'Tis the season of gift giving and family gatherings. And like the different personalities that make up a family, everybody on your list seems to want something different.
It’s difficult, we get it. But instead of stuffing store-bought cards with gift cards and cash, we’ve got a few other ideas for you. We’ve put together a holiday gift guide, made up of products from North Texas’ startups. We’ve got a little something for everyone.
For the Food Lover
Rakkasan Tea Company was founded by a military veteran who was looking for a way to help the communities he had seen ravaged by war. Their solution was to source teas from war-torn regions from around the globe. With everything from green teas, to blacks and whites, there’s a flavor for everyone. A 1.2-ounce jar costs between about $12 to $15. And if there’s someone on your list who like a little of everything, Rakkasan has sampler packs starting at about $18.
Not a big tea fan? How about coffee then? Plano-based NuZee has apparently been quite popular, as the company filed for an IPO last month. With three brands – NuZee, Coffee Blenders and Twin Peaks – the startup has all your java needs. A 12-ounce bag of whole beans runs about $10, while a pack of single-serve pods costs $5.99.
For the Health Conscious
A quick drive down pretty much any street in North Texas will show that CBD is one of the larger health and wellness products of the year. However, unlike the CBD found at convenience stores and head shops, Pebble sees itself as more of a biopharmaceutical company. The startup offers tested, organic, pesticide-free, full-spectrum CBD products. Selling oils, soft gels and topical creams, a sampler pack of Pebble’s products cost between $129 and $384.
For the Fashion-Forward
Consistently ranked as one of the top startups to watch in DFW, DeadSoxy makes designer socks for men and women. The brand features high-quality materials with vibrant and quirky colors. They also have dress socks and some swag for the holidays. A six-pack of dress socks costs $132, while a six-pack of no-show socks and goes for $84.
This Fort Worth startup was founded in 2015 by a husband and wife team. The company, which sells razors and other shaving accessories, recently came to local fame, after landing a $300,000 investment on "Shark Tank." One of Supply’s razors costs between $75 and $95, while a starter kit that comes with the razor, as well as shaving cream, a brush and post-shave ointment costs $125.
Maybe someone on your list is a little more into sports. Then, check out Dallas’ FanPrint. The company has been featured in places like ESPN and Forbes. FanPrint produces officially-licensed sportswear for fans of pretty much any sport and any team. Most t-shirts cost around $30. If that person on your list is super picky, they can even create their own designs on FanPrint’s website.
For the Home
We all know that person who is constantly working on a home project. Dallas-based Roomored has got the tech to help. The startup created a 3D visualization and design platform that allows users to test designs, furniture and colors in any room of their house, using their smartphone. Roomored makes the renovating process an immersive, easy experience.
EMist is a maker of disinfectant application technology based in Fort Worth. The startup uses electrostatic tech to create disinfectant spray products that adhere better to any surface, while also reducing cost and water usage. The company announced its newest product, the EPIX360, which puts the technology into a cordless, hand-held device. The product is currently available for pre-order, with shipments going out at the beginning of 2020. The EPIX 360 will cost about $1,495.
For the Traveler
Flyght Club was created by a frequent business traveler for fellow travelers. The startup’s app allows travelers to track flights, pre-order food at the airport, network with other passengers and it will be adding duty-free shopping to its features soon. Flyght Club’s platform is compatible with both Apple and Android operating systems.
Dallas’ own local rideshare company, Alto operates differently than other giants in the industry. The company focuses on its passenger’s safety as much as it does on the welfare of its employees. Alto’s fleet is company-owned, with a number of passenger safety features, and its drivers are all W-2 employees of the company. Alto operates on a membership system, which costs about $15 per month. Due to the smaller fleet size, Alto’s average wait time is about 10 to 15 minutes. However the company says this allows users to plan ahead and to help limit the environmental impact of the company.
Still Not Sure?
5miles is a Dallas-based free marketplace for residents to buy and sell “pre-loved” items. The startups platform sells everything from jewelry and home goods to vehicles. There’s not much that can’t be found on there. Users bid on products, similar to eBay. In most cases, shipping is free.
Plano-based neighborhood goods has been taking off and changing the concept of retail. The company, which has a physical storefront in the Legacy West development, recently announced it would be opening a third store in Austin, after completing work on a New York location. The company also landed an $11 million Series A funding round in September. Neighborhood Goods offers shoppers a curated, rotating selection of products, in addition to eating and dining space.
