Best independent shops: Financial District

Babesta Cribz
The kids’-gear outpost from Babesta (sellers of the original hipster-child tees) brings its signature design-conscious, downtown style to a nursery near you. Score essentials like the newly reduced (believe it or not) Bugaboo Frog ($629, was $759) and the sculptural Skip Hop bottle-drying rack ($28), or pick up crib candy such as a Plan Toys wooden stacking tree ($20) and the Lite-Brite-reminiscent Jellio Lite table ($600), for when your kid has been really good. 56 Warren St between Church St and West Broadway (646-290-5508, babesta.com)

Tent & Trails
On the unlikely chance that you actually get off your ass and go camping this summer, you’ll want to raid jam-packed T&T. Ditch the smelly plastic Nalgene for a $20 aluminum Sigg water bottle, or invest in a tent: Casual campers will delight in Wenzel’s basic (though heavy) ones for $49; while nonposeurs might prefer something fancy like the Bibler ($670). Ask the superknowledgeable staff for advice on an upcoming adventure, and they’ll send you home with an excursion-specific checklist. 21 Park Pl between Church St and Broadway (212-227-1760, tenttrails.com)

Flight Club
Sneaks are some serious business here: Nike Dunk Quagmires ($180) are sold in shrink-wrap, and a case in the back holds the really good stuff, like Air Jordan 6 Infrareds ($725) and Air Force 1 Supreme Closing Ceremonies ($500).
120 Nassau St between Ann and Beekman Sts (212-233-7178, flightclubonline.com)

The Salty Paw
At this trendy furball spa, you can spoil Fluffy and Fido rotten with Sexy Beast dog cologne (yup) and other I-can’t-believe-they-make-this products such as a Black Dog Farm custom-fit raincoat ($35–$65) or a pet portrait by a local artist ($220 for an 11-by-14-inch painting, plus shipping). More moderate animal owners might be interested in a bag of Canine Confectionery fish biscuits ($6.50) or Kitty Jones handmade catnip toys ($12). 38 Peck Slip between Front and South Sts (212-732-2275, thesaltypaw.com)

Ako
Take advantage of ongoing sales at this mininal-chic store, where even spring items are discounted—like a seersucker jacket ($129 reduced from $517) or the Sweet Mistake dress ($144 rather than $575). Those with cash-flow issues can stop in for culture appreciation instead: The store features a new local artist each month. 207A Front St at Beekman St (212-566-2727, akonyc.com)

Bowne & Co. Stationers
This restored 19th-century print shop makes quirky, retro-chic designs with on-site vintage presses. Find original letterpress note cards ($4), customized stationery, and ephemera like a love-emblazoned map of lower Manhattan ($7). You’ll also find gifts like sea-urchin-shaped candles ($3–$7) and Yellow Owl Workshop stamp sets depicting mod sea and landscape designs ($38). 211 Water St at Beekman St (212-748-8651, southstseaport.org)

Where to eat

Alfanoose
Some of the city’s best falafel can be found at this unassuming spot, along with a host of affordable authentic Syrian and Lebanese delights. Check out the falafel sandwich ($5.75) and the stuffed grape leaves ($4.50). 8 Maiden Ln between Broadway and Nassau St (212-528-4669)

Financier Patisserie
French pastries, illy coffee, and a full breakfast and lunch menu—featuring sandwiches, soups and salads priced under $10—offer a pleasant respite from the wilds of Wall Street. 62 Stone St between Hanover Sq and Mill Ln (212-344-5600). Additional locations: financierpastries.com.

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Shopping guide '09
Best independent shops Forget chain stores. It's the little guys we're loving right now.