Guests often ask where to buy Texas souvenirs or Houston gifts so they can share a piece of Houston with their loved ones. Here are the best gifts to bring home from your Houston adventure.
Do you have out-of-town guests looking for “Texan” food? Check out the Lodgeur Guide to dining like a cowboy, with awesome choices for everyone from your drinking buddies to your mom.
A trip to Houston isn’t complete without stopping by Buc-ee’s, the famous Texas-sized convenience store. We start with Bucc-ee’s because you can probably pick up all of your gifts in one store.
Known for its clean restrooms and enormous selection of snacks, Buc-ee’s is basically a massive gift shop that is open 24/7/365 and has pretty quick check out lines:
Buc-ee’s also has a pretty large selection of bbq, sandwiches, salads and ready-to-go food. It’s the next generation of Cracker Barrel.
Anvil Cards, a beloved greeting card store in Houston, offers a wide selection of locally crafted cards, gifts, and souvenirs. Located near Rice Village, this cozy shop features quirky cards and gift wrap, all made in Houston. Among their unique offerings are Houston-themed Christmas and Hanukkah cards, graphic T-shirts by local artists, and funky gifts like succulents in Topo Chico bottles. The store also carries a variety of Houston-themed items such as enamel pins, hats, and art prints, making it a perfect spot for finding special, locally-inspired souvenirs.
Pro tip: Find the trendy “HOU hats” at Anvil.
For the cat enthusiasts in your life, El Gato Cat Cafe is your best bet. You can find stylish hats, shirts, leggings, enamel pins, and home decor pieces for your favorite cat lady. Look for Houston-themed gifts celebrating the “Catstros”. El Gato sells tickets to play with the cats, do yoga with them or paint with them. El Gato supports animal adoption.
Houston is home to the Johnson Space Center, making NASA-themed souvenirs a top choice for visitors. The Space Center Houston gift shop offers an array of items perfect for space enthusiasts. You can find astronaut costumes, astronaut ice cream, replicas of the Apollo 11 mission patch and models of spacecraft. T-shirts, mugs and hats are popular.
Pro Tip: If you can’t make it to NASA, some local Walmarts also carry NASA merchandise.
Houston’s barbecue scene is legendary, and bringing home a taste of it is easier than you think. BBQ rubs are a fantastic souvenir that packs well and brings a burst of Houston flavor to your kitchen. Nearly any grocery store will have a solid selection.
If you’re not worried about packing liquids, head for the salsa section of the grocery store. Pro tip: Salsa is usually near the other condiments because it’s a Texas staple. You won’t find it in the “international” aisle.
For a truly authentic taste of Houston, consider bringing home tortillas from some of the city’s best spots. H-E-B, a major Texas grocery chain, prepares fresh corn tortillas in house daily. You can also visit Ninfa’s (only the original location on Navigation) or Moderno Tacos + Tex-Mex for homemade tortillas. These fresh, soft tortillas are always well received and HEB also sells candles scented like their butter tortillas.
For sports fans, a custom Houston Astros shirt from The Fashion Time Machine is a perfect souvenir. Located steps away from Lodgeur’s Midtown location, you can purchase vintage dress shirts repurposed and customized with Astros fabric and notions. The high-quality shirts are a hit among locals and tourists alike, making them a memorable gift for any baseball enthusiast. Wearing a custom Astros shirt is a great way to show off your Houston pride and support the city’s beloved team.
Sports fans will love bringing home some official merchandise from Houston’s beloved teams: the Rockets (NBA), Astros (MLB), or Texans (NFL). These items are easy to find at any Target store in the city. From jerseys and caps to T-shirts and memorabilia, you can show your support for Houston’s top teams. These gifts are perfect for fans and make for great souvenirs that embody the city’s passionate sports culture. Want to catch a game? Our sports guide is here.
Cacao & Cardamom is a unique chocolatier in Houston that creates handmade confections with high-quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations inspired by owner Annie Rupani’s Pakistani heritage and global travels. They hand-paint each chocolate in vibrant cocoa butter designs and offer a constantly evolving selection of seasonal flavors. There are no preservatives or fillers, so buy these just before you leave.
A popular choice is the Goode Co. Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie. Everyone in Houston knows this iconic dessert, known for its rich, buttery crust and sweet, nutty pecan filling. The pie comes shrink wrapped in a custom wooden box, which looks nice enough to use for corporate clients. Order online or pick one up at a Goode Company restaurant.
For fans of Texas’ prestigious universities, picking up college swag in Houston is a fantastic idea. The city offers merchandise from major institutions like the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, and Rice University. You can find everything from T-shirts and hoodies to caps and accessories at local sports stores, university bookstores, and major retailers like Target and Walmart.
Trader Joe’s and HEB sell Texas-themed reusable bags, which pack well and make great gift bags. Expect to pay $1-2 per bag.
You have to dig a bit deeper for authentic Houston souvenirs, but food, sports and NASA are pretty representative of the Houston vibe. Be sure to check out Lodgeur’s guides to shopping in Rice Village and Midtown.
