Holiday gift guide 2012: NYC stores with iPod and iPad checkouts

Leave it to Apple to lead the way in up-to-the-minute technology: The brand was the first major retailer to put point-of-sale–capable devices in the hands of sales staff. Each of its six NYC shops stocks the latest in tech gifts, including the new iPad minis ($329–$659).

The first location of businessman Chris Burch’s fashionably preppy shop opened in Soho last year, and the brand has since grown to three stores in Manhattan. There’s something affordable for just about everyone on your list, including animal-shaped cheese boards ($28), ikat-print kettle and teacup sets ($38) and pavé initial cuff bracelets ($48). Techies will love tablet keyboards ($80), chargeable iPod cases ($58) and nylon laptop sleeves ($68), and even your pooch is taken care of with colorful pet bowls ($24–$38) and striped leashes ($16). Each salesperson is equipped with an iPod touch for ringing up purchases, making it a cinch to shop in a hurry. The new Flatiron pop-up shop is gift central, devoted entirely to presents and wrapping paper until the end of December. • 72 Spring St at Crosby St • Time Warner Center, 10 Columbus Circle at 59th St, second floor • 155 Fifth Ave at 21st St

This British chain opened its fourth NYC store in Midtown East this past May (the others are in Times Square, Noho and at the South Street Seaport), boasting two levels of men’s and women’s Americana threads. Stylish gift offerings are up for grabs including neon rubber iPhone cases ($30), colorful headphones ($90) and leather passport holders ($60). Approximately ten staff members are on the floor at a time, each with a handy iPod touch for quick checkout capability. The dude in your life will appreciate hooded windbreakers ($150) and chunky knit beanies ($40), while your mom will love quilted purses for her tablet ($120) or fleece mittens ($40).

Anyone who shops in one of the 14 NYC locations of this beauty haven knows that lines can be epic—especially around the holidays. Thankfully, a knowledgeable salesperson can process your payment right after helping you find the perfect gift (we like Fresh three-piece lip-and-body-cream sets, $28). Sephora stocks more than 40 new limited-edition holiday kits every year; among this season’s offerings are Philosphy martini-scent shower gel kits ($22) and Tarte palettes ($54), which include 24 full-size eye shadows, a mini blush, finishing powder, mascara, eight lip glosses, a blush brush and makeup bag.

While we have to wait until 2018 for Nordstrom’s fancy new midtown location, this offshoot is packed with discounted designer items, including home goods, jewelry and small accessories. Look for Wurskin Stiffs metal collar stays ($15) and English Laundry polka-dot socks ($4) for guys; ladies, meanwhile, will love Philosophy by Dane Lewis crewneck sweaters ($50) and Bluetooth iPad keyboard cases ($50). Skip the lines and have one of the sales staff check you out with a handy iPad.