Holiday Gift Market

The Holiday Gift Market is open now at the Cultural Center 'Our Texas', running from October 12 through November 12. It's a month-long stretch, and they're open every single day, so you've got plenty of time to swing by without rushing. The market gathers unique ethnic souvenirs and gifts, all handmade and made in keeping with centuries-old traditions. It runs alongside a contemporary art exhibition at the center, so you can walk from the art straight into the shopping.

Inside, you'll find a good mix of traditional Russian crafts. There are handmade toys and individually painted jewelry chests, and an expanded collection of Gzhel—that's the blue-and-white porcelain you've probably seen before. You'll also see Khokhloma wooden tableware, hand-painted in bright colors. If you're into tea, there are sets from some of the big Russian porcelain houses, like the Lomonosov (Imperial) Porcelain Factory and the Dulevo Porcelain Factory. And for the more classic stuff, they've got Tula samovars and matryoshkas—the nesting dolls that most people associate with Russian folk art.

It's a good spot to pick up gifts that aren't from a big-box store, especially if you're looking for something handmade. Since it runs for a full month, you can take your time and come back a few times rather than trying to fit everything into one afternoon. The market is at 2337 Bissonnet St in Houston, and admission is free. On weekdays, it's open 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM, and on Saturdays and Sundays, it's 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.