Lucky for us, we in Park Slope don’t have to go to malls to purchase Christmas/Hanukah gifts for friends and family.

Instead of the stifling, claustrophobic atmosphere of a mall with its national brand uniformity and commercialism, we can WALK from one end of the Slope to another and support our favorite local merchants.

On my ramblings from 3rd Street to Lincoln Place on Seventh Avenue. I selected one item per store that tickled my fancy. Coming soon: Fifth Avenue, South Slope, and more.

Please send any great gifts you’ve seen in our local shops to louisecrawford@gmail.com

GIFTS ON 7th Avenue:

3rd to 2nd Streets

–Seventh Avenue Books: "Elements of Style" by E.B. White illustrated by Maira Kalmam
–Park Slope Books:A rare photography book
—Good Footing: Ice skates with velcro closures
—Tarzian West: Creuset ceramic jar for utensils

1st to Garfield

—Artesana: Mexican Ornaments, black ceramic candleabras
—The Clay Pot: Hilary Druxman necklaces or earrings
—Treasure Chest: Pylones mod dog leash
—Lolli: Colorful terri cloth bibs
—Mr. Choi: Socks, yoga pants

Garfield to Carroll

—Jack Rabbit: Brooklyn Half-Marathon Training Program
—D’Vine Taste: Dried Fruits, Halvah
—Community Bookstore: "The Complete New Yorker,"  "A Field Guide to Getting Lost" by Rebecca Solnit, "Veronica" by Mary Gaitskill, "Brooklyn Follies" by Paul Auster
—Little Things: Candy Dominoes Game

Carroll to President

—Loom: Beaded elastic belts, Cavallini & Co. desk calendar illustrated with vintage postcards.
—Sound Track: Anthony and the Johnsons, Walk the Line Soundtrack, Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltraine,

Union to Berkeley

—Peekaboo Kids: Ultra soft hat and scarf sets in cool colors
—Kiwi: Cashmere gloves
—Zuzu’s Petals: Motion Sensitive chirping bird

Berkeley to Lincoln

—Slope Sports: Pearl iZumi hats for winter running in cool patterns
—Orange Blossom Kids: Mini ugly doll
—Stitch Therapy: Yarn kits for kids