Shopping • October 2014

That’s a wrap: how to find the perfect gift

Whether you’re looking for a travel treat, birthday gift or starting your Christmas shopping early, buying presents for family and friends can be daunting. Luckily, two experts from the world’s top shopping capitals – London’s weebirdy.com blogger Rebecca Lowrey Boyd (@weebirdy) and RackedNY editor Tiffany Yannetta (@tiffanyyannetta) in New York – have tracked down the best boutiques and shops on either side of the pond to take the stress out of the experience

Your parents

LON: Piccadilly store Fortnum & Mason (pictured) is perfect for parent-worthy presents. Keep an eye out for beautiful tea caddies with heritage blends, like the Household Blend Tea, £16.50. Otherwise, Rory Dobner’s ceramic hand-poured candle is a winner: it’s exclusive to Fortnum’s and decorated with an original ink drawing of the store’s facade (£65).

NYC: Brooklyn’s Collyer’s Mansion in Ditmas Park was named after legendary New York City hoarders, the Collyer brothers. So it makes sense that it’s packed with home goods: think linens, art, cutting boards and international recipe books, as well as simple totes to take it all home in.

A friend

LON: Tate Modern’s shop (pictured) is a treasure trove, stocking exclusive collaborations influenced by art, such as a tweed-and-silk scarf inspired by JMW Turner’s painting Norham Castle, Sunrise (£45).

NYC: You can shop on Catbird online from anywhere in the USA, but the pint-size Williamsburg boutique deserves to be seen in person. Jewellery comes in all price ranges from local designers such as Nancy Kraskin, and small knickknacks such as sleep masks, bottle openers and matchbooks make for something unusual.

Your lover

LON: Pick up a special trinket from London designer Alex Monroe’s jewellery boutique near London Bridge. You’ll find all manner of animals, birds, insects and quirky British objects adorning his delicately crafted pieces. For men, head to Geo. F. Trumper’s traditional barber shop on Curzon Street and buy James Bond’s favourite fragrance, Eucris Eau de Toilette, £44.

NYC: Even if you don’t plan on buying anything from American Two Shot, the Soho store is a great place to hang out with a coffee. Men’s and women’s clothing make up the bulk of the merchandise, but the shop is peppered with a handful of under-$10 scores, like quirky greeting cards from Ashkahn (pictured) to mail home.

A child

LON: Hoxton Street Monster Supplies has terrifyingly unique gifts, such as a jar of The Collywobbles (pictured), £8, which contains boiled sweets and an exclusive story by Nick Hornby. For something a little cuddlier, seek out Honeyjam in Notting Hill for its limited edition Merrythought Bear, £55.

NYC: ABC Carpet & Home is more than your average home goods store. It has two restaurants by Spice Market chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, furniture and jewellery, plus adorable finds for the little ones in your life – like these sweetest stuffed animals ($15 upwards) from Senger, Maileg, Donna Wilson and more.

Yourself

LON: Venture south of the river to Cornercopia Homestore in Brixton Village (open Wednesday to Sunday 11am-6pm) for traditional accoutrements for your home and kitchen. Pick up iconic Duralex glasses, classic blue-and-white Falcon enamelware and lambswool throws.

NYC: Skip the chain department stores in Meatpacking and head to Owen (pictured). The store carries men’s and women’s clothes from designers such as Cushnie et Ochs and Jonathan Simkhai, plus statement jewellery from Jennifer Fischer, Paula Mendoza, and a brand-new, much-hyped arrival: Dylanlex.

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