McKinney Square’s Secret Stash: 8 Hidden Gems for the Coolest Holiday Gifts

Ah, McKinney Square during the holidays — a place where the air smells like nostalgia, the streets twinkle with charm and the shops are brimming with treasures you won’t find on Amazon. 

If you’re tired of gifting the same old socks and gift cards, this guide is your golden ticket to uncovering the coolest, quirkiest and most heartfelt holiday gifts in the “north” of North Texas. From vintage Santas to typewriter-key jewelry, McKinney Square has it all. And as a cherry on top, there’s a speakeasy hidden behind a soda machine. Yes, really.

1. The Antique Company Mall 

213 E. Virginia St.
Step into this creaky-floored wonderland, and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a time machine. The Antique Company Mall is a treasure trove of vintage delights, from retro sports gear to holiday decor that screams “Grandma’s house, but make it chic.” Their holiday collection is a standout, featuring vintage Santas, nutcrackers and wall art that’ll make your home feel like a Hallmark movie set. Pro tip: Keep an eye out for that ‘70s skateboard this year — it’s the perfect gift for the Z-Boy in your life.

2. Birds & Words 

100 W. Virginia St.
This tiny shop packs a big punch for the literary and bird-loving souls on your list. Think kitchen towels with famous quotes, typewriter-key jewelry and greeting cards so cute they’ll make you forget about e-cards forever. And let’s not overlook the fancy dips and seasonings, because nothing says “I love you” like chipotle BBQ rub. It’s the perfect spot for those who appreciate the quirky and the heartfelt.

3. Red Zeppelin Records / The Groovy Coop 

109 S. Tennessee St.
Vinyl lovers, rejoice! Red Zeppelin Records is a haven for music enthusiasts, offering a curated selection that spans fresh releases and coveted rare finds. Don’t overlook the trippy blacklight room, where you can channel your inner ‘90s alt kid. As a bonus, The Groovy Coop, a retro paradise stocked with funky socks and quirky gifts galore, shares the space for this double punch. It’s like two stores in one, and you’re likely to discover something way cooler than whatever you see on your cousin’s Spotify Wrapped.

4. Fair & Square Imports 

219 E. Louisiana St.
Shopping here feels like taking a world tour without leaving McKinney. This fair-trade shop offers handcrafted goods from around the globe, including colorful bracelets, unique ornaments (hello, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce felt dolls) and Montessori-approved toys. It’s the kind of place where every purchase feels like a good deed, and looks like one, too.

5. Neighbor Books 

208 E. Louisiana St.
Book lovers, prepare to swoon — Neighbor Books is a sanctuary. With historic charm oozing from every bookshelf and wood beam, this warm and wondrous bookstore feels like stepping into your favorite novel. After you browse the thoughtfully curated shelves (expect bestsellers, hidden gems and local finds), head upstairs to the inviting lounge, which lends a quiet, sunlit haven with cozy chairs and plenty of space to lose yourself in a story. It’s the perfect spot to sip a coffee, pluck a new adventure from the shelf and let time slow down. Just don’t dog-ear the pages, OK?

6. Pinkitzel 

101 W. Louisiana St.
Step inside Pinkitzel and you’re instantly swept into a whimsical candy land where every inch bursts with color and cheer. The shop dazzles with artful displays of rainbow-hued sweets, decadent baked goods and playful treats stacked high behind glass cases. The cupcakes piled with frosting, sparkling candies and macarons could fill a dream sequence. The décor channels pure joy, with bright pops of color and fanciful touches that make adults feel like kids again and kids feel like stars in their own fairytale. Whether you’re grabbing a cupcake to savor on the spot, picking out stocking stuffers or treating yourself to a scoop of ice cream, Pinkitzel delivers pure delight for every age.

7. Rockin’ A B 

113 N. Kentucky St., Ste. 10
Had it up to here with toys that beep, flash and threaten your sanity? Then Rockin’ A B swings in like a hero straight out of your own storybook. This delightful emporium is a throwback to childhood magic, offering shelves brimming with classic wooden trains, clever puzzles, retro games and plushes so soft they’d make even the Grinch crack a smile. There’s a handbag that masquerades as a vintage toy phone — with a real cord you can actually plug into your smartphone — and shelves lined with classic books and old-school games designed for hands-on play. Here, you’ll remember what it’s like to truly believe, because it’s less a toy store and more a portal to that warm and sparkly childhood holiday magic.

8. Spice & Tea Merchants 

110 S. Tennessee St.
For the tea lover, a stop by Spice & Tea Merchants is simply transformative. Shelves bustle with canisters of loose-leaf teas, ranging from spicy chai blends and floral jasmine pearls to quirky seasonal infusions you never even knew you craved. Breathe deep and you’ll catch a swirl of fragrances: smoky lapsang, earthy matcha, zesty lemon verbena. The real magic, though, is in the staff: part flavor-sommelier, part tea-geek, wholly invested in helping you curate the perfect cup. Let them brew you a sample while narrating the tales behind each leaf. Savor the entire ritual: the gentle scoop, the aromatic steam, the first warming sip. It’s a sensory adventure, every bit as captivating (and collectible) as spinning your favorite vinyl. And yes, raising your pinky is absolutely encouraged.

Bonus: Room One Eleven 

111 E. Virginia St.
After a whirlwind of holiday shopping, it’s only right to reward yourself with a touch of intrigue. Tucked away in the same spot as the beloved Layered brunch restaurant, Room One Eleven is McKinney Square’s not-so-secret (but still utterly cool) speakeasy. Behind what looks like a vintage soda machine lies a portal to cocktail heaven. Just push the handle, slip inside and you’re transported to a cozy, dimly-lit hideaway where bartenders work their magic. Expect inventive drinks, plush vibes and an atmosphere that’s equal parts mystery and marvel. It’s the ultimate nightcap.