And no, an I [heart] NY shirt won't do...

March 12, 2008 12:37 PM

NYCFilter: I'm in NYC for training for another 36 hours or so, and would like to find a nice, but not-too-expensive anniversary gift for my wife before I head home. Where should I go? Specific stores or general areas, either one.

I can do something in the $50 to $100 range; and I don't really have too many preconceived notions about what I want to get. Something original, not something from a chain store that I can find at home, and not something huge that I can't fit in my suitcase. I'm in midtown Manhattan, but I'm comfortable taking the train just about anywhere within Manhattan (or even Brooklyn). Bonus for things that would be open later tonight, since I won't get out of training until 5ish.
Chocolates are overdone; lingerie and clothing for a larger woman (size 18-20) are possibilities, but wouldn't be able to be used for a while since she's 8 months pregnant at the moment. Cool baby and kid boutiques would be excellent, because I could get a "new-baby" gift as well as something for my 2-year-old. Otherwise, anyplace I can go with shops that have things that an educated 30-ish stay-at-home-mom might like would be cool.
(Yes, I know this is vague, but I'm too tired to be inspired right now.)

posted by jferg to shopping (11 comments total)

Takashimaya - 693 5th Ave b/t 54th & 55th
Mxyplyzyk - 125 Greenwich Ave
posted by spec80 at 12:42 PM on March 12

Brooklyn Industries makes cool BROOKLYN hoodies or clothes/gear. Locations (8th Ave & 18th Street).
posted by yeti at 12:51 PM on March 12

I've found nice gifts at Delphinium from time to time. There's a store on 9th between 45th and 46th and another on 47th Street between 8th and 9th.
posted by JaredSeth at 1:12 PM on March 12

Oh and they're open til 8 PM.
posted by JaredSeth at 1:13 PM on March 12

Here's an earlier thread on funky stores in NYC.
posted by Atom12 at 1:15 PM on March 12

The last time I was in NY (and pregnant) several months ago, I picked up some baby clothes from American Apparel. Inexpensive, and packaged nicely to fit well in a suitcase. I know the shop in Brooklyn that I went to had the baby line, but not all of them do. You might want to call the one nearest where you are staying if this seems like a good idea to you.
posted by pinky at 1:21 PM on March 12

This isn't really a great stand-alone gift idea, but my wife goes nuts for pickles from Guss' Pickles. (Especially their spicy pickles.)
posted by Plutor at 1:25 PM on March 12

P-13 China House Tonics, 20 Clinton Street. Design studio cum herbal tonic shop. Interesting, amusing t-shirts and tchotchkes.
posted by thejoshu at 3:49 PM on March 12

Pearl River Mart

Museum gift stores have cool stuff:

MOMA
Folk Art Museum

posted by brookeb at 4:52 PM on March 12

So if you get out at 5, you'll have just enough time to get to The Clay Pot in Brooklyn (they're open 'til 7). They have really unique jewelry and a generally interesting selection of housewares too. Check out the under $100 stuff and sale stuff.
posted by Thin Lizzy at 10:26 PM on March 12

Lots of cute baby stores on the upper west side on Amsterdam.
posted by stonefruit at 7:02 AM on March 13