This spring offers so many opportunities to enjoy everything the state has to offer. Jake Gaines, our man-about-globe, shares a sampling of recommendations of where to go, who to know and what to do…

THE ART OF GIFTING

Mint-Lavender, the new go-to gifting company in Dallas, helps time-challenged people send a stunning gift box for any occasion. From birthdays, weddings and anniversaries to corporate gifting, the exquisite gifts from scarcely-known boutiques in Madrid, Rome, London, New York, to name but a few, are dazzling. At Mint-Lavender.com

TOFFEE BREAK

We think the best toffee in the world is made in Austin. Yes, Austin, thanks to Toni’s Toffee. Prepared one batch at a time, several flavors and sizes are available. Plus, it’s the perfect host gift for any party. At TonisToffee.com

FORE SCORE

Course & Club is a new active women’s golf and lifestyle apparel line that’s helping golf course attire get chicer. The Dallas-based company designs and manufactures locally and is carried in some of the premier clubs in the state as well the country. At CourseAndClub.com

SPRING FLING

The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market is so popular over the holidays that this year’s inaugural spring event will host 150 merchants from across the country, bringing with them unique seasonal items, apparel, accessories, gourmet food, and home décor. April 12-14. At HoustonBallet.org

PURE AND SIMPLE

Houstonian Estella Cockrell has created a trusted source for pure, clean, natural, and nontoxic yet effective beauty, skincare, home and wellness solutions. She searched for safer alternatives, and created subscriptions, kits and collections to share her pure-yet-powerful finds with others. At Switch2Pure.com

IRON TOUGH

Dallas-based Tom & Sheri’s Iron In A Bottle is helping our state stay well-groomed. This liquid magic means you never have to iron again. Really, we mean it. $39.95 for a set of three. At TomAndSherisProducts.com

ARTFUL ENDEAVOR

The brand new eatery Épicerie at The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria serves up French-Cajun cuisine comfort food that can be enjoyed overlooking the pastoral 14 acres of the museum’s site on Lake Austin. At TheContemporaryAustin.org