up to buyer and store manager. Although I never became a newscaster, I did live in NYC for a few years. But Texas is home and with aging grandparents, I felt the pull to come back to my roots. A headhunter approached me. I never envisioned myself in the high-end appliance market, but there are so many similarities. Clients want a memorable experience; whether shopping for diamonds and fur or remodeling their kitchen.

Keep Reading Show less

THE CORINTHIAN WAS the scene for a haunted happening benefiting Children’s Museum Houston. The decidedly adult bash was filled with dark allure, gothic glamour, and generosity to the tune of $1.14 million, the second-highest total in the event’s history.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

Morris Smith, Tilman Fertitta and Toni Smith

THE HOUSTON CHILDREN'S Charity gala is always anticipated, thanks to the big-deal musical acts brought in to entertain; this year it was Chicago. But the headliners this year were the generous donors, who seemed to surprise even event organizer with their largesse, with a total till of $6.2 million, a record.

Keep Reading Show less
Party People