PrintThe pressure is on. When you come home from the shopping capital of the world, your friends and family will expect unique gifts that have New York City character. Though Columbia mementos make for decent—albeit obvious—gifts, here are some other options that are guaranteed to please and impress.
TO: Daddy Dearest
Tired of ties? Even for the total “Daddy’s girl,” finding the right gift for him can be tough. This year, try to stray away from obvious gifts like ties and grill accessories unless he’s a tie collector or barbecue master. For a fab, functional gift, amble over to Coach (Broadway and 84th St.) for the Weston Dress Belt ($78). This cincture from the founded-in-NYC leather house will add some city-chic style to his wardrobe, even if he’s convinced that pleated khakis are the cutest of pants. If he’s the type who’s perpetually glued to his smartphone of choice, watch out for his automotive safety by getting him the sleek Sound ID 200 Bluetooth Headset ($99.95) at the new Apple Store (Broadway and 67th St.). Just make sure he uses the gadget discreetly; people will question his sanity if they spot him speaking into thin air. If you’re willing to pony up the cash, pay a visit to the iconic Hammacher Schlemmer flagship store in Midtown to snatch up a classic Widemouth Leather Weekend Bag ($199.95). Made of cowhide, this bag is perfect for weekend trips to NYC or for the overnight business conference. What dad doesn’t have a strange obsession with thick, well-made leather goods?
—Anna Cooperberg Gonzalez
TO: Much Loved Mommy
Redefine the meaning of “home sweet home.” For the domestic diva inside every mom, liven up her day with a Le Labo luxury home candle ($70). The flickering candle emits a romantic glow, creating a cozy ambiance to brighten the coldest winter night. Created right here in a boutique-lab in New York, Le Labo candles are 100 percent soy wax, hand-poured, and heavily dosed with perfume. For the fashion-conscious mom, it’s worthwhile to splurge on one-of-a-kind handbags by local designer Elliot Mann ($275). The handbags are made of vintage embroidered material collected from all over the world, uniquely designed in geometric and flowery patterns. Mothers who like to carry their whole makeup collection around need not despair: these handbags are roomy enough to fit the day’s groceries and more. For the super-mom, the flap apron by Kitsch’n Glam ($32) just made doing chores a little more fashionable. Take a trip downtown to Whisk (231 Bedford Ave. near 4th St., Brooklyn), a chic family-run neighborhood kitchen shop, to pick out a mod apron that comes in styles from cute polka dots to color contrasting geometric patterns.
—Claire Fu
TO: Sporty Brother, a.k.a. “Bro”
He’s the ultimate ADIDAS brother. He fulfills the “all day I dream about sports” mantra to a T, and when he’s not coming off the field (or court, pit, ring…), he’s constantly tuned in to ESPN. To complement his sports obsession, go cheap and baseball chic with something from the Yankees’ official shop (shop.mlb.com), like a commemorative 2009 World Series Champions baseball ($19.99) or a magnetic dart set ($29.99)—the perfect thing to help him express his anger after a tough loss. Or keep him fueled up with classic New York nosh from H&H Bagels (2239 Broadway at 80th St.) Gift baskets include 24 bagels, 2 H&H mugs, 3 packs of Nova Scotia Salmon, 1 container of cream cheese, and wrapping ($56.95). Looking to drop a more generous amount? Look no further than Mickey Mantle’s Merchandise. Super Bowl original wire photographs ($125-150) or a signed Willie Mays photograph ($295) will have his sports fanatic heart aflutter (42 Central Park S at 59th St or 153 E 57th St).
—Allison Malecha
TO: Sassy but Lovable Sister
Yes, even your “Gossip Girl” -obsessed, sometimes-pesky sister deserves a gift. Help her show off her wonderful genes (she is your sister, after all) with the perfect accessories for her winter wardrobe. For the active girl, a Cotton Jacobs Tote ($15) in candy colors like hot pink and neon green makes traveling, carrying textbooks around campus, or a trip to the gym absolutely chic. This designer dud is available exclusively at Marc by Marc Jacobs Accessories stores (385 Bleecker St.). A capitvating and irresistibly colorful multi-stone cuff by Sequin ($68) will give any Blair Waldorf enthusiast the perfect vamp for an LBD this party season. Find the cuff, along with similar items, in the accessories department at Henri Bendel. From the runways to Lady GaGa to Blake Lively, every It-Girl knows that the shoe of the season is a daring, over-the-knee boot. The Barby style by Bakers is available in five colors and is the perfect sexy-meets-daring-meets-sweet shoe ($79). Go ahead and spoil your sister this holiday season. She just might return the favor.
—Julián Mancías
TO: Beloved Boyfriends and Girlfriends
Instead of falling back on the expected socks or cologne, why not surprise your boyfriend with a gift he’ll really appreciate? For a gift that keeps on giving, try a magazine subscription to a rag like GQ ($12) or Popular Science ($12). What guy didn’t read comics when he was younger? Make a stop at Midtown Comics (200 W. 40th St. or 459 Lexington Ave.), one of the largest, most extensive comic book stores in Manhattan, to pick up a few issues of his favorite comic ($3 per issue). If you really want to splurge, check out the cool watches from Tokyoflash (starting from $99). Their sleek, innovative designs are sure to catch your guy’s attention.
Steer clear of make-up and Bath and Body Works gift sets in order to give your girlfriend something a little more memorable. In a city that never slows down, a private yoga session might be just what she needs. Try Levitate Yoga ($125 for 60 min, 250 W. 49th St.). Lots of girls once dreamed of being a ballerina, so why not take her to see one of the most famous ballets of all time: “The Nutcracker” at the New York City Ballet (a pair of tickets starts from $40)? For the daring, fashion-forward girl, consider the Ashish Platform Wedge Boot ($310) from Topshop (478 Broadway and Broome St.). The boots’ striking design and huge platform wedge will have her stomping down the streets of Manhattan as if they were runways.
—Helen Chen
(Extra Credit!) TO: Favorite Professor
After professors finish grading final exams and term papers, they’ll want to relax and enjoy a few moments of bliss away from the red pen. Treat them to a 75-minute Blissage massage from Bliss Spa ($150, 12 West 57th St., 3rd Floor). For the more budget-conscious student, an equally appealing gift is Serendipity’s frozen hot chocolate gift set ($32)—a New York City must-eat from Fred Flare (131 Meserole Ave., Greenpoint, Brooklyn). This delicious set comes with a dessert glass, 2 packs of the mix, a plastic Serendipity spoon, and 2 straws for sharing. If you’re creative and thrifty, try giving your favorite professor a handmade card with a handwritten message. Check out crafty magazines like Better Homes and Gardens for ideas to get you started—you’ll bring a smile to your professor’s face without denting your wallet.
—Noel Duan