With Hanukkah and Christmas right around the corner, and many gifts and hostess presents left to buy, it’s a blessing to have so many small and unique shops, where we can find something for everyone on our lists, and many surprises.

By Robin Jovanovich and Tom McDermott

 

 

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With Hanukkah and Christmas right around the corner, and many gifts and hostess presents left to buy, it’s a blessing to have so many small and unique shops, where we can find something for everyone on our lists, and many surprises.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a few visits to Twig Antiques, where we find old-fashioned ornaments and vintage glassware and china year after year (and reasons to build more china cabinets)! This season, they have a fine Johnson Brothers platter and plates, a musical Mr. & Mrs. Claus, and a candy jar to put those treats for Santa and the elves. For serious collectors of all ages, they just got in great, big Franklin Heirloom dolls.

The gold standard for jewelry stores is Woodrow, and they have lots of things that would not only shine under a tree, but, more importantly, add a glow to her wrist or neck. Among the world-class designers whose collections they carry are Roberto Coin, Marco Bicego, and Buccellati. They also have a fine array of Lalique crystal creations.

At Rhythm in Rye, Renee Drummond offers an ever-changing and always stylish selection of gently used — or never worn — designer clothes and accessories. This week we stopped by and discovered a new arrival of vintage Vuitton, a harlequin print Valentino cocktail dress, and cashmere Loro Piana sweaters for the men on your list.

Women will warm up to the selection of Sorel boots, fur hats and caps, and wool mittens at Shoes ‘N’ More. They also have colorful bathrobes, glamorous fleece jackets, and zipped purses with her initial on them.

Angela’s not only has a number of little black dresses to choose from, but also divine fur wraps, sensational costume jewelry, and luxury leather goods.

She’ll definitely start humming “Royals,” when she opens that box to find a pendant of 58 round brilliant diamonds and 14-karat white gold necklace at, naturally, Royal Jewels. Or, maybe the fancy light pink diamond ring set in platinum and 18-karat rose gold will do?

Baby’s cold outside? Why not warm her up at Walin & Wolff with Italian cashmere-wool-rayon scarves and hats by Portolano, Echo’s cashmere and wool scarves, or gray/black cashmere ponchos by Kinross. And, she’s probably going to need a bag by Delage or Valentino to go along with those, not to mention waterproof boots by Aquatalia to keep her dry.

If you’re taking her on the town, the black velvet jacket and white beaded top at Great Stuff is just the thing.

Okay, let’s get serious, Santas. Do you really want to make the holidays special, or erase memories of that Italian racing machine you recently got? Ring the bell at Joan Sansone Fine Antiques and Jewelry and gaze at the real thing: 18 mm South Sea Pearl earrings, 1940s sapphire and diamond earrings, or 1920s-30s-40s diamond bracelets.

With a sparkling headband from Weezie D, she will outshine all the other girls at the party.

Where to put away that phone? Parkers solution is Infinity Scarves with a zippered hidden pocket. You can also amp up stockings with mini amplifiers and speakers or Quench a thirst with Bar Helper Tools and Margarita Master. And for stylish Barbour fur-trimmed hats and Patagonia down sweaters, they are the place to go.

Lola features hand-lacquered acacia wood clutches in brights and pastels made by Rocio in Ireland. Also Pazuki cashmere/silk scarves. And silk and jersey combination shawl/scarves by Pierre-Luis Mascia.
Nobody’s going to feel blue this holiday with an 18-karat green gold necklace and diamond pendant by Blu from Isabelle’s Fine Jewelry or pavé diamond earrings.

Twinkle Toes has an extra twinkle this time of year. Some of their most popular items for the younger set are hooded superhero towels, monogrammed rubber boots, seersucker lunch bags, backpacks, and pencil cases, and North America Bear Co. dolls (our favorites were the Rosy Cheeks blond girl and the baby blond boy). They will monogram just about anything you buy there.

“Frozen” fans will be pleased to know that Learning Express carries jumbo plush Olaf’s and princess-worthy purses and lunchboxes. For serious builders, they stock Lego blocks aplenty.   

With a new Canon lens or camera and a leather photo album, you’ll be able to capture this holiday and many more. Rye Camera stocks pretty much everything for shutterbugs and anything they don’t can be ordered in a matter of days. While you’re there, pick up a few of their tree ornaments in which you can put family portraits.

Looking for a perfect way to put a finishing touch on that new study or den? Gallery 52 offers giclée landcapes by Anne Packard, and embellished giclée by Josef Kote, and original oils by Marc Fattahi.

Pamper your pet with a new plaything, coat, bed, collar, or bowl. All Paws carries everything your dog or cat could wish for, other than quality time with you.

For hostess gifts, or that little holiday something for your mantel or table, Nest has feathered and gilded trees and lovely glass ornaments. The Open House carries a variety of handsome cheese trays, lacquered boxes for letters from you and Santa, and holiday trees made from everything from shells to twigs. 

While Greene Willow is the destination for potted amaryllis, their moss and ivy-covered Rudolph won our hearts and earned a place in our front hall. They also sell great holiday odds & ends, from giant stockings to red and silver sparklers to golden candleholders. 

For those who Wish to impress Santa with fur stockings hanging on the mantel, the shop so-named is the place to find them. They also have glitter reindeer, comfy faux-fur machine washable blankets in solids and prints, plus an array of affordable jewelry, and the handmade ornaments make great teacher’s gifts.

The Scent of Winter’s in the air, but Blush has many scents: Frazier Fir candles, hand soaps, safe diffusers. Also Bayberry natural/ organic bath soaps, shower gels, and lotions. What better way to carry it home than in Mud Pie’s stylish lined burlap totes or reversible “vegan” leather totes. While there, fill some stocking with accessories for the young set: bows, hair bands/ clips, and bracelets. 

Still stumped? Get thee to The Running Store for apparel by Nike, North Face, Saucony. Or a gift certificate for the new Hoka One One lightweight shoes in great color combinations.

Blue Tulip Chocolates will satisfy the deepest holiday cravings, in the shape of trees, penguins, and fairy tale houses. And those good little boys and girls will delight at their chocolate lollipops. 

Holiday shoppers can customize jelly jars full of four to five different candies for friends or siblings at Candy Rox, while those seeking business gifts can fill a tower with candies of your choice. Put their fun holiday puzzles under the tree or scented markers and pens in stockings.

If you haven’t bought your place cards, Christmas crackers, wrapping paper, fireplace matches or gift bags, The Rye Stationer still has a great assortment. And crazy-busy people will be glad to know, it’s not too late to get your Christmas cards printed.

 

In our next issue, we’ll have Arcade Booksellers’ Top Ten Books of the Holiday Season, Twenty Great Stocking Stuffers, and Five Gifts a Woman Really Wants.