Present sense: Manhattan

Midtown

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Anthropologie
Decidedly more refined and upscale than its sibling Urban Outfitters, the catalog-based retailer brims with bohemian clothing and home decor. But you won’t have to worry about doppelgänger presents from this megachain, which is full of unusual, vintage-inspired pieces such as embroidered jewelry boxes ($38–$78), knee socks embellished with a faux tuxedo print ($28) and beaded ornaments of wintry fairies and ice skaters ($12–$24). 50 Rockefeller Plaza between 50th and 51st Sts (212-246-0386);

The Conran Shop
Though it’s not centrally located—even if it is significantly closer and more convenient than the original British emporium—this destination’s supply of excellent modern home goods justifies a trek east. Shop for Rob Brant glasses, styled to look like crumpled plastic cups ($10), pillows embellished with images of Matriochka dolls ($85) and intricately woven Missoni hand towels ($16.50), all housed in this massive and lofty depot. 407 E 59th St at First Ave (866-755-9079)

Henri Bendel
Though it’s technically a department store, this Fifth Avenue style bastion feels more like a series of elegant boutiques, devoted to the likes of Diane von Furstenberg and J. Brand Denim. If you’re too exhausted to ascend its four floors, gifts are conveniently displayed around every corner—Memoire Liquide Bespoke Perfumery personalized scents ($45–$75), Mor Emporium soaps wrapped in baroque-inspired paper ($14) and Cubissimo alarm clocks, which tell the time, temperature and date on four LCD displays ($40). For all the beautiful people you know, don’t miss the first level’s slew of makeup counters, which include Nars, Trish McEvoy, Mally and BeneFit. 712 Fifth Ave at 56th St (800-423-6335)

MoMA Design Store
Instead of postcards and logo paraphernalia, this modernist’s destination carries sleek jewelry, furniture, lighting, kitchen and home accessories—all approved by the institution’s curators. Eschew big-ticket tokens for the shop’s practical, budget-friendly pieces such as cheery hedgehog-shaped paper-clip holders ($20), smartly designed wine carafes ($50) featuring a spot to store cups and Japanese cedar briefcases ($325). And as in a museum exhibit, every item in the store has a short description attached, clueing you in to its origin and designer. 44 W 53rd St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-708-9700, 212-767-1050); 81 Spring St between Broadway and Crosby St (646-613-1367)

Smythson of Bond Street
With Bergdorf Goodman and Louis Vuitton across the street, the flagship of this English leather-goods house keeps up with its posh neighbors via newly revamped digs for culty hand-engraved stationery (starting at $55) and their haute crocodile-embossed diaries ($120–$395). Class up your fave straphanger’s commute with pocket-sized leather planners equipped with an NYC subway map ($50). What’s more, Smythson books and most leather goods can be personalized with names, initials and dates using real gold or silver leaf ($12 per letter), and they’ll expertly gift wrap any item at no extra charge. 4 W 57th St at Fifth Ave (212-265-4573)

Takashimaya
Arguably the most otherworldly of NYC’s department stores, this upscale Japanese retailer offers a Zen retreat for harried shoppers. Amid stunning arrangements, its floral boutique displays rustic gardening tools such as metal pruning shears ($27) and other gear for green thumbs. Its seven floors also feature avant-garde accessories with an Eastern sensibility, such as men’s clean-lined work bags and artful tabletop items like slick sake bowls, along with a small selection of high-end beauty goods from Paris. Best of all, basement respite the Tea Box offers myriad flavors of tea and delicious bento boxes. 693 Fifth Ave between 54th and 55th Sts (212-350-0100)

United Nations Gift Center
The security to get into this global boutique may be stricter than that to get on an international flight, but once you’re safely ensconced you’ll have access to a wealth of products, all organized by country. Each display houses its nation’s claim to fame, like Victorian-style garnet jewelry ($40–$400) from the Czech Republic, Technicolor hand-blown glass vases ($33) from Poland and flamenco dancer figurines ($104) from Spain. Brand names have no significance to Hanaa Shoukry, the enthusiastic Director of Purchasing and Merchandise, who hand-selects each item based on history, tradition and culture. E 46th St at First Ave (212-963-7700)