Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) experiences in life.
From choosing the right venue to finding the perfect way to thank your guests, here’s a full breakdown of everything you need to plan a wedding that’s beautiful, seamless and uniquely yours – including a creative tip for incorporating custom gift baskets that guests will never forget.
Back to School in Houston: A Parent’s Guide to the 2025–2026 Adventure
It’s late July in Houston, and the cicadas are buzzing, the pools are still packed, and the “Back to School” signs are starting to creep into stores, everywhere. For Houston-area families, this time of year signals more than just the end of summer, it’s a season of new beginnings, sharpened pencils, growing kids, and a calendar about to fill up fast.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or sending your little one off to kindergarten for the first time, the 2025–2026 school year brings its own blend of excitement and (let’s be honest) a little chaos. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know to head into the school year feeling organized and ready, oh and hopefully rested too!
And while you’re checking off your school supply lists and labeling school supplies and backpacks, don’t forget the heroes of the classroom – teachers! A thoughtful Welcome Back to School gift basket is a great way to show appreciation and start the year off on a positive note. And in all honesty, it tastes much better than an apple. Whether it’s filled with snacks, school supplies, or a few pampering goodies, a simple gesture can go a long way in saying “thank you” for all they do.
Alright…and now – let the chaos… we mean, organization, begin!
The Big Dates to Know
Susie, a Houston mom of three, marks the school start date on her fridge calendar every year, and in 2025, it’s August 12th for HISD students. “It’s circled in red,” she says. “That’s when the morning scramble officially begins.” So, lookout, August 12th is right around the corner!
For those in HISD:
The To-Dos Before That First Bell Rings
Before the first-day photo in front of the door happens, there’s the not-so-glamorous checklist of forms, shots, and folders to deal with.
Families enrolling in HISD will need:
Most schools now offer online registration, but many still prefer or require in-person verification – especially for new students. If you’re new to the district, don’t wait until the last minute. Lines get long, and no one wants to spend three hours at the registrar’s office in August heat.
Supplies, Deals & Freebies
The Texas Tax-Free Weekend is scheduled for August 8–10, 2025, so you’ll want to shop smart and early. School supply lists can be ultra-specific (yellow, green plastic folders with brads), so double-check your school’s website or reach out to the teacher before buying everything at the Dollar store. In fact, many schools dictate that NO dollar store school supplies.
And if budgeting is tight this year, you’re not alone. There are tons of local school supply giveaways throughout the city:
Routines, Sleep & Sanity
Susie (the Mom of 3) starts shifting bedtime about two weeks before school starts. “My kids have turned into night owls,” she laughs. “If I don’t ease them back, that first week is brutal for everyone”
Experts recommend:
Let’s be honest: it’s not just kids who need to adjust. Parents should prep too, whether it’s streamlining morning coffee routines or laying out outfits the night before.
Beyond the Classroom
Houston ISD continues to offer a wide range of programs, including:
If your child is enrolled in a specialized program or a School Choice option, keep an eye on communication from your campus – orientation dates and supply lists often differ.
Back to School Checklist
Here’s a quick down and dirty hit list to keep things stress-free:
Paperwork
Supplies
Routines
Communication
Birthdays are more than just a date on the calendar—they’re a chance to make someone feel seen, celebrated, and spoiled. Whether you’re shopping for a best friend, coworker, partner, or your always-hard-to-shop-for sibling, a well-crafted gourmet gift basket is the perfect way to say: “Today is all about YOU.”
Birthday Box and Spa Gift baskets are thoughtful, personal, and packed with surprises-and when done right, they feel like a party in a box. Here’s our roundup of the best birthday gift baskets for every personality, taste, and age.
Birthdays come once a year, but a custom birthday gift basket makes that one day unforgettable. Whether you’re going sweet, spa-like, or savory, the perfect birthday basket says “You matter to me.”
So go ahead—celebrate big. Confetti optional, smiles guaranteed.
Over the Fourth of July weekend, Central Texas—especially Kerr County and the Guadalupe River basin—was hit by a devastating flash flood, triggered by an intense storm system enhanced by remnants of Tropical Storm Barry. In under an hour, water levels surged as much as 26 to 29 feet, claiming over 100 lives.
Communities in Hunt, Kerrville, Ingram, Comfort, Center Point, and beyond have been deeply impacted. Camp Mystic, a summer camp, was among the hardest hit, with at least 27 campers and counselors killed and more still unaccounted for.
Financial donations are much more useful than physical items, helping rescue and recovery agencies buy exactly what’s needed when they need it. Here are trusted avenues for supporting relief efforts:
Kerr County Flood Relief Fund (via Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country) Kerr County Flood Relief Fund
American Red Cross American Red Cross
Salvation Army (Kerrville) Salvation Army Kerrville
Catholic Charities of San Antonio
World Central Kitchen WCK.org
Mercy Chefs Mercy Chefs
TEXSAR https://www.texsar.org/
Texas Firewalkers Texas Firewalkers
Austin Pets Alive! & Kerrville Pets Alive! (for displaced animals) AustinPetsAlive.org
GoFundMe Central Texas Floods Hub (verified campaigns) a list of verified fundraisers
From large nonprofits to grassroots responders, every effort helps—especially donor dollars. Whether you’re ordering a celebratory gift basket or sending funds directly, your contribution makes a real difference.
Please donate responsibly and securely, and avoid unverified accounts. If you’re nearby and want to volunteer or drop off supplies, coordinate through credible organizations like Salvation Army or local church efforts.
What happened? Flash floods July 4–7, driven by 20+ in. of rain, caused tragedy in the Texas Hill Country
What’s needed most? Financial support to official relief funds and agencies
How you can help today: Donate via links above or support Kerr County through Design It Yourself Gift Baskets—where 15% of each order goes directly to flood relief
Thank you for standing with Central Texas as it begins the long journey toward recovery. Together, that’s what community looks like.
