Bubble Lounge Holiday Gift Guide
Curated Local Favorites from the Park Cities
This holiday season, we're celebrating what makes Highland Park and University Park so special—the incredible local businesses that line our shopping centers with unique treasures you won't find anywhere else.
Supporting small means more than just checking off your gift list; it keeps our neighborhoods thriving, our economy strong, and our community beautifully curated with one-of-a-kind finds. Head to @bubbleloungepodcast (Instagram) for your chance to win our ultimate Bubble Lounge Holiday Giveaway featuring 10 of our favorite local spots—winner announced December 12th.
Be sure to visit and support these businesses whether you win or not, they're what make our community truly special.
The Gold Standard in Dallas Fine Dining
Al Biernat's holds a special place in my heart for celebrations and memorable evenings. The moment you walk in, you feel the warmth, the impeccable service, and consistently exceptional food. Whether it's an anniversary dinner or hosting guests from out of town, Al Biernat's never disappoints. It's one of those rare restaurants that truly represents the best of Highland Park.
About Al Biernat’s
Since opening in 1998, Al Biernat’s has established itself as Dallas’s premier steakhouse, built on a foundation of impeccable service, exceptional cuisine, and genuine hospitality.
Recently recognized as #43 on the World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants in North America for 2025, this Dallas institution continues to draw guests from around the globe with its perfectly prepared steaks, elegant atmosphere, and the warm, family-oriented service that has become its hallmark.
Main character energy, but make it cozy
What I love about Avara is that their pieces are always fun, bright, and perfectly on-trend for the season. In the summer, I shop their beautiful dresses and easy, lightweight tops that pair effortlessly with jeans. And for the holidays, I’m obsessed with the new Winter Collection—especially the Bailey White Pearl Sweater.
About Avara
At 41, Emily Wickard walked away from a 20 year career in Corporate Finance to follow her passion. She knew nothing about the fashion industry, so she googled 'how to start an online boutique'. She worked harder than she ever had before but loved every day of it - from selecting styles to packing orders in her spare bedroom.
Today, she works with an amazing team of 70 employees who are passionate about Avara and providing the BEST shopping experience for her customers!
Advanced Whole-Body Wellness & Aesthetics in Dallas
What makes Body Lounge Park Cities stand out is their whole-body wellness approach with a glow-up twist: performance, longevity, recovery, and confidence all in the same place. Whether you need an IV boost, skin rejuvenation, hormone support, or help getting back to pain-free movement, their team makes it feel approachable and personalized—never cookie-cutter.
About Body Lounge Park Cities
A boutique wellness and aesthetics clinic in Dallas offering advanced treatments from regenerative medicine and chiropractic care to weight-loss support and hormone optimization—all designed to help you recover faster and move through life with more ease and energy.
Effortless Luxury
My go-to for hair is always Era Salon. I can walk in knowing I’m going to leave feeling like the best version of myself. My hair always looks healthier, brighter, and so much more polished. They really take the time to listen to what I want, then tailor the cut, color, and styling so it fits my vibe and my everyday routine, because I need it to look good even when I’m doing the bare minimum. It’s the kind of place where you feel taken care of, and your hair comes out camera ready every single time.
About ERA Salon
Maleiah Rogers is a hair industry veteran who discovered her passion early and refined her craft at Toni & Guy and Jose Eber Salon. She founded ERA to inspire women and blend Old Hollywood glamour with modern-day chic.
The kind of quality you can actually taste
Okay, put this on your radar! Forum Meat Company cares about doing things the right way. Everything feels intentional, from the quality of the meat to the way they show up for the chefs, restaurants, and communities they serve. It’s one of those places where you just trust what you’re getting, because the people behind it are passionate, knowledgeable, and genuinely proud of their craft. My family’s favorite cut is the Boneless Ribeye Steak, which now ships its chef-trusted, premium cuts direct to your door, expertly portioned and packaged so you can cook restaurant-quality meat at home with zero guesswork.
About Forum Meat Company
Forum Meat Company was founded on the belief that people make the difference. Led by owners and managers Todd Winn and Walter Wilkerson, the company is built around a team of experienced, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic professionals who bring real value to the clients and establishments they serve.
Holiday magic makers
Whenever I want the season to feel instantly more festive, I go straight to Holidays in Bloom. Relatively new to Snider Plaza, they have already established themselves as a rare gem that just gets it. The holiday décor is stunning, the florals are always beautifully done, and somehow everything feels warm and elevated at the same time. Whether I’m dressing up my home or grabbing a festive touch for a party or a gift, they make it easy to create that cozy, magical holiday vibe.
About Holidays in Bloom
Holidays in Bloom is a Snider Plaza floral and décor shop known for beautifully crafted seasonal florals and holiday styling. From statement arrangements to festive décor pieces, they help bring warmth, joy, and celebration to homes and gatherings with designs that feel both timeless and special.
Global finds, perfectly curated
If there’s one place I trust for that “where did you get that?” outfit moment, it’s Kat + Noelle. Shannon is known for curating pieces the fun way, traveling to international markets and hand-selecting elevated finds you don’t see everywhere. Everything feels thoughtfully chosen, so shopping is inspiring instead of overwhelming, and I always leave with something that feels special.
About Kat + Noelle
Kat + Noelle is a ready-to-wear boutique featuring curated global brands, founded by owner Shannon Jud. After leaving Corporate America to pursue her passion for fashion and personal style, Shannon built a family-owned shop named after her daughters’ middle names. The boutique reflects a blend of heart, creativity, and business savvy, with a focus on thoughtfully selected pieces sourced from markets around the world.
Formalwear made easy
Put this on your list for any black-tie or special-event season: Mister Tuxedo is my go-to for getting my husband and son looking sharp without the stress. Whether we’re heading to a wedding, a gala, or a big school event, they make the whole process simple with rentals, easy fittings, and all the finishing touches in one place. And the best part is the experience feels old-school in the best way, personal, detail-oriented, and genuinely helpful, so I know they’ll walk out looking confident and perfectly put together.
About Mister Tuxedo
A Park Cities staple since 1955, Mister Tuxedo has provided quality formalwear to generations of Dallasites. They offer both retail and rental tuxedos, along with fine gentlemen’s gifts and accessories. Family owned and operated in Snider Plaza, Mister Tuxedo is known for personal service, expertise, and attention to detail, with an on-site tailor for same-day rentals and alterations, plus outside tailoring when needed. Their goal is to exceed expectations and ensure customers look their best for life’s most important moments.
Your quickest reset button
Unwind Massage Lounge is my secret weapon for those days when I'm maxed out but can't carve out two hours for a spa. I walk in whenever I need to, choose my session length, maybe throw in an upgrade, and sink into their zero-gravity chairs with no need to worry about leaving with flat hair or smudged makeup. It's the kind of quick reset that actually delivers, whether I'm dealing with post-gym soreness or just the weight of a full week. Last minute gift ideas, do the Unwind Gift Card!
About Unwind Massage Lounge
Located in Snider Plaza, Unwind Massage Lounge offers a simple, sanitary, and seriously relaxing experience using advanced zero-gravity massage chairs. Guests choose their preferred massage length and optional enhancements, then enjoy a refreshing eucalyptus towel before settling into a chair designed to cradle the body and deliver a thorough, targeted massage. Each chair is fully sanitized after every use with eco-friendly disinfectants, and guests wear thin nylon socks for added hygiene, making it an easy option whether you’re coming from the office or the gym.
Spa luxury without the attitude
I'm not big on places that make you feel like you need to whisper or prove you belong—which is why I'm excited Viva Day Spa + Med Spa just opened in Dallas. Located off Preston Road near Tootsie's, it brings that elevated-but-never-stuffy vibe I've been craving. Everything feels tailored to what your skin actually needs, not some cookie-cutter menu. Check out their website for amazing Holiday Spa Packages and savings!
About Viva Day Spa + Med Spa
Founded in 2005 with locations across Austin and Round Rock, Viva just brought their no-attitude luxury to Dallas. They blend spa classics like massage and facials with medical-grade treatments, offering both science-backed SkinCeuticals and organic Eminence products in a space that feels serene without being pretentious.