Welcome to Black Friday, and the official kickoff of the holiday shopping season! My next two reports will focus on some of my favorite places for gifts, this time concentrating on cheap chic. (Look for the big splurge next edition.) Whether you're shopping for the techie, the fashionista or the cosmetics junkie, you're bound to find the perfect present at a good price at one of these shops:
Great for gadgets
AC Gears - 106 Greenwich Avenue - 69 East 8th Street
Looking for something a bit more avant-garde than is typically found at your big-box store? Come here for audio and other electronics from Japan and Europe, many exclusively sold here.
Hammacher Schlemmer - 147 East 57th Street
It's back! The newly reopened store returns with toys, gadgets and even Christmas trees that you can't find anywhere else.
Best for Beauty
Benefit - 454 West Broadway
Marvelous makeup and spectacular skin care that are fabulous, functional - and just a little bit funny. With names like POREfessional, etc. how could it not be?
Ricky's - Multiple locations
Beauty and color items for the face, body, are joined by fun accessories - with some under $10, perfect to stuff those stockings!
For the Home
Broadway Panhandler - 65 East 8th Street
Yes, they carry fine cookware, but you also can find excellent quality kitchen tools, textiles, bakeware and more at very good prices.
Fish's Eddy - 889 Broadway
From the practical to the whimsical to the classic, Fish's Eddy is a treasure trove for your kitchen and dining table. You never know what you'll find here. And get it now because you never know what will replace it tomorrow!
Maison 24 - 470 Park Avenue - 2424 Main Street, Bridgehampton
Whether your recipients' tastes run to the classic or the kitschy, Maison 24 can offer the perfect pillow, bowl, pet toy, gadgets and accessories, at price points that allow you to indulge.
For the Athlete
Athleta - 126 Fifth Avenue - 1517 Third Avenue - 216 Columbus Avenue
Gap's athletic wear division now also boasts skirts, dresses and more - all the better to show off your toned form!
Modells - Multiple locations
Show your support for your team (the best selection for all NY area ones are here), or outfit yourself for your own sport of choice at this true New York destination!
For the Fashion-Conscious
Joe Fresh - Multiple locations
Color, style, and affordable - the bywords of this Canadian apparel and accessories company that's now spreading around the United States!
H&M - Multiple locations
The true pioneer of "cheap chic" with emphasis on the chic - style at a great price that will keep you on trend no matter your age or size.
Happy Hanukkah and Happy Shopping!