Trade Routes, Part V

For the final installment of our annual holiday gift trek, we're bringing it back to New York City with our map of the finest spots in NoLita and the Lower East Side for all of you last-minute shoppers. If you're feeling the heat, don't panic: Follow our guide through two of NYC's richest retail 'hoods and snap up the perfect must-haves for grandpa, sis, and significant others. Afterward, nip in to one of our recommended pit-stops for a bite and a cocktail—just the thing to turn up the holiday spirit.

NoLita odds-n-ends store Character boasts a bevy of inventive gifts for kids and the home, like the Areaware resin-cast mixed fruit bowl ($190). Shaped by gilded prickly pears, blinged-out bananas, and golden apples, this fruit bowl will be a sure-fire perennial favorite. Character, 19 Prince Street, 212-274-1966.

Giving a scarf at the holidays may seem like old hat, but not if it's from Seize sur Vingt. Ask for the recently stocked silk cashmere scarves ($240). These babies are soft, wide, long, colored with rich tones and subtle prints, and perfect for filling in all the blanks on your list. Seize sur Vingt, 243 Elizabeth Street, 212-343-0476.

Discarded dishware gets another chance with Sarah Cihat's coquettish designs available at I Heart. Each piece from her Rehabilitated dishware line has a custom shape, color, and picture, and makes an enchanting companion to one of Cihat's coffee cups (prices range from $35-$60). I Heart, 262 Mott Street, 212-219-9255.

Home to an exotic collection of rare breeds, Wine Therapy can suggest a good bottle of bubbly for wowing even the most stoic connoisseur. Owner JB Humbert describes the Billecart Salmon Rose ($70) as "bone dry, with rich toasty flavors, red-currant, good acidity, and a long finish." Wine Therapy, 171 Elizabeth Street, 212-625-2999.

Finding a scent for someone you love can be one of the greater gift-giving hurdles. But knowing where to go is half the battle. Two of the city's best scent shops are in the area...chances are you won't be leaving empty-handed.

Choose your desired scent and watch as the staff mixes the ingredients on the spot to guarantee freshness and potency. This season we recommend their NYC scent, Tubereuse—floral, citrusy, and fresh. From $45-$180. Le Labo, 233 Elizabeth Street, 212-219-2230.

Expect some of the most luscious formulas from this centuries-old pharmacy. We love the Patchouli and Sandalwood, both seemingly perfect for him or her (from $65-$160). Santa Maria Novella, 285 Lafayette, Street, 212-925-0001.

Whether he's your brother, boyfriend, French teacher, or granddad, show some love to the ultimate Mr. Fix-It in your life with Freeman's Leatherman ($89), which combines 17 tools, including a screwdriver, ruler, pliers, and saw, all in one. Freemans Sporting Club, 8 Rivington Street, 212-673-3209.

Your know-it-all older brother will love getting schooled by Tony Arcabascio's Now You Know— a compilation of informal musings on street smarts, covering topics as varied as "How to Make a Slim Jim" and "How to Make the Girls Love You." ($13). ANYThing, 51 Hester Street, 212-777-0919.

Head to Plum for Dean's distressed leather messenger bag in chocolate brown ($285): perfect for your sister or BFF, it's formal enough to take to work and cool enough to carry her through the weekend. Plum Boutique, 323 Atlantic Avenue, 718-522-3760.

The man in your life will always feel flush with the Mr. Olive embossed leather wallet from BBlessing, in colors like soft brown and purple ($190-$230). While there, make sure to check out the gorgeous Subversive Jewelry striped rust scarf ($240). Bblessing, 181 Orchard Street, 212-378-8005.

Feathered Friend
Bird pin, ($55), Lyell, 173 Elizabeth Street; 212-966-8484.

Shave and haircut gift certificate ($69), from Freemans.

Ex-Libris Candle ($50) from Bblessing.

Your Holiday Shopping Guide to NoLIta and the Lower East Side