Under $50
Welly SocksThese ultra-soft and comfy fleece socks are made to line those must-have Hunter boots. (Solids: $30; patterns and basket weave: $40.) Says Nordstrom Fashion Spokesman John Bailey: “They can be worn in the boot to keep your feet warm on a rainy day or on their own as a slipper around the house. And the assortment of colors and patterns can brighten up even the grayest of days.” Available in Salon Shoes at Nordstrom in White Plains (914) 946-1122; nordstrom.com. ashley.boero@nordstrom.com |
Mimobot Designer USB Flash Drives.We get it: you’re constantly on the go, so you need a flash drive to suit your mobile lifestyle and ensure you always have your most important computer files at your fingertips. Enter Mimobot ($19.95 and up). These nifty little USB drives come in a range of storage capacities (2GB to 64GB) and—best of all—are available in…as in dozens of fun characters such as Hello Kitty, Optimus Prime, The Joker, Yoda, and more. And really, who doesn’t want Batman safeguarding all their most vital documents? Available at mimoco.com. |
Scout Spirit Liftah Wine Bag.Spiff up that old one-size-fits-all bottle of vino and present it in a fun reusable gift bag in a variety of great-looking designs including floral, camo, and stripes ($7). “This unique twist on the old foil bag makes everyone’s favorite gift just that much more special and colorful,” says Susan Maher, owner of tabletop boutique Breeze. Available at Breeze in Chappaqua (914) 238-1900; breezegifts.com. - Advertisement -
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8-Ball Socks.Who says men’s socks have to be stuffy? This pair of prima cotton socks from Nigel Sox of Armonk features a cool 8-ball design on a choice of gray, black, or taupe background ($30). ‘They’re a bit tongue-in-cheek and just a little bit naughty,’ says Helen Barlow, co-owner of fashion boutique Outerluxe. ‘When they peek out from under a traditional suit or a pair of jeans, one can’t help but smile. They’re a terrific visual pick-me-up.” Available at Outerluxe in Larchmont (914) 834-2345; outerluxe.com. |
Under $100 ($51-$99)
Digital Design.Just the thing for texting in style—and eco-friendly, too: faux coyote fur cuff fingerless gloves by Michael Kors ($98). “This ultimate gift from Michael Kors lets your fingers do the talking,” declares Paula Correri, fashion director at Lord & Taylor. She expects it to be a hit “among iPhone savvy fashionistas.” Available at Lord & Taylor in Eastchester (914) 723-7700; lordandtaylor.com. shelby@lividini.com |
Roku 2 XS 1080p Streaming Player. Watching blurry videos on a tiny laptop screen is the pits. That’s why, as more and more audiences move toward the convenience of streaming their favorite shows online—or cutting the chord from their cable subscriptions altogether—the Roku 2 XS becomes such an appealing device ($98). Using built-in wireless, it delivers 1080HD streaming to any TV set, playing more than 300 channels, Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, Pandora, music stations, and lots more. It even includes an enhanced remote with motion control for playing games (and c’mon, you know you wanna play Angry Birds on the big screen). Available at amazon.com. |
Photo Pillows.Any photo—of a house, pet, child, etc.—can be turned into one of these extra-special pillows featuring an elegant suede backing fabric (medium square: $48 medium; large square or rectangle: $68). “Because these are custom made, personalized, and cannot be found everywhere,” says Somers Custom Printing co-owner Ginny Ryan, “they make the perfect gift.” Available at Somers Custom Framing in Somers (914) 276-3173; somersframing.com. |
Converse Slip-Ons.This Jack Purcell style of low-cut, lace-free wool sneaker is available in several colors including oatmeal and dark gray ($79.95). “Men have worn Converse for years because they are easy to wear and effortlessly cool,” says Nordstrom Men’s Shoe Buyer Shannon Braegelmann. “And the warm wool fabric gives this ageless classic a great seasonal twist.” Available in Men’s Shoes at Nordstrom in White Plains (914) 946-1122; nordstrom.com. - Partner Content -
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Under $500 ($100-$499)
Genuine Rex Fur Scarf.Hand knitted with a flutter edge, this black based fur scarf features crimson, pink, and pistachio with a bit of chartreuse ($350); also available in chartreuse/brown, violet/black, and gray/charcoal. “It’s ultra-feminine and, of course, fur is such a big part of this season’s wardrobing,” says Helen Barlow, co-owner of fashion boutique Outerluxe. “It’s a perfect way to brighten up winter neutrals.” Available at Outerluxe in Larchmont (914) 834-2345; outerluxe.com. |
Lomo LCA+ Camera.Vintage-style photo apps like Hipstamatic and Instagram are all the rage on smartphones currently, but why not gift the photo enthusiast in your life the real deal? The Lomo LCA+ camera, which is a—gasp!—film camera, breathes authenticity back to vintage-style photography ($250). It takes breathtaking images stamped with its famed effects: over-intense color saturation, long depth of field, selective focus and blurring, sharp contrast, and beautiful vignetting in the corners—among other quirky, unpredictable effects that make this camera a cult-like favorite. So, skip the digital photo filters, pop in a roll of film, and rediscover the long-forgotten wonder of snapping a photo and waiting to see the results. Available at urbanoutfitters.com. |
Vagabond House Artichoke Salt & Pepper Shakers.Cast in pewter, detailed artichoke salt and pepper shakers make a stylish addition to any holiday table ($121). “Everyone loves food so these speak to everyone” maintains Denise MacDonald, owner of gift shop Wish in Rye. “They have a nice texture and weight and don’t even need polishing.” Available at Wish in Rye (914) 967-2910; welcometowish.com. |
Moroccan Pouf.Used as an ottoman, a footstool, or occasional seating that’s stashed under a cocktail table when not needed, this leather “Pouf” is imported from Morocco and offered in 20 standout hues like turquoise, silver, gold, and gray ($320). “It’s like a great-looking bean bag chair for adults,” says Kari TK, owner of KD Studio. Available at KD Studio in Katonah (914) 301-5798; kdstudiony.com. - Advertisement -
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Air Rhone All-Weather Boot.Waterproof black leather boots by Cole Haan feature a toasty shearling lining and Nike Air technology for extra wearing comfort ($228). “Not only are they fashionable—the whole Americana workwear look is very on trend—they’re very, very functional,” says Kristin Denae, sportswear buyer for men’s fashion boutique Rothman’s. Available at Rothman’s in Scarsdale (914) 713-0300; rothmansny.com. |
$500+
Aquamarine Necklace.This statement necklace by Jordan Scott features an aquamarine stone set in an 18 karat gold bezel on an oxidized silver necklace ($1,200). Available at Landsberg Jewelers in Rye Brook (914) 510-8920; landsbergjewelers.com. |
Apple iPad 2 (32GB).Something tells us this baby’s gonna make a lot of appearances on Santa’s list this year. And honestly, are you really surprised? The slim, sexy tablet has both front and rear cameras, a faster processor than the original iPad, and a 3G option for constant connectivity ($599). With a gorgeous, vibrant display and 10 hours of battery life, you can check up on Facebook tirelessly, browse the web, watch movies, read e-books, play games, and download the tens of thousands of apps built specifically for the iPad. Basically, it’s the ultimate all-in-one media experience. Available at apple.com. |
Alasham Cashmere Throw.Forget Snuggies—this luxurious monogrammed throw comes in six vibrant colors, including moss green (shown), burgundy, and chocolate ($500). “This is such a wonderfully decadent splurge, making it perfect for the holidays,” says Sue Glascott, assistant manager at Holbrook Cottage. Available at Holbrook Cottage in Briarcliff Manor (914) 944-0734; holbrookcottage.com. Allow one week for monogramming. |
iPad Smart Messenger Bag.Handsome leather bag by Johnny Farah features a front strap and inside zippered compartment for wallet or keys, etc. and is offered in a variety of colors including blue, taupe, red, and black ($540). “A lot of men don’t like to carry bags or briefcases—and don’t even carry around a laptop anymore,” says Lori Land, co-owner of Churchills of Mount Kisco. “This sleek, masculine design for the iPad is a great alternative.” Colors can be customized. Available at Churchills of Mount Kisco in Mount Kisco (914) 666-4800; churchillsmountkisco.com |