Present sense: Brooklyn

Park Slope

Park Slope  |  Williamsburg  |  Greenpoint  |  Boerum Hill  |  Red Hook  |  Dumbo

Cog & Pearl
Conceived by partners Kristin Overson and Seth Walter in the back of a cab, this bright, airy Brooklyn institution offers a multitude of handmade works. You’ll find an assortment of enviable loot from up-and-coming local designers such as gift tags by Sesame Letterpress ($3); hand-glazed ceramic, lidded teacups and coasters by Christina Cherry ($50); one-of-a-kind embroidered silk neckties by Bonnie Heart Clyde ($76); and Burrow Burrow’s statuette of a horse cobbled together from discarded electronic parts ($750). 190 Fifth Ave at Sackett St (718-623-8200)

Brooklyn Mercantile
Escape the euro and still surprise your loved ones with fresh-from-Paris goodies thanks to this cozy home shop. Snag French table runners (from $45), vintage ticking pillows ($100–$150), Palais des Thès tea samplers ($76) and Côté Bastide soaps ($26–$60). For patriotic types, martini shakers ($48–$55) support the all-American ritual of cocktail hour. 335 Fifth Ave between 3rd and 4th Sts (718-788-1233)

Rare Device
Jewelry and graphic designer Rena Tom fills her breezy joint with stunning and functional pieces from emerging companies, so you’re virtually guaranteed that someone else won’t give your aunt the same Japanese felted key case ($23–$28). Drawings of yarn, needles and buttons embellish sturdy melamine plates ($32) and Brooklynite Adam Frank’s Lumen oil lamp ($50–$90) casts a cedar-shaped shadow. For your aesthete boyfriend, we suggest picking up a book of handmade typefaces ($35) or affordable paintings of forlorn houses by L.A. artist Kelly Lynn Jones ($175–$500). 453 Seventh Ave between 15th and 16th Sts (718-301-6375)

Williamsburg

Park Slope  |  Williamsburg  |  Greenpoint  |  Boerum Hill  |  Red Hook  |  Dumbo

A&G Merch
If Ikea had a love child with high-concept design shop Moss, the result might be a similar mix of affordable utilitarian objects with a wry twist. Just around the corner from sibling avant-furniture gallery the Future Perfect, this brick-lined spot dishes up unusual home items such as slick Kikkerland digital wood clocks ($219), colorful rubber trivets inspired by Moroccan floor tiles ($29) and ceramic glasses patterned after plastic cups ($9), which could elevate even the humblest keg party. 111 North 6th St between Berry St and Wythe Ave (718-388-1779)

Catbird
Hit this superfemme Williamsburg chainlet for all the ladies on your list. The original Metropolitan outpost specializes in sweetly chic dresses and shoes with a small selection of jewelry from emerging local labels. For more girlish adornments, amble three streets over to the Bedford Avenue location where the chandelier-lit space focuses on one-of-a-kind accessories, including Demitasse necklaces ($144–$460) inspired by 18th-century silverware and Mischa Lampert hand-knit chunky wool caps ($145–$240), along with unusual pieces like brass compasses ($42) for folks looking to find themselves. If you end up spotting something that you have a hard time parting with, you can create a present registry to let your loved ones know what to slip into your stocking. 390 Metropolitan Ave between Havemeyer and North 5th Sts (718-388-7688); 219 Bedford Ave between North 4th and 5th Sts (718-599-3457)

Moon River Chattel
Though this rustic spot specializes in antique flooring and sinks, its vintage-style domestic goods don’t require a contractor to install. Across the street from the architectural salvage shop, its slightly ramshackle “Mercantile” market abounds with frill-free, everyday objects like glass jars ($1–$200), ceramic dishware ($2–$200), elegant hemp linens ($15–$250) and French striped pillows ($24–$44) for the burgeoning Martha Stewart in your life. 62 Grand St between Kent and Wythe Aves (718-388-1121)

Sprout Home
Tucked away on a bleak stretch of industrial Williamsburg, this gardening haven blooms all year round with perennials, flowers and leafy goods. For urbanites who long for the simple life, snap up rustic housewares such as porcelain vases molded to look like parrot tulips ($19), Tord Boontje glasses embellished with galloping horses and ivy tendrils ($14), and hanging glass globes ($19), perfect for starting a mini terrarium. 44 Grand St between Kent and Wythe Aves (718-388-4440)

Greenpoint

Park Slope  |  Williamsburg  |  Greenpoint  |  Boerum Hill  |  Red Hook  |  Dumbo

Brooklynski
Time-pressed Greenpoint residents, you don’t have to opt for a present of wine and kielbasa for the next holiday party you attend. Named after the Polish phrase for “of Brooklyn,” this 300-square-foot spot will rescue you from the dilemma of picking up last-minute host and hostess presents with mod sketchbooks ($18), Archipelago bergamot-and-tobacco scented candles ($20), and adorable totes hand-printed with images of hummingbirds and zebras ($42–$55). Lucid chandelier-shaped earrings ($45) also set a festive mood for swingers. 145 Driggs Ave between Humboldt and Russell Sts (718-389-0901)

Boerum Hill

Park Slope  |  Williamsburg  |  Greenpoint  |  Boerum Hill  |  Red Hook  |  Dumbo

Bark
Eccentricities for apartment dwellers reign in this stark white storefront, where whimsy takes the form of owner Lynda Downey’s carefully curated global goods. Instead of humdrum scented candles, keep home fires burning with cloisonné oil lamps with faux hummingbirds ($110), and Brita-upgrading crystal wine decanters ($68). Luxe bedding in silk, cashmere and even Mongolian lambskin ($165-$460) beg to be touched. If you need a breather from your spree, take respite by Bark’s pretty fireplace. 495 Atlantic Ave between Third Ave and Nevins St (718-625-8997)

Blue Ribbon General Store
At this brand-new, Kelly green, one-room shop, whimsical housewares, novelties and whatever owner Ann Lopatin, a former product developer for Ralph Lauren and Coach, deems “best in show” crowd the shelves. Its rotating lineup is heavy on items for little ones, so spoil your nieces and nephews with child-friendly chopsticks complete with instructions ($8) and Storytime hot chocolate in cheery tins decked out with images from children’s fables ($7). Also scoop up paint-by-numbers kits of ’90s stars like disgraced duo Milli Vanilli ($13) for those adults who refuse to grow up. 365 State St at Bond St (718-522-9848)

Layla
Owner Alayne Patrick works with Indian craftsmen to dream up the exquisite offerings at her jewel-box–like boutique. Its white walls and dark-wood floors are a low-key showcase for Patrick’s vibrantly hued, hand-picked treasures from South Asia. Pick from hand-block-printed clothing ($60–$265), antique jewelry ($100–$12,000), and boldly patterned towels ($5–$48). While pieces can be a bit pricey—Layla also offers posh loot such as Virginia Johnson scarves and model-turned-designer Alek Wek’s bags— $3 glass bangles ensure that a trip here won’t cost as much as a flight to Mumbai. 86 Hoyt St between Atlantic Ave and State St (718-222-1933)

Red Hook

Park Slope  |  Williamsburg  |  Greenpoint  |  Boerum Hill  |  Red Hook  |  Dumbo

Erie Basin
Appointed with neoclassical furniture and glossy black floors, 26-year-old artist Russell Whitmore’s first boutique—named after a Brooklyn waterway—transports you back in time via its finely honed collection of 19th-century estate jewelry, table accoutrements and other antique-looking objets. Don’t worry about being overwhelmed: Whitmore pares down what’s on tap to a gorgeous handful of works from the likes of RISD-trained designer Philip Crangi; Paul DeBlassie IV, a former assistant to Ted Muehling with a penchant for organic, sculptural shapes; and Victorian-influenced Belgian native Natalia Brilli—all displayed in wood museum cases. There’s a stunning selection of adornments for less than $200. 388 Van Brunt St at Dikeman St (718-554-6147)

Dumbo

Park Slope  |  Williamsburg  |  Greenpoint  |  Boerum Hill  |  Red Hook  |  Dumbo

Stewart/Stand
A family affair, brothers Theo and Paul Stewart-Stand combined their respective backgrounds in product design and business and teamed up with Theo’s wife, photographer Penelope Mahot, to open this Jetsons-sleek boutique in a former garage. Like the mod space, clean-lined goods such as hyperthin, private-label woven stainless-steel wallets ($15–$125) and interlocking diamond-shaped cuff links ($89), along with Josh Jakus felt bags ($65–$110) should please your crew of devoted design snobs and minimalists. 165 Front St at Jay St (718-407-4197)