Gift Guide: Happy Owlidays!

Fall 2025
By Tracey Rhoades

While the weather may not seem holiday-like just yet, it’s not too early to start thinking about the perfect gift or experience for family and friends. For the second year, we’ve collected a few gift ideas from Rice alumni-owned businesses to alleviate some of the guesswork.

In search of “cheesy” — and delectable — gifts? Then plan a visit to Houston Dairymaids where proprietor Lindsey Schechter ’99 carries over 150 handmade cheeses, many from Texas cheesemakers, and features daily tastings. An 18-year-old venture, the shop offers cheese and charcuterie boards, local honey, olives and cured meats, and a Cheese of the Month Club, which is a perfect way to taste a variety of cheeses. See all that’s available, including gift cards, at houstondairymaids.com.

As the all-time Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo wine competition record holder for most wins, Ryan Levy ’97, co-owner of Nice Winery, knows vines. Certified sommeliers and trained chefs, Levy and his partner, Ian Eastveld, source grapes from their four domestic and international estate vineyards. With 30-plus unique wines and robust events from two-hour tasting classes to four-course winemaker paired dinners, there’s plenty of wine and experiences for novices to aficionados. Gift cards are available, including a $175 all-inclusive card for a multisensory six wine and culinary experience for two. Visit nicewines.com and see all that the Houston-based winery and vineyard has to offer.

Houston’s Kidcreate Studio shines as a vibrant hub for aspiring artists ages 18 months to 12 years. Owned by Rice MBA graduate Brian Collins ’20 and his wife, Jennifer, this ARTrageous studio offers a variety of engaging classes, camps and workshops designed to spark creativity. Passionate instructors guide kids through exciting projects like glow-in-the-dark art, slime-making and clay sculpting, and the studio also offers Art Programs on the Go — perfect for schools and organizations wanting to bring creativity to any location. Or schedule a customized birthday party, tailored to any theme, and ensure an unforgettable celebration. To discover the magic of art and purchase gift cards or family memberships, check out kidcreate.com/houston.
 

At Establo Blanco, Rice Business grad Shane Clark ’21 and his wife are passionate about crafting the purest products from candles and hand-painted decorative soap to organic body scrubs and moisturizers. The single- and double-wick candles are made of a vegan blend of wax — paraben-, phthalate- and carcinogen-free. An array of scents, floral to earthy, make choosing the perfect combination easy. Handblown glass and vessels with glass cloches make Establo Blanco’s candles attractive additions to any décor. For the full range of products and to read about the causes Establo Blanco supports, go to establoblanco.com.