Best gift shops: Boerum Hill

Crafting connoisseurs flock to this paper haven. Since the original Paper Source opened in Chicago in 1983, founder Sue Lindstrom has provided handcrafted decorative papers, tongue-in-cheek greeting cards, artful wrapping paper and charming stationery. The gargantuan space hosts demonstration tables, where you can watch and participate in crafting workshops ($25–$40) such as bookbinding, card-making and rubber-stamping. Or save your bucks, and stop by for free in-store demos like holiday gift-wrapping tutorials; then take a peek at the inspiration boards to get ideas for your own crafting endeavors. But with more than 40 colors of card stock and envelopes, 500 greeting cards, countless rolls of ribbon in a rainbow of colors, and imported papers from Japan, India, Nepal, Thailand and Italy, the creativity should come easily. There are also ample gifts, including paper monkey puppet kits ($16), owl place-card kits ($14) and 2011 Wall Art monthly calendars ($28).

Nicknamed Brooklyn's Antiques Row, Atlantic Avenue is becoming as much a destination for contemporary home goods as it is for old relics. Among the top sources for decor is warm Boerum Hill emporium Sterling Place. Dotting the hardwood floors are modern dwelling dressings, tabletop goods and the occasional refurbished antique, such as a 40-drawer 1920s apothecary cabinet ($2,600). Smaller housewarming goodies, such as a cozy Nina Campbell lambswool throw ($296) and a hand-painted red-umber sushi set for two ($144) are just the touches to make an apartment a sterling place in its own right.

This oddball shop is like Spencer’s for grown-ups—except there are no naked fat-lady greeting cards. Gags and gaffs abound, whether they’re virtually useless (Believe in God breath spray, denture-shaped ice-cube trays) or surprisingly useful (sturdy wallets, pencils shaped like drumsticks). This is indisputably the neighborhood’s go-to spot for wacky games, goofy cards, silly stocking-stuffers and everything in between.

This kitschy shop stocks handmade gifts, vintage collectibles and local artwork. Previously a vendor at the Dekalb Market, owner Albert Chau fills the space with quirky items such as Sweet and Sour Goodies felt gnomes ($28), Tea for Two matryoshka teapots ($48) and vintage Dinobots Transformers ($45). With a gallery vibe in the front of the store and a cozy couch in the back, Chaun hopes to cultivate a collective of artists with in-store shows, film panels and seminars.

Since 2012, herbalist Anit Hora has created budget-friendly skin-care products for her beauty line, Mullein & Sparrow. You’ll find the complete line (and more) at this new apothecary shop, which she co-owns with Lori Labedz. Look for locally made remedies like Himalayan bath salts ($40) and facial detox kits ($25), as well as merch from Brooklyn faves like Catbird (rose-gold threadbare rings are $44) and MCMC (Hunter roll-on perfume oil is $45).