Holiday shopping smackdown: Williamsburg vs. SoHo

Originally published: June 21, 2009 10:6 AM
By Lauren Johnston and Linda Perney amNY.com Staff Writers

Photo credit: Kristy May | Kate's Paperie at 72 Spring St.in SOHO, New York, NY.

It's amNewYork's holiday shopping smackdown! This round: SoHo vs. Williamsburg. Two of the city's hippest hoods battle it out - old vs. new, couture vs. vintage, jazz vs. indie rock - to decide which will win the battle of eclectic must-have stuff for the holidays.

In this corner: BROOKLYN Williamsburg is where the hip kids hang - we all know that by now - converging en mass each weekend to hit the late night scene. But Billyburg-by-day is just as vibrant and the ever-growing crowd of unique retailers has remade Bedford Avenue into quite the shopping destination loaded with cool gift options.

Home Sweet Home

Ugly Luggage: If it's wonderfully tacky, kitschy or campy - you'll find it here - from paint-by-numbers portraits to '70s-style glassware. The store is packed full of vintage items plucked from auctions and estate sales. No two trips are alike. (214 Bedford Ave.; 718-384-0724)

Scandinavian Grace: The store imports furniture, housewares, gifts, toys and art in simple lines and bold colors from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. (176 N. 9th St.; 718-384-7887; www.scandinaviangrace.com)

One Sixty Glass: All pieces are crafted on-site by local artists in this not-for-profit glass-blowing studio. The pieces come in unusual shapes and a rainbow of colors. If you've got a bigger budget, buy the art lover on your list a pass for glass-blowing classes.(160 Berry St.; 718-486-9620; www.onesixtyglass.com)

For Her Femme Fatale: If your gal likes things one-of-a-kind, this is the place. The boutique sells mainly emerging local designers. The looks are a mix of rocker-chic, retro and uber-femme at reasonable prices - and the sales chicks are super nice.(578 Driggs Ave.; 718-497-6055)

Sleep: Lingerie and linens, from dainty to coy to ultra-sexy. Whether you're seeking a lovely duvet or a naughty bustier, this boudoir-like boutique has the goods.

(110 N. 6th St.; 718-384-3211)

Red Pearl: This tiny store is big on variety, so make it your one-stop shopping spot for cute kitchenware, luxury soaps, cozy bathrobes, pretty scarves, flirty cami-panty sets, delicate jewelry or cozy cashmere sweaters. (202 Bedford Ave.; 718-599-0023; www.redpearl.com)

For Him

Mickey's HookUp: If your guy's a geek, hook him up at Mickey's and make those visions of Mac accessories dancing in his head a reality. Plus they have cool gadgets like real, working guitar amps made inside cigarette boxes.(88 N. 6th St., 718-599-8906 or 351 Graham Ave.; 718-384-3800; www.mickeyshookup.com)

Artists: This warehouse market has a rotating group of about 32 local artists and designers, including several graphic t-shirt designers. (129 N. 6th St.; www.artistsandfleas.com go online for holiday hours)

Ear Wax: They've all got an inner rock star right? Head to this corner music hub for an eclectic selection of everything from jazz, to funk to rap to indie to world tunes - plus a juicy stash of used vinyl.

(218 Bedford Ave.; 718-486-3771)

For Pets P.S. 9: The owner knows every dog customer's name and has a great selection of toys, treats and couture for your pup, or kitty. Plus, for the holidays a photographer will be in the shop to snap your pet's portrait for home hanging or cards. Call for details. (169 N. 9th St.; 718-486-6465)

For Kids

Mini Jake: The key words at this all-purpose kid store (it stocks furniture, toys and clothes for all ages) are safe and educational. Lots of Dan Zanes music, streamline, wooden toys and arts and crafts supplies. (178 N. 9th St.; 800-646-4043; www.minijake.com)

Good for Gift Cards

Espana-Streb Trapeze Academy: Learn to fly through the air with the trapeze artists at Espana-Streb. They have you up on the trapeze flipping and catching after one class.(51 N. 1st St.; 718-384-6491; www.espanastrebtrapeze.org/)

Bedford Cheese Shop: This old-fashioned cheese shop takes pride in having a knowledgeable staff and frommage from around the globe. The selection of gift baskets in a range of prices will be perfect for the cheesemonger in your life.(229 Bedford Ave.; 718-599-7588; www.bedfordcheeseshop.com)

Snack Stops

Sweet Farm: Cookies, coffee, cupcakes, muffins, chocolates and trifles. Mostly organic. (158 Bedford Ave.; 718-384-0158)

Blackbird Parlour: This coffee stop is brand new and has sweet stuff and a sandwich selection. (197 Bedford Ave.; 718-599-2707)

Bliss Café: Vegetarian and vegan fare with a Boho vibe. (191 Bedford Ave.; 718-599-2547)

And in this corner: SOHO

Soho was hip before Williamsburg was born. And its devotees say - with all due respect to the folks on the other side of the river - the neighborhood is still the perfect place to shop for the holidays.

Home Sweet Home

Kate's Paperie: The Broadway store, alas, is no more, but the hundreds of handmade papers, ribbons, picture frames, date books, etc. are all still here. (72 Spring St., near Crosby; www.katespaperie.com)

Sur La Table: Just about anything the foodie could want, from pot holders to gadgets, to dishes to cookware. The dish towels, starting at $9.95, make wonderful stocking stuffers. (75 Spring St.; www.surlatable.com)

cb2: The brand new younger sibling to Crate and Barrel has plenty of stuff to make anybody house-proud. Best buys? The tall, clear glass candlesticks for $4.95. (451 Broadway, near Canal St.; /www.cb2.com)

For Her

Pearl River Mart: It doesn't matter whether you're looking for a plastic Buddha or pajamas, the mart is likely to have it. The Broadway store is better organized than the old place on Canal. And where else are you going to get a silk handbag for $8? (477 Broadway, between Grand and Broome streets; www.pearlriver.com)

Anthropologie: Etched martini glasses, delicate teacups. A rose-trimmed necklace. Plenty of scent. Camisoles, headwraps, jewelry boxes the perfect place to find something to please the girliest girl in your life. (375 West Broadway; www.anthropologie.com)

Lush: Stocking-stuffer central, whether you go for the Pink Ladies three bath bombs or Santa's Little Helper, a foamy green bubble bath. All, under $20, and there's plenty more where those came from. (529 Broadway; www.lush.com)

CP Shades: Relaxed, simple, and all natural: shirts, skirts, and pants easy to wear, easy on the wallet. (60 Grand St., near Wooster; www.cpshades.com)

For Him

Links of London: Showing a little cuff was never so stylish. The shop has a terrific selection of cufflinks. Pricey, but sophisticated. (402 West Broadway, near Spring St.; www.linksoflondon.com)

Swiss Army SoHo: The ever-handy knives, of course, but there are plenty of other little gadgets, plus a fine selection of watches. (36 Prince St., between Wooster and West Broadway)

Apple Store: IPhones, iPods, whatever else his inner geek requires. (103 Prince St.; http://store.apple.com/)

For Pets Doggystyle NYC: If any luxury pet store could be called straightforward, this one is, with well-made carriers, collars, clothes, bowls, and all-organic treats. (73 Thompson St.; www.doggystylenyc.com)

For Kids Diesel Kids: Denim, and more: colorful shirts, tops, plus accessories. For infants on up. (416 West Broadway, near Spring St.; www.diesel.com/kids/)

Snack Stops

Zoe: The wine list gets raves, and the food is fine, too. Brunch is a weekend pleasure, $24.

Once Upon a Tart: A few small tables mean you can stop by for a coffee and a tart, sweet or savory, before you head back into the shops. 135 Sullivan Street, near Prince Street.

Fanelli's: It's been around forever, serving burgers, salads, and the like. A good place for a quick lunch or a cold beer when the shopping is done. 94 Prince Street, corner of Mercer.

Note: One of the best things about holiday shopping in SoHo is the collection of street vendors the neighborhood draws. Look for them just about anywhere, selling hand-made jewelry, scarves, hats, gloves, you name it.