Keep All Your Soaps in a Row

Soap is ducky, and it helps if your kids think so, too. So visit Children's Treasures/Just Bubbly in Bryant Park's holiday shops and stock up on soaps for your kids. They'll have tons of fun keeping clean with these adorable duck soaps, available in almost any kind of duck imaginable:

Hockey ducks! And the wedding couple is perfect for favors at the reception. These can be custom made with all the wedding info on the tags. And talk about good party favors, look at the frog princes next to the wedding couple. They're perfect for your attendants and wedding showers (no pun intended).

Another great way to make bath time more enjoyable for the kids? These fish-in-a-bag soaps, how clever. Best, these water-based, glycerin soaps are all hand-made through a vegan process, so they contain no animal products and are hypoallergenic.

Be sure to visit Children Treasure's website, as this hometown family business (they're based in Rockaway Beach) does a lot more than soaps. And if there's a special duck you've just got to have, let them know and they might make it special just for you.

Children's Treasures/Just Bubbly, A4 on the venue guide

Hey, Pipsqueak!

That's right, you pip-squeak chapeau, you, I want a hat. One of those gorgeous hand-knit hats with the beautiful hand-knit capes. I'm going to look fabulous, I am, so hand it over now because I deserve it, pipsqueak, after all my holiday shopping and what did I get? Nothing, I tell you, nothing I can actually wear in public. Certainly nothing like you've got in your lovely little holiday shop, one of the best in the bunch. I'll take one of each, and now I tell you, because after tomorrow you won't be around Bryant Park any more. So you better come back next year, you little stylish hand-knit pipsqueak you.















pip-squeak chapeau, D13 on the venue guide

It's a Recycled World

Get on the world train, people, and visit the Recycled Planet Store in the holiday shops, because it's all about being good to the earth and supporting artists in underdeveloped communities. And Recycled Planet Store does both with socially conscious gifts made from recycled product. Just in time to spread some love around for the new year, right? Think karma, good karma, with my favorite little bag:

The "I Used To Be Pop Can Tab" evening bag ($26). See, recycling is fun. Recycled Planet can also help with your social life, because ladies, these aren't just earrings, they are boy magnets. If you can't strike up a conversation wearing these beer cap earrings, we're sending you back to charm school.


And a few more of my favorites: the "I Used To Be Magazine" bangles, and beautiful recycled wood rings ($44.95).

Feel good, look good, it's all good on the recycled planet.

Recycled Planet Store, B11 on the venue guide

Not Your Usual Teddy Bear

I can't really carry a tune, and dance while singing? No way. But the very talented and coordinated Bears of Paradise can do it all. Visit them in their natural performance habitat, the Holiday Shops at Bryant Park, find one you like, and then introduce him or her to his new home. They'll keep you well entertained through the new year. The bears all sing different songs, so you can get a holiday themed one or a genteel bear who sings "Chantilly Lace." Grab this dapper guy (below) to help you ring in the New Year.

Too cute! Most of the single bears cost $35, and the gift baskets (better than the usual teddy bear gift, and you can get one with chocolate) run $25-$45.


Bears of Paradise, D19 on the venue guide

All the Good Metals

Kaisa and Paternoster Designs can't be missed for its incomparable handmade, one-of-a-kind jewelry and watches made from brass, copper, and sterling silver. Jewelry runs from $40-$200, watches $95-$195, and rings are $45. This talented husband and wife team are the designers and makers. Here's a sampling of ladies (left) and men's watches (right):

And some necklaces and rings:





I love how many of the necklaces and rings feel unisex without sacrificing elegance and beauty. I'd share these with a loved one.
But I wouldn't let him wear my earrings, below. Kaisa's designs are lovely and very chic. I really want a pair of those hoops. Yet another special item not to be shared with your guy? This copper choker, which can be stretched to full width, showing, or scrunched up smaller, depending on your mood and your neckline. Clever!



Kaisa and Paternoster Designs, B24 on the venue guide

Silky Gifts

So you've hit all the cool clubs with beds in New York City? Well, now you can visit the big bed in the holiday shops full of silk sheets, scarves, etc. Shop The Silk Bedroom for your silk charmeuse and raw silk boudoir needs, perfect for your friends who seem to have it all. Start with these pillow covers (below) for $5, or buy 4 and get one free. Then move on to duvet sets that run around $155.
The Silk Bedroom also has shawls, scarves, and baby blankets. They've pretty much got your gifts all covered in silk. Just go and dive in.




The Silk Bedroom, D16 on the venue guide

Light Them If You Buy Them

I have many friends that are addicted to candles, so I'm buying at the Long Island Candle Factory. Their hand poured candles are made from natural soy wax and 100% cotton wicks so they are not only eco-friendly but also soot free. These are clean burning candles, and they smell great. Why? Because the LI Candle Factory blends their own fragrances using clean and unobstructed product. Go local with Hampton Beach (cool water & summer flowers) & Montauk Mist (ocean & sea berries), or try a holiday scent like Noel (cloves and orange, yum). Pictured below is my standard favorite, lavender.

Small candles are $10 and large are $18. LI Candle Factory also makes their own fragrances which you can buy as scented oils (right, 2 oz. $16, 4 oz. $25). There are reed diffusers for sale, and oil burners ($18 - $20) like the charming one below:

Long Island Candle Factory is truly grassroots. Until only 8 months ago they were making candles out of a kitchen. Luckily, they've now got a retail store so that kitchen is open for cooking food again. Tell them congratulations when you drop by the holiday shops.

Long Island Candle Factory, D18 on the venue guide

Art For Me

Don't listen to those ___ days left till Christmas ads. Just go to Art For Us Studio in the holiday shops. Almost all of their beautiful blown glass work is handmade and one-of-a-kind, like this beautiful plate set:

I love the delicate and elegant flower design. The plates run between $20-$35, and the small dishes (perfect for soy sauce) are $5;

Or you can pick up a vase from $85 - $125;

Or an ornamental tile plate, perfect to brighten a kitchen wall;

And lastly, some modern designs that are sure hits for gifting. Isn't holiday shopping fun?






Art For Us Studio, D9 on the venue guide

The Best and the Brightest

$135 - $299 $195

There's nothing like Swarovski crystals. The best and brightest crystals in the world can be found in kate laine jewelry adorning sparkling pieces like these necklaces. Gorgeous, yes? I love them, they are perfect for you guys looking for the special holiday gift. And she'll think of you every time she puts it on.
Although I love those necklaces on the left, the triple strand on the right is a personal favorite. It feels very retro and I love the colorful crystals.

More samples of great gifts, including some stunning red coral and a necklace and earring set with stardust balls. What more can a girl ask for?












kate laine jewelry, D17 on the venue guide

Plaid is the New Bear

If I've seen a cuter bear anywhere, I can't remember because all I want are these adorable plaid guys ($28) at James Young, perfect for adorning your child's/niece's/nephew's room. They dress up a playroom like no other bear.


And I can't pass up a good wooden bowl (left, $75). These are beautiful on your table and big enough for lots of food. Truly the perfect bowl for my family; we like to ooh and ahh over looks ("Oooh, handcarved Filipino wood") but enjoy the bounty ("Aaah, copious amounts of food."). The spoons ($55) are mother-of-pearl. Larger bowls run $115.

Finally, because there's so much good stuff at James Young that I can't stop, mull over these bags: the perfect beach tote/summer purse (above, with the cute flip flop print) and this charming evening bag ($45, right), big enough for gloss and cab fare, but small enough to toss around so you can have some fun.


Mr. Young wins best vendor quote. Of the plaid teddy bears he says: "Conceived in New York City, born in Vietnam." Those are some cosmopolitan bears.

James Young, F6 on the venue guide

The Superior Waffle

Obviously, I grew up culinary-challenged, because I had no idea there are two kinds of waffles. You have to visit Augustin's Waffles in The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park. Run by a husband wife team (left), Augustin's serves up these delicious things called "Liege" waffles. They have pearl sugar in the dough that melts and caramelizes on top, so they're crunchy on the outside and a dense dream of waffleness on the inside. Liege waffles are known as the original Belgian waffle and have much more taste than the old typical waffle. Who knew? Um, all of Europe and Asia but few of us Americans. Get with it people, go visit and taste the superior waffle, which can be served traditional ($4), plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar, or with nutella and other toppings ($5 for one topping, $6 for 3 toppings). Nutella is, according to the owners, by far the most popular topping.


Yum, now I'm starving. These Liege waffles have no preservatives nor additives so dig in.


Augustin's Waffles, E14 on the venue guide

Box It Up

Jaclyn Minori can box up your memories and frame them all pretty. Their fabric frames and shadow boxes ($20-$42, right) are handmade and a great and original gift. And there is a wedding collection, which can be custom made, perfect for the newly engaged. Don't pass up the money box. A sweet yet strong suggestion device that matches your color scheme and helps pay for a few tropical drinks on the honeymoon? Brilliant.
(ring boxes $28, ring pillows $37, guest books $38)

Jaclyn Minori is also full of perfect gifts for christenings, first communions, and birthdays or baby arrivals. You can buy a premade box and insert your own memorabilia (invitations, baby spoons, ribbons, etc.), or Jaclyn Minori will customize a box according to theme and coloration of the significant event, like a baby shower (above, custom boxes run $60-$85). Go ahead, imagine yourself walking into the shower with best gift that truly never stops giving.

Jaclyn Minori, B25 on the venue guide

Go [to] Alberta!

I was walking through The Holiday Shops when the zamboni at The Pond caught my eye. As I moved closer to the rink to gawk with everyone else (aren't we all envious of the zamboni driver?) I noticed the Travel Alberta Lodge. The free hot chocolate lured me in, a much more desirable hot drink option than the coffee I was going to buy. Not only do you get whipped cream and chocolate shavings for free, but in the Alberta Lodge you can try out the ski simulator, play backgammon, and rest your weary holiday shopping feet on their comfortable couches. Go and enjoy*, and while you're there sign up to win a free trip for two to Alberta, Canada's Rocky Mountain playground.

Travel Alberta Lodge, northwest corner of The Pond deck
*visit soon as the last day is tomorrow!

Follow Up

I recently bought splash!organics fig deodorant as I couldn't stand the idea of aluminum and parabens, etc, going under my arms. And after a very long day full of plane travel and parties in a warm climate and little sleep, I noticed how well the deodorant worked. I still smelled lightly of fig and had no underarm stains even though I was wearing a satin blouse. I'm now a convert. And while at splash! I couldn't resist a bar of sandalwood soap. My skin doesn't feel dry and after a night of cigar smoke overexposure, I rubbed a little in my hair while showering. Perfect, and my hair even felt soft the next morning.

Next up, hats. Here's what Barbara got at Volang:


She's in love with this hat and can't you see why? It's stylish (very cloche-like so very hip) but is also practical. The heavy knit is perfect in the city during cold, windy and/or snowy commuting. Those colors suit our office redhead and that big button is a great design addition.


splash!organics, A7 on the venue guide
Volang, B2

Indonesia is Beautiful

Do you think when tourists go to Bali they know there are 13,676 other islands in Indonesia? Hmm, doubtful. They probably also don't know there are 350 different languages on this archipelago republic, so it's not surprising that the creative culture is rich. And Indonesia Beautiful in The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park proves it. Each of their lovely scarves, batiks, and sachets, are one-of-a-kind items handmade by Indonesian artisans. And all of the profits go back to Indonesia Beautiful's cultural center in Woodside, Queens to help continue their arts programs, art education, and cultural activity.

Scarf prices run from $29 to $300 for those stunning collector pieces on the bottom.

Indonesia Beautiful, D21 on the venue guide