Present sense: Manhattan

Upper East Side

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Blue Tree
An impossible-to-miss bright blue facade marks this bustling three-year-old boutique owned by actress Phoebe Cates. While it’s inarguably well-curated, Cates offers an alarmingly eclectic range of goods—from children’s toys to diamonds to chocolates. Scour the cozy first level for three-dimensional puzzles of the Eiffel Tower ($54), along with handmade leather bracelets ($125–$395) from Sweden, lidded lacquered bowls that resemble iced cupcakes ($65) and gold vermeil rings cast with tiny magnifying glasses, which are patterned after pieces from the board game Clue ($165). Head upstairs for Rupert Sanderson custom-made shoes ($485–$600)—exclusive to Blue Tree—and Biba tunic dresses ($350–450), What Goes Around Comes Around women’s wool vests ($225) and silk-screened T-shirts ($65) from John Malkovich’s line, Uncle Kimono. 1283 Madison Ave between 91st and 92nd Sts (212-369-2583)

Kiitos Marimekko
You don’t have to be a flower child to appreciate the mod, blossom-heavy designs of the seminal Finnish fabric company, which is extremely well-represented at this airy UES spot. Marimekko’s bright, bold prints bedeck clothes and accessories including psychedelic striped mini umbrellas ($40) and turquoise bath towels ($32). From like-minded decor company WallCandy, peel-and-stick polka dot decals ($54) transform humdrum white walls into a Technicolor trip. 1262 Third Ave between 72nd and 73rd Sts (212-628-8400)

Metropolitan Museum of Art Gift Shop
While more known for reprints of priceless works of art than chic jewelry, this behemoth of a gift shop—with small outposts all over the country—is actually an excellent destination for loot that appeals to the nongeriatric set. Score everything from umbrellas outfitted with William Morris wallpaper prints ($30) to perfect reproductions of ancient carnelian intaglio rings ($495) and Herakles knot necklaces ($75). 1000 Fifth Ave at 82nd St (212-570-3894)

Roberta Freymann
For three months a year, Freymann frequents bazaars all around the world to handpick the exotic textiles and accessories that line her bi-level townhouse shop’s shelves. Benefit from her globe-trotting ways with vivid, boho caftans ($50–$250), metallic resin bangles ($60–$100) and paisley-print silk scarves ($85–$200) that look much fancier than something you would find at your average street fair. 153 E 70th St between Lexington and Third Aves (212-585-3767)

The Shop at Cooper-Hewitt
Sure, you can pick up a tome about the museum’s current exhibition of lighting designer Ingo Maurer’s lamps, but the design-focused arm of the Smithsonian thankfully carries much more than just souvenirs. In what was once Andrew Carnegie’s wood-lined library, you’ll now find brilliant wares such as a USB memory stick encased in a twig ($89), Lady de Lacey stainless steel cuff bracelets ($135) and graceful letterpress cards ($24) created by M.F.A. students from the Maryland Institute of Art. Fans of downtown boutique Kiosk can also save themselves the schlep to Soho by scooping up its global goods, now offered at the museum shop. 2 E 91st St at Fifth Ave (212-849-8355)