NYC's Easiest One-Day Holiday Shopping Solution
Ahh the holidays—time for bells that jingle, flavored frappuccinos, Kate's Paperie gift wrap, and… oh sh*t, grabbing the perfect gift for everyone in your (extended) family. We know that navigating the city's overcrowded stores, overeager patrons, and overwhelming stock of merchandise is almost as hard as explaining to your mother, boyfriend, or in-laws why you've arrived for the party empty-handed. Luckily, we're here to let you take a deep breath (or a swig of egg-nog) with our very convenient gifting lifesaver. Yes, we've got New York's ultimate shopping guide right here. Our key to holiday-shopping ease is all about focus—we've narrowed down our browsing to two neighborhoods where you can easily dominate all your buys in one fell swoop. Voilà—we guarantee our all-encompassing tour of the East Village and Nolita will fulfill your gifting needs in just one day. Plus, we've included all the pit-stops you need on the way—we're talking extra-caffeinated coffee, small bites, and, yup, even a place to sneak off for a stiff one when those shopping bags start weighing you down.
Click through for our amazing attack-plan to get your holiday shopping done in a New York minute. Our key to holiday-shopping ease is all about focus — we've narrowed down our browsing to two neighborhoods where you can easily dominate all your buys in one fell swoop. Voilà — we guarantee our all-encompassing tour of the East Village and Nolita will fulfill all of your gifting needs in just one day. Plus, we've included all the pit-stops you need on the way — we're talking extra-caffeinated coffee, small bites, and yup, even a place to sneak off for a stiff one when those shopping bags start weighing you down.
Odin New York: To kick things off, we're giving a nod to the guys at one of our favorite local men's boutiques. Pick up something for your brother, father, or special someone with great gift options ranging from this vintage plaid button down, for $189, to this smaller Commes des Garçons, sherbet peppermint series parfum, for $43.
Odin New York, 328 East 11th Street (Between 1st and 2nd avenues); 212-475-0666.
Porto Rico: With all the shopping ahead, you're going to need a morning jolt. Head to Porto Rico for some serious fresh-ground coffee, daily specials, and iced coffees that'll have you buzzing. There's no place to sit, but with all of the gifts on your to-do list, there's no time to take a load off — yet.
Porto Rico, 40 Saint Marks Place (at 2nd Avenue); 212- 533-1982.
Duo: Mixing great vintage finds with delicate jewelry, Duo is a definite go-to for gifting yourself and others, all year long. The beautiful perfumes and simple layout make the shopping experience just a little bit more pleasant, and that goes a long way. Pick up a timeless bag or hand-made necklace and have everyone asking "where did you get that?"
Duo, 337 East 9th Street (between 1st and 2nd avenues); 212-777-7044.
Elsa: When it comes to unique cocktails in a chic atmosphere, nothing beats the East Village's Elsa. Stop by for some memorable midday libations in an all-white nook. Or, if the shopping tour's really got you itching for something stronger, try their absinthe drips...but they might put you out of commission for a bit. Don't say we didn't warn you.
Elsa, 217 East 3rd Street (at Avenue B); 917-882-7395.
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