10 gifts for finicky family members and friends

by Neely Stoller

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Shop local, shop often.

You’re in the giving spirit this holiday, sure, but what should you give? We nosed around shops in Dallas-Fort Worth to find gifts for even the most finicky of family members. You’ll be sure to come out with thoughtful gifts that will bring a little joy to your world.

For the dad who has everything: gift card to the Boardroom Salon for men: Dads are tough to shop for because they tend to buy the things they want. What they seldom buy, however, is a little down time. The Boardroom offers haircuts, shaves, and massages in a “dude” setting. Dad can hang by the flat screen TV or play a game of pool while he waits. 8 locations in DFW, with another opening in Fort Worth in December. www.theboardroomsalon.com.

For your sweet grandma: scarves, slippers, or home décor from Francesca’s Collections: Grandma loves whatever you get her, but this year, get her something she didn’t know she wanted. Francesca’s has a store full of homey wall decorations with catchy sayings, plus jewelry, purses, and slippers. 11 locations in DFW. www.francescas.com.

For your sassy neighbor: a snazzy trinket from Swoozie’s: File this under “gifts to keep on hand in case so-and-so drops by unexpectedly with a present.” At Swoozie’s, you’ll find monogrammed everything, fun cocktail napkins, personalized wine glasses, and kitschy ornaments. Items in Swoozie’s feel one-of-a-kind, but trust us, buy two. Mrs. Smith across the street already has your present wrapped and under her perfectly manicured tree. 8417 Preston Center Plaza in Dallas. www.swoozies.com.

For your trendy cousin: threads from Impeccable Pig: She has style, she has flair, but maybe she doesn't have the perfect New Year’s dress yet. Check out Impeccable Pig with locations in Southlake, University Park, and Plano for affordable dresses that are trendy, fun and unique. She’ll never find someone else wearing her dress at a party if you buy from the Pig. 3 locations in DFW. www.theimpeccablepig.com.

For your boss on the go: fancy office supplies from The Write Selection: Stay on your boss’ good side through the New Year. Stop by the Write Selection in Preston Royal Village and select a new planner in a fun pattern, personalized stationary to write thank you notes, or a set of invitations for his or her holiday party. Maybe you’ll even get an invite. 6025 Royal Lane in Dallas. www.writeselection.net.

For the mom who needs a break: a day (or an hour) at the Four Seasons Spa in Irving: Mom needs a break. Thank the mom in your life – whether it’s a friend who just had a little one, or your own mom – with a spa day at the Four Seasons Resort and Club. Simple “therapy baths” are just $30, whereas a healing hot stone massage is $195. Find the right package for the mom in your life. 4150 North MacArthur Boulevard in Irving. www.fourseasons.com/dallas/spa

For your spunky niece: a nail party at The Shops at Willow Bend mall: Let’s say your niece is 9 years old. She’s growing into her personality, and maybe she’s a little precocious. Take her to Sweet and Sassy at The Shops at Willow Bend and let her have a day of nails, hair, or makeup with a dash of glitter. She deserves a little TLC, and she’ll think you’re the Coolest. Relative. Ever. 6121 W. Park Blvd. in Plano, with other locations in Southlake and Garland.

For a friend who can’t cook: culinary class at Central Market: Careful here: If your friend thinks she can cook and can’t, find another gift. If she’s a big fan of Top Chef but always says she could never make those dishes in her own kitchen, splurge on cooking lessons at Central Market. The knowledgeable staff makes complicated dishes seem simple, and they will certainly be tasty. Go for a hands-on class so your friend can really see how to do it herself. 5 locations in DFW. www.centralmarket.com.

For your musician friend: go to a concert at Good Records on Greenville Ave.: We all know that guy who refuses to buy music. He has most certainly heard of Good Records, a vinyl store on Greenville Avenue. But take it a step further: Pick a day where one of his favorite local bands is playing an in-store show. Offer to go with him – after all, he’s been trying to drag you to concerts for years – and when he picks out a vinyl or two, pick up the tab. Your local musicians will thank you. 1808 Lower Greenville Ave. in Dallas. www.goodrecords.com.

For anyone who’s “a Mac”: back-up iPhone battery from J.Crew: An oh-so-stylish portable back-up battery for the iPhone is just what your fashionable friend needs. (It’s compatible with 3GS, 4, and 4S.) It comes in pink, polka dot, and leopard print for $39.50, perfect for when your Apple-savvy friend hasn’t been plugged in for a few hours. All those Instagrammed photos sure do eat up the battery life. 8 locations in DFW. www.jcrew.com.

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