Don’t have hours to spend finding the perfect gifts this season? Not looking to go bankrupt either? Let us scope out the local shopping for you! Check out these reasonably-priced options, all available right on 5th Avenue.
1. Bla Bla Finger Puppets from Area Kids, $5.50
These finger puppets, made by Bla Bla Kids, are hand-knit in Peru. Area has a whole bunch of multi-colored animals in little dresses and sweaters and they’re pretty irresistible. They’re located in a box underneath the register and I spotted them within maybe a minute of walking into the store. For the full effect, here are the puppets as they are meant to be:
Area Kids is located at 45 Fifth Avenue at Bergen Street, (718) 230-7495
2. Cool Jewels Ice Cube Tray from Beacon’s Closet, $10
This ice cube tray by Fred Flare blings up drinks with ice that looks like diamonds. Get it for your fanciest friend, or as a “joke” for the significant other who’s hoping for the real thing. And then you can say something like, “These diamonds are not forever.” Let me know how it goes over.
Beacon’s Closet is located at 92 Fifth Avenue at Warren Street, (718) 230-1630
3. Jewelry from Flirt, $6-9
Flirt has some cute jewelry available at the register. These darling studs are made by independent jeweler Amano Studio and cost $6 each (look at the little buttons!). There are also some fun rings ranging $8-9:
The cashier also pointed my attention to a container of monogram pins, which she says are very popular. At $1 each you can easily tack them onto any gifts you’ve already bought for a nice, personalized touch.
Flirt is located at 93 Fifth Avenue between Prospect & Park Places, (718) 783-0364
4. Lip Balm ($7) and Soaps ($8) from Habit
Habit sells tins of Perfumeria’s Gal Collection lip balm at $7 each, with scents of Red Currant, Vanilla, and Violet. Right next to these are handmade soaps from Possum Hollow Farm, wrapped in cloth and smelling equally lovely.
Habit is located at 137 Fifth Avenue at Sterling Place, (718) 399-7467
5. Records from Odd Twin, $2-10
Odd Twin has a case of records at the front of the store that are $4 (unless otherwise marked) and currently 50% off. Be prepared to get lost in the search as you flip through a mix of recognizable names and obscure picks. Here are some recommendations based solely on covers:
The confidence of a member’s-only jacket and mullet duo. Love is gonna get ya.
What’s their secret??
No jokes. Bob Seger is just great.
Odd Twin is located at 164 Fifth Avenue at Lincoln Place, (718) 633-8946
6. Incense from Chair-Man Gift and Home, 10 for $3.99
Chair-Man has an impressive collection of incense– these are simply the ones that you can mix and match. He also has ready-packaged boxes as well. Scents from the jars include Desert Sage, Rose, Clove, Frankincense, Bayberry, and the vague but lovely “Peace of Mind.” Incense trays are also available for $3.99 so you can gift the whole package.
Also, there is a jar of unlabeled misfit sticks that are 10 for $1.99, so go crazy and then just give your best guess for what the scent is. It’s part of the fun!
Chair-Man Gift & Home is located at 176 Fifth Avenue between Lincoln & Berkeley Places
7. Crossword Puzzles from Scaredy Kat, $9.99
For the brain puzzle fiend: an assortment of crossword puzzle collections, as well as other brain teasers, word finds, and even a book of solo hang-man games. Ranging from $7-10.
Scaredy Kat is located at 232 Fifth Avenue between Carroll & President Streets, (718) 623-1839
8. Snuggies from Save on Fifth, $6.99
Listen, Snuggies have been the butt of plenty of jokes but let’s be serious for a second: when you go to the apartment of the friend who happened to get a Snuggie as a gag gift, and you put it on because it’s funny and why not, you very quickly realize that the Snuggie became a nationwide phenomenon because it’s genuinely comfortable and toasty and wonderful. Plus, these come with non-skid socks. Can’t go wrong.
Save on Fifth is located at 421 Fifth Avenue at 8th Street, (718) 965-2040
9. Comics and Graphic Novels from Galaxy Comics, $8-10
Galaxy offers 20% off of new trade titles, leaving them all around the $10 mark, give or take a few dollars. Pictured above are some classic Marvel superheroes, but they’ve also got more niche picks, as well as the latest release from New York Times Bestselling author Raina Telgemeier.
Galaxy Comics and Collectibles is located at 429 Fifth Avenue at 8th Street, (718) 499-3222
10. Miscellaneous Greenery from Blooms on Fifth, $7+
Give the gift of life! Plant life, specifically. These leafy greens all hover pretty closely to the $7 mark and will liven up any apartment (just make sure the recipient has a spot where the plant can get some light). If you’re looking for something a little more exotic, Blooms also has little cacti for $8.
Blooms on Fifth is located at 431 Fifth Avenue between 8th & 9th Streets, (718) 768-4441
Photo of gifts via wowitsstephen
