Crazy, crazy me. I went to nearly every store on 7th and 5th Avenues from Flatbush to 16th Street that I thought might have interesting gifts. I selected at least one gift item per store that caught my eye. Sometimes I mention more. It was an interesting exercise: trying to zone in on the best and most unique gifts in every shop. In a few rare cases, it was difficult to find even one thing. Usually it was incredibly easy because there was so much good stuff to choose from.

EVERY DAY, I keep adding NEW stores. On Monday I did the 99 cent and discount stores above 11th Street on Fifth Avenue, which are pretty fun. I even went into Mandee and found quite a bounty of beaded and embroidered evening bags for under $12.00. On Seventh Avenue, I added Prospect Gardens Pharmacy on the corner of Union and 7th. Best of all, there’s a special list of indie rock CD’s by Henry Crawford for Music Matters on Seventh Avenue between 13th and 14th Streets.

I hope you have as much fun reading this highly subjective Brooklyn Holiday Gift Guide as I did schlepping from one end of Park Slope to the other. Support the singularity of our local shops: buy local, it’s more fun that way and good for the community.  Tomorrow: blog shopping.

7th AVENUE 7th AVENUE 7th AVENUE 7th….

SEVENTH AVENUE Lincoln to Berkeley

Slope Sports: Pearl iZumi hats for winter running in cool patterns.

Orange Blossom Kids: On Lincoln east of 7th Avenue. Mini ugly doll. Onesies that say "burp" and "I’m Not A Boy." Sterling silver bubble wands.

Stitch Therapy: On Lincoln east of 7th Avenue. Yarn kits for kids.

Frajean: Hair care products. African art from Kenya (under $40.00) Hat, glove, and scarf sets for ($21.00).

SEVENTH AVENUE Berkeley to Union

Peekaboo Kids: Kitano ultra soft hat and scarf sets in cool colors.

Kiwi: Shearling gloves in nice colors (pricey).

Leaf and Bean: Dr. Seuss and retro-style alarm clocks, European truffles, Nigella Lawson sugar and creamer.

Zuzu’s Petals: Berkeley west of Seventh Avenue. Motion Sensitive chirping bird.

Prospect Gardens Pharmacy" A veritible toy emporium right in the window.

SEVENTH AVENUE Union to President

Blue Apron (just east of 7th Avenue): Hanukkah themed marzipan shaped like challah bread, Torahs, menorahs, Hebrew letters and more ($8.95). To die for chocolates: Mademoiselle de Margaux dark chocolate ($10.95). Small blue bottle of rose flower water. High quality bottles of vanilla and anise. Altman and Kuhn Viennese chocolates in small gorgeous boxes. Pumpkin cheesecake caramels.

Newstand: Lottery ticket.

Facets:  Swiss Army pocket watches ($130.00), Swiss Army travel watches in compact case – can also sit on a table ($80.00), Swiss Army watches on a leather pant strap ($80.00).

Aersoles:  To come

SEVENTH AVENUE President to Carroll

Loom: Beaded elastic belts. Cavallini & Co. desk calendar illustrated with vintage postcards ($13.00). Sockerbageriet gingerbread candies in neat packaging. Vintage-style paint by numbers kits. 8 Days a Week calendar pages, 52 large pages. Monday thru Saturday and Another Day ($22.00). White ceramic cheese plate with color drawings of cheese on it.

Lisa Polansky: To Come.

Sound Track: Anthony and the Johnsons,
Walk the Line Soundtrack, Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltraine,
new Fiona Apple, Sinead O’Connor’s "Throw Down Your Arms," Tracy Chapman, "Where You Live." "Careless Love" by Madeleine Peyroux

SEVENTH AVENUE Carroll to Garfield

Jack Rabbit: Brooklyn Half-Marathon Training Program.

D’Vine Taste: Dried Fruits. Halvah. Fancy olive oils. Proustian Madeleine Cakes.

Community Bookstore:
"The Complete New Yorker,"  "A Field Guide to Getting Lost" by Rebecca
Solnit, "Veronica" by Mary Gaitskill, "Brooklyn Follies" by Paul
Auster,  "Brooklyn Is: Southeast of the Island, Travel Notes" by James
Agee.

Little Things: eeboo Bugs, Color, or Life on Earth Dominoes Game. Creativity For Kids: Feather Fru Fru kit. eeboo Candy Matching Game.

Back to the Land: Dr. Hanuschka, Avalon, Kiss My Face, California Baby, and other skin and hair care products.

Possibilities: White platter with illustration of a cat in black that says: "Everything tastes better with cat hair on it." Mousepad that says: What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?" Magnetic poetry kit: words to inspire the Haiku hidden in you. Stick to your fridge words, locker, or any steel surface (9.95), Magnetic Poetry is now making Poetry Beads: Over 75 two-side word beads to make necklaces, bracelets, and more. Comes with string and colorful plastic beads ($9.95).
 

SEVENTH AVENUE Garfield to 1st

Artesana: Mexican Ornaments. Black ceramic candelabras.

The Clay Pot: Hilary Druxman necklaces and earrings.

Treasure Chest: Pylones mod dog leash. Beautiful jewelry boxes. Hairbrushes will cool illustrations on them.

Lolli:
"Sharing is Overrated," "My Mom doesn’t do anything all day," My
parents call me "no," "Time Outs Don’t Phase Me" t-shirts from Wise
Guy.

Mr. Choi: Socks, yoga pants

SEVENTH AVENUE 2nd to 3rd Streets

Seventh Avenue Books: "Elements of Style" by E.B. White illustrated by Maira Kalmam, "The Brooklyn Bridge, A Cultural History," "Mao: The Unknown Story" by Jung Chang,

Park Slope Books: "A Notebook at Random" by Irving Penn, rare art books.

Good Footing: Ice skates with velcro closures.

Tarzian West: Creuset ceramic jar for utensils.

SEVENTH AVENUE 3rd to 4th Streets

Living on Seventh: Soft fleecy bathrobes in nice colors ($79.00).

City Casuals: Paisley shawls.

The Cocoa Bar: Tin of hot chocolate mix with a nicely wrapped package of homemade marshmallows in three flavors: mint, spicy, and plain.

SEVENTH AVENUE 4th to 5th Streets

Lumiere: plexi hands (for holding jewelry), plexi nudes for earrings.

SEVENTH AVENUE 7th to 8th Streets

Root Stock: Java Coffee fire log. Buddha statue ($64.00). Ceramic apples ($20.00) Veitver sachets.

SEVENTH AVENUE 8th to 9th Streets

Brooklyn Industries: Soft laptop sleeve in fun patterns

Park Slope Stationers: Claire Fontaine notebooks.

SEVENTH AVENUE 9th to 10th

Otto: "3 dots" polka dot cashmere sweaters (pricey). Bathing cap
bags. Nethermeade Perfume from Brooklyn Apothecary Sexy underwear

SEVENTH AVENUE 10th to 11th

4 Play:  To Come

Park Slope Sports: Brooklyn t’s and hoodies. Great scarf/hat for winter runners.

SEVENTH AVENUE 11th to 12th

Nest: Paper curtains

SEVENTH AVENUE 12th to 13th

El Milagro: Frida Kahlo earrings, necklaces, pins, bracelets, etc.

SEVENTH AVENUE 13th to 14th

Sweet Charity: Plastic bowls in hot colors. Nigella Lawson measuring cups

Neda: Striped Bakelite bracelets in window

Music Matters: Indie albums handpicked by Henry Crawford: "Funeral" by Arcade Fire. Album by "Ratatat" by Ratatat, "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" by The Flaming Lips."Moon and Antartica" by Modest Mouse. "Fevers and Mirrors" by Bright Eyes, "Santanic Panic in the Attic" by Of Montreal. "Kesby Nights" by Catch 22.  "Set Yourself on Fire" by Stars. "Everything Goes Numb" by Streetlight Manifesto. "Clap Your Hands Say Yeah" by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. "Feel Good Lost" by Broken Social Scene.

SEVENTH AVENUE 14th to 15th

Toy Space: Anatomically correct soft baby dolls ($10.00).

Baby Bird: Snoopy t-shirts for babies.

Bird: Shell & fabric scarves/belts ($42.00).

SEVENTH AVENUE 15th to 16th

Rare Device: Tiny birthday books. Letter press notecards. Fleece cell phone holders .

Greenjeans: Handcrafted toys.

5th Avenue 5th Avenue 5th Avenue 5th…..

FIFTH AVENUE Bergen to St. Marks

Lulu’s: Fairy Tales:All Natural, organic hair care products for children including de-tangler and leave-in conditioner. Fun wood animals and people on bungee cords. Extensive stock of bubble-blowing gear. Barettes and hair bands. Nostalgic Toys a go go.

FIFTH AVENUE St. Marks to Prospect lace

Buttercup’s Paw-tisserie:  Liver and cheese brownies for dogs and much more (it’s a bakery for dogs).

Umkarna: Handmade fertility dolls made out of rabbit fur by dollmaker Christian Fastrup (designs based on ancient African shape) in black, white and natural ($65.00). Cavallini & Co. file folders and Ex-Libris book plates with a picture of an old typewriter on them. Utterly beautiful black shawl from India with colorful appliques ($225.00).

Gorilla Coffee: Paint can covered in Gorilla Coffee graphics with 1 lb of Gorilla Coffee, Me Love Brooklyn mug, coasters and magnet ($30.00).

Tabeel Aromatherapy Gift Shop and Hair Locking Center: Microwavable teddy bears for muscle soreness, arthritis, backaches, sprains and headaches.

FIFTH AVENUE Prospect Place to Park Place

Flirt: Cuckoo clock cardigan clip ($19.00). Ozone brand knee-high and over-the-knee socks ($19.00). Yule log box, Lacquered hard candy rings, Lacquered cake decorations earrings ($29.00). Nano iPod case ($18.00). Plastic wallet with vintage ilustration that says: "Greetings from Park Slope Where the Girls Are." The Star of David Lemon Eucalyptus Kosher Soap ($5.00)

The Chocolate Room: Milk chocolate with white chocolate drizzle Dale and Thomas Popcorn ($4.95). Fabulous chocolates.

FIFTH AVENUE Douglas to Degraw

At Home: Fresh pumpkin scented sachet. Kafus small Japanese cast iron teapot. Beautiful Italian pottery in bold colors.

Wrappers Delight: Sweet Sentiments: Nicely wrapped dark and milk chocolate bars that say love, peace, smooch, mazel tov, or thanks  ($5.00). ncredibly artful Marabelle Chocolate squares in a box. Angie’s Caribbean style rum cake. Chukar Cherries: Chcolate covered dried, bing and rainer tart cherries.

FIFTH AVENUE Degraw to Sackett

Reverse: Tacky costume jewelry. Tensor lamp, misc.

FIFTH AVENUE St. Johns to Lincoln

Romp: Black t-shirt for toddlers that says: "Anti-Crib," "No Nap," "Bedtime Sucker," "Born to Destroy," "The  Wide Awakes," "Keep Your Diaper." Wonderful wooden toys from Germany, Antquarium: space age ant farm. Bilibo: a plastic rocking, spinning open-ended plastic toy. Eggling: crack this plastic egg and it grows herbs and plants inside. Mongolian hats with Asian fabric and fun fur, metal potholder loom

Body Essentials: Dr. Hanuschka skincare products and gift sets.

FIFTH AVENUE Lincoln to Berkeley

Organic Cafe: Bazzini fancy dried fruit assortment ($13.00). Reeds Crystallized Ginger, Tasmanian honey in a beautiful can. Wilkins and Sons Lemon Curd.

FIFTH AVENUE  Sackett to President

Cog and Pearl: Restored vintage phones by Art Thang in cool colors ($150.00). Holga Camera Kit ($75.00). Laura Gilkey handmade felt bags. Viewmaster with homemade views by Vladmaster: Franz Kafka and Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino ($27.00). Blown glass beehive vase ($170.00). "Love Letters Lost" a collection of found love letters by Babbette Hines. "Lost and Found Pet Posters from Around the World." Tiny racehorse earrings, squirrel and acorn earrings ($70.).

FIFTH AVENUE Berkeley to  Union

Extraordinary: Frank Lloyd Wright business card cases ($32.00). Kama Sutra Game. Silver plated yo yo ($20.00)

FIFTH AVENUE Union to Carroll Streets.

Something Else: Wonder Woman hoodie ($55.00). "Kiss me I’m 1/2 Ubekistani" t-shirt, Adidas scarves.

Bob & Judi’s Coolectibles: Handmade in Brooklyn: Mah Jong tile Hanukkah menorahs ($42.00)  Vintage Brooklyn news
photos ($10.00), Tiny Betty Boo tea set. Vintage plastic charm
bracelets ($10.00). Pool balls ($5.00). Vintage 1940’s Santa wrapping
paper ($3.00 per sheet).

Goldy and Mac: Leopard print rubber rain boots ($92.00). Black velvet and fun fur ear muffs ($32.00)

Beacon’s Closet:
Neckerchiefs ($6.00). Polka dot shoelaces($2.50). Chinese notebooks with socialist realist covers
($4.50). Clown and owl nesting dolls ($12.50). plastic rose rings
($6.00). Crochet earrings ($10.00)

FIFTH AVENUE President  to Garfield Streets.

Matter: "I’ve never met anyone as beautiful as you," rubber stamp ($45.00). The Design Encyclopedia (from MOMA). Pixel Blocks Building System, old fashioned phone receiver that attaches to a cell
phone ($70.00). Jack Spade bags and wallets. Abart watches.

Scaredy Kat: Reissued Golden Books:
"Doctor Dan and the Band aids," and "The Monster at the End of this Book
Starring Lovable Furry Old Grover." Devil Girl Hot Kisses Hot Cinnamon
Candy in tins designed by R. Crumb. "Smart Women Never Miss" Fly
swatters. Barbie Hanukkah gelt. Dim Sum and Sushi Flashcards.

Diana Kane: PF Flyers leather sneakers in great colors (brown, tan, green, maroon) high top and low ($65 – $80)

Eidolan: Soft hand-knit neck warmer ($25.00). Arianne camisoles, night gowns and
pajamas in an unbelievably soft new micro fiber fabric ($48.00).

Nancy Nancy:
Great Revolutionaries finger puppets. Tins of: Placebo Mint 2 Cure All. "Who’d of
thought you’d turn out to be the gay one in the family" spiral notebook.

Hers and Mine: Chinese red lacquered magnifying glass ($26.00)

FIFTH AVENUE Garfield to 1st Streets.

Kimera: Black wool cardigan with fur collar ($110.00).

3R Living:
Sweep
Dreams’ fireplace broom. Meyer’s Clean Day cleaning products. Meyer’s
Clean Day dog shampoo.Boat wood frames and trays. Newspaper vases. Paint Your Own Wooden Ornaments Kit. Oriental carpet patterned plastic
mats. Bicycle chain bracelets. Rings made out of beer and soda cans.

Lucia: Hand-knit indoor/outdoor slippers with rubber soles ($32.00). Sequined clutch bags ($32.00). Slouchy sock boots ($68.00).

La Rosa Dance Supply: Rainbow toe socks ($3.50).

FIFTH AVENUE 1st to Second Streets

Jonathan Blum: Paintings by Brooklyn’s hometown artist.

FIFTH AVENUE Second to Third Streets

Zelda Victoria: To come.

FIFTH AVENUE 3rd to 4th Streets

Living on Fifth : Honeysuckle candle in a glass, striped wool scarves. Nice shirts.
Razor: Men’s old fashioned wool caps
Serene Rose: Hand-dyed, boiled wool scarves in unusual shapes and colors ($69.00)

FIFTH AVENUE 4th to 5th Streets

Pink Pussycat: Kinky hosiery

Under the Pig Antiques: Phrenology head, vintage Christmas ornaments and decorations.

FIFTH AVENUE 6th to 7th Streets

Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co: Secret Identity kits, Great clocks, capes. McSweeneys’ books, zany superhero stuff, great stocking stuffers.

Zuzu’s Petals: Blown glass bear ornaments, set of 12 ($40.00). Boxed set of four colorful bowls ($30.00), Glitter pine cones: ($1.50)

FIFTH AVENUE 7th to 8th Streets

Office Equipment and Furniture: Great coat racks ($40.00)

Save on
Fifth: Paint by Number sets. Matchbox Carwash. Minnie Mouse watches
(6.99). Mod patterned mops and brooms ($9.99). Decorations a go go.

FIFTH AVENUE 8th to 9th Streets

Galaxy Comics: Family Guy figurines.Corpse Bride figurines. X-Men
Christmas ornaments. Richard Nixon and other presidential dolls. Charlie Brown and many other character bobble heads.

Record and Tape Shots: Huge collection of LPs.

Tip Top Gifts: Commando sweaters with elbow and shoulder patches. Pea coats. Flame wallets. Everlast boxing clubs in red. Punching bags. Timex watches with night light.

FIFTH AVENUE 10th to 11th Streets

Payless Shoe Source: Hello Kitty slippers. Furry bags. Colorful embroidered slippers that look Indian Blingy evening bags

Jeans Express: Big t-shirt nightgowns with rapper expressions on them about money. PJ bottoms in fun patterns and colors ($3.99)

FIFTH AVENUE 11th to 12th Streets

Beauty and Hair Supply Shop:  Bandanna fabric by the yard in many colors.

FIFTH AVENUE 12th to 13th Streets

Mandee:  Small embroidered and/or beaded evening bags $7.99 – $11.99.

Jeans Stop: Official street greeting cards with fun homeboy illustrations that say: "I can’t knock your hustle you broke my heart," "No one else I’d roll wit," "I can’t knock your hustle, you broke my heart," "Let’s light it up. I meant the cake, you fools," "Ain’t no shorty like the one I got."

FIFTH AVENUE 13th to 14th Streets

Tower Electronics: Spider Man, Disney Princesses, and Spongebob small-size metal folding tables and chairs. Jack Jack (from The Incredibles) doll. Disney princesses night lights. 

H&A Jewelry: Silver and gold lockets.

Amazing 99 cents Store: Christmas ornaments.