Best gift shops: Midtown West

The mothership for ladies-who-lunch (particularly those who love to lunch at the Kelly Wearstler–designed BG), this venerable institution—housed in the former Vanderbilt mansion—is the Neiman Marcus of New York (they're part of the same company, so you can use your Neiman's card here). Though they play host to extremely established and elegant lines like Carolina Herrera and Ralph Lauren, they up their edge factor with design stars such as Proenza Schouler and Doo.Ri. The much-trafficked fifth floor is packed with more-affordable, on-trend iterations from See by Chloe, Catherine Malandrino and Anna Sui while the shoe department—a series of small, boutique-like rooms—features tried and true classics like Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik along with upstarts such as Loeffler Randall. And like all good department stores, they have a plethora of upscale beauty products, including Slatkin candles, Laura Mercier lipglosses and Frederic Fekkai hairbrushes. The men’s store is across the street at 745 Fifth Ave.

This popular neighborhood boutique is a treasure trove for kitschy housewares like Design Ideas skyline bookends ($43), Jonathan Adler ceramic animals ($47–$200) and high-end beauty goods such as Archipelago Botanicals travel sets ($28). There’s also a small but well-curated selection of cookbooks, including Janet Fletcher’s Eating Local ($35) and Ruth Reichl’s Gourmet Today ($40).

This shop is known for creating unique floral art such as made-to-measure arrangements for high-profile events, editorial spreads and quite frankly, hopeless romantics. In honor of Valentine’s Day, the design studio is taking a creative take on the classic Valentine's Day bouquets. This year, there are five stunning arrangements to choose from, but we're particularly impressed by No.3, a romantic but gender-neutral arrangement of Amnesia roses and Lady Slipper orchids ($550) as well as the No.5, a hand-tied arrangement of blush pink garden and standard roses finished with a satin ribbon ($350).

This franchise has established strongholds from Sydney to Dubai, and for good reason. It sells super-cool goods—Japanese-centric stuff for the most part. If cartoon characters are your bag, it has the right notebook for you

t doesn’t get any more underground than the New York City subways, so it’s somehow fitting that this streetwise outfitter is located inside the Port Authority subway station. You’ll find an array of unisex $20 silk-screened tees and $40 hoodies, made exclusively by the store’s namesake label. Most designs are refreshingly minimalist; to wit, one simply says “42nd & Feeling Fine” in cursive, while another features a pair of boxing gloves and the phrase “Local Champion.” Solid zip-up hoodies are adorned with yellow strings and original Grast pin buttons on the chest. There’s also a heavy focus on toys and accessories, with a line of G-Shock watches designed in collaboration with Alife ($150) and Krink ($140); plastic character figurines by Kidrobot ($8); and GoodWood NYC intricate, hand-painted wooden pendants on beaded chains ($60). Before you hop on the train, ditch your tired Apple earbuds and cop a pair of tricked-out DJ-style headphones from Coloud ($40) or Urbanears ($60), available in every solid color of the pastel rainbow.

Scouring the globe for unusual design products is nothing new, but owners Luisa Cerutti and Nicki Lindheimer take the concept of overseas buying trips a step further; each year they visit a far-flung part of the world to forge links with and support cooperatives and individual craftspeople. The beautiful results reflect a fine attention to detail and a sense of place. With their vivid colors and swirling abstract patterns, baskets woven from telephone wire by South African Zulu tribespeople would look fantastic in a modern apartment. They come in a variety of sizes, priced from $29 to $335, and still exude a faint scent of smoke from the huts in which they took shape. Exquisite stone boxes made by a family in Vietnam are carved with remarkably convincing “weave” patterns, decorative leaves or an intricate dragon ($29–$220). Some items are sourced closer to home, such as Hell’s Kitchen cabinetmaker Beau Van Donkelaar’s one-of-a-kind cheese boards composed of different-colored wood offcuts ($199). This is a great place to find reasonably priced gifts, from handmade Afghan soaps ($8.25) to Italian throws (from $69), plus cushions, glassware, toys and much more.

Some of the most interesting treats and gifts come from museum shops and the Met is no slouch in its class. Get wall hangings, desk trinkets, home decor and arty jewlery at locations throughout the city. Seasonal and exhibit related items are constantly rotating through the stock.

Stationary. A lot of it. In the custom printing section, on-site graphic designers can honor your wishes for letterhead adorned with colored inks, pearlized paper and your fave images. There’s also a letterpress printing service offering exclusive designs for your change-of-address announcements. Of course, you can also pick up personalized basket-weave notebooks ($10–$13), frames ($5–$68) and paperweights ($32) to beautify your desk. Various other locations.

Stationary. A lot of it. In the custom printing section, on-site graphic designers can honor your wishes for letterhead adorned with colored inks, pearlized paper and your fave images. There’s also a letterpress printing service offering exclusive designs for your change-of-address announcements. Of course, you can also pick up personalized basket-weave notebooks ($10–$13), frames ($5–$68) and paperweights ($32) to beautify your desk. Various other locations.

Most people (okay, tourists) come here for the behind-the-scenes studio tours or to catch a glimpse of their favorite prime-time actor, but the gift shop is quite impressive if you're in the market for NBC fan gear (travel mugs, baseball caps, magnets, umbrellas, DVDs, etc.). Some SNL gear always makes for a very cute gift idea.