Present sense: Manhattan

Gramercy-Flatiron

Tribeca  |  Soho  |  Nolita  |  Lower East Side  |  East Village
West Village  |  Meatpacking District/Chelsea  |  Gramercy-Flatiron
Midtown  |  Upper West Side  |  Upper East Side  |  Harlem

ABC Carpet & Home
The main floor of this industry and city standard for all things devoted to the home is packed with more affordable, gift-inspired goods, such as delicate votive holders ($25–$100) and Matta floor pillows, pieced together from antique saris ($125–$350). Meanwhile, the in-house outpost of stationery boutique Cursive serves up letterpressed cards, fancy pens and a smattering of jewelry. 888 Broadway at 19th St (212-473-3000)

Apartment 48
Though bigger than the average studio, this belowground space is expertly executed to resemble a real apartment—though sadly, you can’t move in. Pick up Roman Glass Print Napkins from the kitchen ($12), Savon de Marseille hand soap from the bathroom ($18), a Punched-Out Moroccan Lantern from the living room ($285) and an old-school digital clock radio with iPod port from the bedroom ($100). 48 W 17th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-807-1391)

Fishs Eddy
Penny-pinchers frequent this warrenlike shop for sturdy, vintage dishware and glasses—recycled from restaurants, ocean liners and hotels—but there are plenty of affordable, freshly minted kitchen goods to stuff stockings with, too. Add whimsy to mealtime with glasses adorned with images from Alice in Wonderland ($5 and up), platters printed with the Brooklyn skyline ($16–$23) and Cynthia Rowley’s popular Dirty Dishes dinnerware ($10–$16), which feature reclining scantily clad girls. 889 Broadway at 19th St (212-420-9020)