CRP’S 2014 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Hark! The holiday season is upon us, and once again, it snuck its way through the back door while we weren’t looking. Luckily, we have a few aces up our sleeves this year. Amidst the hustle and bustle, we give you the gift of simplicity: CRP’s 2014 Holiday Gift Guide. Bias aside, we are fortunate to work alongside brands who offer some of the most gift-able ideas for everyone on your list. Here are some of our top picks this year:

Movies (and Cookies) on the Lawn

Nestled in Houston’s River Oaks neighborhood, Tiny Boxwoods started as a nursery and grew into one of the most celebrated restaurant concepts in the city. To complement their hand-crafted menu and extensive wine collection, the restaurant’s beautiful venue doubles as a date night oasis. And every Saturday night from now until the end of December, you can treat your Mrs. Claus to Movies on the Lawn. Just remember to BYOB (bring your own blanket), grab a chocolate chip cookie, and enjoy.

Southern-Style Pecan Pie

When it comes to pies, we are big believers that the classics are the best. And nothing beats a Goode Co. Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie. The Houston-based barbecue joint has been selling them for decades, and they are considered a holiday staple on Christmas lists nation-wide. Packaged in a beautiful engraved wooden box, it will make your loved ones, neighbors, and clients alike thank their lucky stars they were on your “nice” list this year.

Mouth-watering Macarons

Voted as two of the “The 10 Best Macarons in Houston” by the Houston Press, Macaron by Patisseand Common Bond offer the lightest, most delectable macarons you’ve ever tasted. These beautifully crafted specialty desserts make the perfect hostess gift or stocking stuffer. And the best part: no gift wrap necessary.

As seen in the Houston Press.

The Perfect Pairing

Simple & Crisp’s organic dried fruit crisps are a must-have for the social foodie in your life. We love the creative potential that every crisp holds – whether used as a fun cocktail twist on your traditional Manhattan, a serving vessel for mini apple tarts, or a cracker alternative on your holiday cheese plate, the possibilities are endless. Pair one of these beautiful cartons with a recipe card hangtag, and give the gift of inspiration.

As seen in Martha Stewart Living, Oprah Magazine, and The Today Show.

Adventurous Desserts

The brain child of award-winning chocolatier Autumn Martin, Hot Cakes’ line of organic desserts offers an indulgent gift-giving experience that you can truly feel good about. With dry-burnt caramel sauces made “the old school way,” smoked chocolate chips, confections, and a S’mores Kit featuring hand-made marshmallows, each is made with organic ingredients, sourced locally, and meant to be enjoyed wherever, whenever. Staying true to the brand’s Pacific Northwest roots, the signature Molten Chocolate Cakes come with a “field guide” for baking in an oven, on a wood stove, or even by campfire. The unexpected flavors and unique concepts are perfect for the adventurous foodie with a wild side.

As seen on The Today Show.

High-Voltage Accessories

For Teslafans, the innovative electric car company now offers an exclusive line of apparel and accessories. Using the same supple, automotive-grade leather used in Tesla interiors, the Design Collection features classic leather goods that perfectly complement the luxury experience of driving a Model S. The selection ranges from driving gloves and duffle bags to wallets and hand bags, and is as sleek as it is functional.

Royale Apparel

Known for their tongue-in-cheek wit and unapologetically indulgent cupcakes & ice cream, Seattle-based Cupcake Royale is definitely on our “naughty but nice” list. For that Betty Rocker cousin of yours, we suggest a one-two punch: a limited edition custom T-shirt and Cupcaking Kit. After all, it “does a booty good.”

As seen in Real Simple Magazine.

Cookies & Cocoa

We are in love with how Sur La Table’s holiday collection turned out this year. Featuring exclusive Sur La Table designs produced by CRP, their line of baking accessories and dinnerware are the perfect accents for the best room in the house: the kitchen. But you’d better act fast – we hear this collection is flying off the shelves quicker than you can say “St. Nick.”

The Perfect Polish

This tool is one of the hottest things to hit manicures since the nail file.Julep’s Plié Wandallows you to paint nails with your non-dominant hand with greater precision and ease. Plus, the company has an amazing mission: a percentage of proceeds goes to organizations that support and empower women, including The Malala Fund, Girl Up (United Nations Girls Education Fund), and the Washington Anti-Trafficking Response.

As seen on Good Morning America.

Think Pink

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness, luxury designer Elaine Turneris holding a year-long Breast Cancer Awareness campaign through September 2015, as part of the Elaine Turner Gives initiative. Proceeds from this beautiful leather wrap bracelet are donated to the Cancer Support Community. Packaged in a beautiful ivory pouch and matching pink and gold bag, this is a gift that keeps on giving.

Fish Stories for Life

Inspired by the book written by Yvonne Chouinard and noted fly fishermen Mauro Mazzo and Craig Mathews, Patagonia’s Simple Fly Fishing Kit is the perfect gift for the aspiring fisherman (or woman) in the family. Along with the book, it comes complete with everything you need to catch the perfect trout: a Tenkara style rod, pack of 12 flies, line and leader, and quick set-up guide. Available in three different rod sizes, you could have the whole family telling fish stories next Christmas.

As seen in Outdoor MagazineandEsquire.