Present sense: Manhattan

Animazing Gallery
While Soho might have lost most of its galleries to designer boutiques, this venerable spot carries on the area’s creative tradition by dedicating itself to cartoon art. But if you’re not clambering for a print of Homer Simpson, make a beeline for their covetable presents, such as Maison de Vie French milled guest soaps ($23), a funky David Scherer mixed-media clock ($150) and pottery with Beatles lyrics etched in ceramic ($125). 461 Broome St between Greene and Mercer Sts (800-303-4848)

Christiane Celle Calypso Home
Cheer up dreary abodes—and folks tired of ho-hum presents—with the chainlet’s colorful domestic accoutrements. Transform their living room into a souk with Moroccan leather poufs ($250), or just remind friends of warmer, tropical climes via supersoft fringed beach towels ($125) and candles that capture the scent of driftwood on the beach ($38). 199 Lafayette St at Broome St (212-925-6200); 815 Madison Ave between 68th and 69th Sts (212-585-0310)

Clio
If a store could send mixed signals, Clio might be considered a tease. On the surface, this small Soho boutique seems old-fashioned, with quaint brick walls and a rustic aesthetic. But upon closer inspection, its antique tables and rickety chairs are laden with contemporary and modern tableware from designers around the world. Owners Daniel and Michelle Lehmann eschew well-known brands for exclusive pieces such as paper-thin porcelain tea-light holders from Paris ($55), baskets woven from recycled billboards ($20–$35) and handmade ceramic dishware from England available in 28 colors ($60–$222). 92 Thompson St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-966-8991)

Evolution
Though Halloween has long passed, a skeleton stands guard outside of this cavelike spot, suggesting that a jaunt here is not for the faint of heart. It’s true: The taxidermied animal heads and skeletal jaws lining the walls provide a frightening sight. Also check out the slightly creepy collectibles including replica skulls of wolves, hyenas and lions ($90–$395); bracelets crafted out of genuine beetles ($39); and man-eating piranha figurines ($35). But beyond freaky stuff, the natural selection can also include gorgeous curios, like displays of blue morpho butterflies ($39), and eye-popping rock formations, including malachite from Zaire, silver pyrite from Peru, 500-million-year-old ocean jasper from Madagascar and yellow sulfur crystal from Bolivia. 120 Spring St between Greene and Mercer Sts (212-343-1114)

Giggle
Negotiate past the baby carriages parked in the designated pram area to find a tyke’s wonderland decked out with oversize striped lamp shades and black-and-white snapshots of local babies. Keep little ones stylish with Dwellbaby unisex crib bedding ($418), Mimi the Sardine formaldehyde-free bibs and splash mats ($16–$30), handcrafted wooden toys ($25–$168), and Jack and Lily pint-size ballet flats ($25). If you’re truly stumped by what to get new parents, the store’s total-nursery product checklist should clue you in. 120 Wooster St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-334-5817)

Global Table
Slip through a nondescript black door for an international kaleidoscope of tabletop and home accessories from far-flung spots such as the Philippines, Egypt and Thailand. And unlike a flight to those exotic locales, owner Nathalie Smith’s goods are blessedly well priced. Chic wares abound, such as flower-encrusted porcelain white vases ($25–$40), Moroccan tea glasses ($16) and bronze lamps crafted out of driftwood logs ($225). 107–109 Sullivan St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-431-5839)

Helen Ficalora
A pioneer of the alphabet-charm craze, this jewelry designer began selling her customizable baubles a decade ago to guests at her family’s surfside hotel in Montauk. At her eponymous Nolita flagship, the message remains the same: classic styles inspired by peace, love and the beach. Send your beloved a timeless keepsake with charming luxe pieces such as a seashell-shaped gold pendant ($200–$250), a diamond-studded daisy-chain ring ($1,200) or a sterling-silver Peace Angel charm ($79). 21 Cleveland Pl between Kenmare and Spring Sts (212-219-3700)

Jack Spade
Eschewing elaborate details for frill-free functionality, Jake Spade’s hyperstylish accessories depot is packed with sturdy options, like water-resistant waxed-cotton messenger bags ($325), anchor-embossed leather wallets ($125) and sporty briefcases cut from painters’ canvas ($485) for guys who want to stick out from the investment banker set. 56 Greene St at Broome St (212-625-1820)

Kate Spade
Spade’s elegant accessories favor strong geometric shapes, sleek lines and rich materials. For traditional ladies with a quirky edge, take your pick from a crop of styles like suede clutches ($255), vintage-style sunglasses ($175) and canvas agenda books ($75). 454 Broome St at Mercer St (212-274-1991)

Kidrobot
At the forefront of the collectible toy explosion, this blue gallery-like space has a worldwide cult following for its house line of limited-edition figures. While prices can career into the thousands—they offer a $1,500 leopard-print vinyl bear—for the change in your pocket, you can snag boxes of miniatures, including figures of fashion label Heatherette (choose from Richie Rich, Traver Rains, Amanda Lepore and Aimee Phillips; $3) or design your own toy with the Do-It-Yourself Munny ($25). 126 Prince St at Wooster St (212-966-6688)

Kiosk
Offbeat everyday items from all over the globe get their moment at this hidden second-floor den. Owner Alisa Grifo flies all over the planet looking for novelties, focusing on a new country every four to six months. Currently, she’s shining the spotlight on Finnish products, including plastic pocket flasks ($15), brightly wrapped berry candies ($5) and woven birch-and-pine baskets ($75). Even if your friends don’t really need tar shampoo ($15), Pore soap ($6) or a box of red chalk ($12), they’ll adore the stunning packaging. 95 Spring St between Broadway and Mercer St (212-226-8601)

Jonathan Adler
Good things come from Jersey: Take this domestic-design superstar, for instance, whose playful housewares could brighten any apartment. Needlepoint throw pillows with prints of ’60s models ($165) channel Andy Warhol, and stoneware salt and pepper shakers molded like a man and a woman ($68) bring personality to the table. Cure friends suffering from the bleak-studio-apartment blues with Adler’s manifesto My Prescription for Anti-Depressive Living ($35). 47 Greene St between Broome and Grand Sts (212-941-8950); 1097 Madison Ave at 83rd St (212-772-2410); 37 Greenwich Ave at Charles St (212-488-2803)

Matter
Though it displays museumworthy items like Iraqi-Brit architect Zaha Hadid’s space-agey stools ($9,130), don’t confuse Matter for a look-but-don’t-touch gallery. Owner Jamie Gray selects pieces that turn everyday items into high art. Opt for Loyal Loot Collective log bowls ($68–$165), hot-pink acrylic pigeon lights ($105) and safety pin earrings by Sehti Na ($285). 405 Broome St between Centre and Lafayette Sts (212-343-2600); 227 Fifth Ave between Carroll and President Sts, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-230-1150)

Meg Cohen
Truly eensy, this all-white, small box of a space is a fitting gallery for knitwear queen Meg Cohen’s rainbow-striped bent plywood serving trays ($10–$125), fingerless cashmere gloves in soft blues and bright pinks ($65) and two-toned ski caps ($95). 59 Thompson St between Broome and Spring Sts (917-805-0189)

Michelle Varian
Bird- and leaf-motiffed throw pillows (around $200) in a slew of fabrics—linen, metallic leather, canvas—are plentiful at this well-loved designer’s nature-inspired home spot. Beyond Varian’s line of pillows, you’ll find pewter jewelry boxes cast in the shape of oysters ($75), best-selling D.L.& Co. absinthe candles, packaged in hatboxes ($95) and forged-bronze bat skull sculptures ($72). 35 Crosby St between Broome and Grand Sts (212-343-0033)

Moss
Murray Moss’s sophisticated and progressive taste in home goods is expertly presented and showcased behind locked glass cases and sectioned off with white metal handrails. The assorted selection of studio pieces, furniture, lighting, watches, jewelry and tabletop items range anywhere from a Vinini mouth-blown Murano stained-glass window ($60,000) to a Charlotte Van Der Waals world-time clock ($75). 150 Greene St between Prince and W Houston Sts (212-204-7100)

Pearl River
Move past the bamboo and papier-mâché dragon perched at the entrance ($3,500) for 30,000-square-feet of Chinatown department store. You’ll find everything from feng shui figurines to paper lanterns to custom-made Chinese dresses on the three jam-packed floors. Stock up on embroidered satin coin purses ($1.75), brocade slippers ($14.50), ceramic sake cups ($19.50), and ornate umbrella lamps ($49.50). 477 Broadway between Broome and Grand Sts (800-878-2446)

Z Gallerie
This California chain’s Soho outpost—the H&M or Zara of decor shops—merges the latest trends with reasonable prices. From the unusual to the essentials, Z Gallerie hosts an array of furniture, artwork, lighting, tabletop items, textiles and decorative accessories. Luckily, a succulent arrangement of faux greenery ($10–$90), a horn bottle opener ($10), antique copper crustacean wine holders ($40–$45) or sparkling bird jewel boxes ($19–$27) won’t burn a hole in your gift-buying budget. 443 Broadway at Grand St (212-343-1045)