Trade Routes, Part I

Our annual ode to holiday gift-giving is once again teeming with tinsel. Starting in the East Village, our first installment of this five-part shopping series gets the season off to a fine, festive start. We've rooted out the coolest, one-of-a-kind presents for just about everyone and anyone on your list (we're happy to oblige even the toughest-to-please recipient). And because the whole holiday shopping thing is supposed to be fun—at least we think it should be—we've lined up a handful of eating and imbibing stops along the way.

'Tis the season to celebrate the real gift of true love (it ain't all a bed of roses). Honor your one and only with a piece that gives it up for both sides of the relationship coin: a heart-saw necklace ($145) by jewelry genius Tom Binns. Odin, 328 East 11th Street; 212-475-0666

The gallery-cum-bookstore is the perfect place to pick up fresh, affordable original artworks: The most recent show featured framed prints by Deth P. Sun, which were had for as little as $180. The gallery's new show of artist Jeana Sohn's work, begins December 2. Giant Robot , 437 E. 9th Street, 212-674-4769

Whether he's your boyfriend or brother, your favorite fella will thank you for the W+H Tiger Fleece olive hoodie ($160). And for the more adventurous male, go for Henrik Vibskov's parachute sweater ($280)—the pattern will render him a party favorite. Famous Friends, 616 East 9th Street; 718-782-0521

For the apartment-proud person on your list, look no further than the exquisite decoupage housewares at the John Derian Company store—the Frog Close-Up tray ($185) borders on fine art but doubles as a great serving platter for all those mini quiches. John Derian Company , 6 East 2nd Street, 212-677-3917

If you really want to rev up your retail experience, hop on the Jorg & Olif Dutch Citybike and breeze from shop to shop without ever missing a holiday beat. After a 2-year stint in Canada, Jorg & Olif has brought these sleek, practical bikes stateside. Proof of this company's craftmanship? These rides were recently re-designed to weather the street stresses of North American cities. Order your Citybike by December 10 and get a free wicker basket and citybike tree ornament (from $795); www.jorgandolif.com.

For your sister, cousin, or best bud, stop by Azaleas and pick up the Lara Kazan Hunter Cap ($95), just the right accessory for keeping warm but looking cool. Check out Kazan's mittens ($88) and arm-warmers ($100). Azaleas, 223 East 10th Street; 212-253-5484

The emporium Poppet is a vintage-phile's ultimate fix. Though there's loads to choose from (the shoe selection is one of the best in the area) our pick is the bag of all bags—a brocade shoulder purse ($350) that any collector would take a shine to. Poppet, 350 East 9th Street; 212-924-3190

Maybe you're not canine obsessed yourself. But for the puppy-love person in your life, we love all the cute loot at Shady's Waggery. Load up on salon-worthy shampoos by Shea Pet ($16 each) as well as personalized collars ($25-$40). Shady's Waggery, 443 East 9th Street; 212-529-8705

Little Stinkers stocks up on quirky play-things for all the little rugrats on your list. Pick up a cozy donut floor pillow ($145) or one of the irresistible stuffed critters by Donna Wilson. Rill the Fox is a real cutey. Little Stinkers, 280 East 10th Street; 212-253-0282

• Shopping is a form of exercise, isn't it? It certainly helps you work up an appetite, so stop off at Dok Suni for satisfying Korean dishes like spicy broiled pork ribs and vegetable dumpling soup. 119 First Avenue, 718-212-477-9506

• Celebrate all those great gift finds by cozying up at In Vino with a great glass of wine and some Italian noshes, like sauteed baby artichokes and porcini mushroom and ricotta crêpes. 215 East 4th Street, 212-539-1011.

• Treat yourself to something sweet, like the peanut butter cookies or chocolate croissants, at Build-A-Green-Bakery on First Avenue (b/w 13th and 14th streets). You'll recognize it by the mouth-watering displays of oversized cookies or pies stacked in the window. 223 First Avenue.

• Celluloid Dream. One-year membership to the Anthology Film Archive ($50). 32 Second Avenue, 212-505-5181.

• Bum Around. Hand-crafted wood bottle opener, ($25) at Ipê Brasíl.

• Action-Packed. Artist Marcel Dzama's Uzama Action Figure ($20), available at Giant Robot. Giant Robot , 437 E. 9th Street, 212-674-4769

Your Holiday Shopping Guide to New York's East Village.