Present sense: Manhattan

West Village

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Aedes de Venustas
Decked out like a 19th-century boudoir with plush maroon carpet, gold fabric and a crystal chandelier, this perfume collector’s palace devotes itself to ultrasophisticated fragrances and coveted skin-care lines. Recognizable brands include John Galliano and Lalique, but for true noses, sniff out rarer concoctions such as Eau d’Italie’s Umbrian-wood-accented sprays ($120) and the People of the Labyrinths’ A.Maze eau de toilette ($125), redolent of roses and saffron. 9 Christopher St at Sixth Ave (212-206-8674)

Butik
Supermodel and photographer Helena Christensen might co-own this Nordic emporium, but its shabby-chic decor and random but charming mix of antiques, clothes and plants are decidedly down-to-earth. Scoop up glitter-filled bottles (from $8), heart-shaped beaded wreaths ($25), mini wood baskets ($10) and sled ornaments ($15). 605 Hudson St between Bethune and W 12th St (212-367-8014)

The End of History
When its lamps are left ablaze late at night, this gorgeously curated shop is perhaps the most stunning spot in the city. But it’s more than just a pretty face: Though pricey (small pieces start at about $150), its extensive stock of vintage glass and pottery draws collectors from the world over, and its extremely knowledgeable staff can guide and explain the importance of the various vases, lamps and goblets. 548 1/2 Hudson St at Perry St (212-647-7598)

Flight 001
Even if your family’s not JFK-bound, this slick travel chainlet’s smart gear should equip them for all the minor journeys in their future. Tricked out with glossy white shelves like the interior of a Boeing 747, the mod joint swells with easily portable accoutrements such as mini iPod speakers ($24), Y-3 sporty messenger bags ($230–$250) and battery-powered cell-phone chargers ($20). TSA-approved beauty products like single-use dry shampoo ($6) should also prove handy for jet-setters hoping not to check their toiletry cases. 96 Greenwich Ave at Jane St (212-989-0001); 132 Smith St between Bergen and Dean Sts, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn (718-243-0001); 58 Fifth Ave between Bergen St and St Marks Pl (718-789-1001)

Hable Construction
On a picturesque street in the West Village sits a haven for home-design aficionados. The charming outpost of textiles label Hable Construction lures with bold-colored goods covered in the company’s signature graphic prints along with one-of-a-kind antiques and handmade wares. If you can resist the urge to redecorate your own abode, suitable gifts are plentiful. Cottons, linens, canvases and jacquards beckon in various forms—crafted into totes and photo albums, stretched over panels as wall art ($45–$105), and covering throw pillows ($98–$205) and antique chairs. Hable also has a line of quilts and bedding. 117 Perry St between Greenwich and Hudson Sts (212-989-2375)

Kid O
Little ones can zoom around this small space on an in-house silver tricycle while parents scout the joint for toys, books and modern kiddie furniture. In lieu of Barbie and Ken dolls, goods here are based on the learning theories of Montessori, Reggio Emilia and Bank Street—but that doesn’t mean they’re not stylish, too. Snap up create-your-own-fairy-tale books ($38), colorful bean-filled maracas ($20), magnetic solitaire games ($10) and hand-crocheted alphabet blocks ($130). 123 W 10th St between Sixth Ave and Greenwich Ave (212-366-5436)

Mxyplyzyk
Every inch of this 1,500-square-foot shop is lined with giftable utilitarian items packaged in hyperstylish exteriors. Jewel boxes shaped like anemones ($13), plastic anatomical models of cows ($30) and feathered songbird magnets ($18) are just a few of the reliably affordable offerings. 125 Greenwich Ave at 13th St (212-989-4300)