Designers' Holiday Musings
  The Wreaths of Williamsburg
  Holiday Flowers
We Love New York
You don't have to visit the Big Apple to sample its holiday shopping. Here are 20 hot spots you can browse
(Photo: Brooke Slezak)
by Mary Beth Harrison

1. www.Aedes.com: This perfumer also sells home fragrances, skin care products, and bath and body products. Unfamiliar with a scent? For $15, Aedes de Venustas will send you seven samples of your choice, or if you place a regular online order, receive seven complimentary samples. See an item you want? Drop a hint using the Tell a Friend e-mail option. If you're buying for someone else, select the deluxe gift wrap with fresh flowers for a beautifully packaged present (be sure to use overnight shipping).

2. www.CanineStyles.com: This pet boutique is described as the ultimate in East Side chic. Shop via their Web site for great leather ID tags and luxe shearling coats. There's also an online guide for how to measure your pet.

3. www.Elenis.com: Don't send a boring fruitcake this season. Instead, order Eleni's Conversation Cookie gift tins filled with iced cookies in the shape of snowmen, Santas, ornaments, and more. Remember to allow extra time for shipping during the holidays. We sampled treats from their Peace on Earth and December 25th tins, and all arrived fresh and intact (only one was slightly crumbly). Consider ordering their individually wrapped cookies for party favors.

4. www.MorrellWine.com: A presence in New York for 56 years, this vintner's site allows you to see what others are serving this season. Click on Our Best Sellers for a list of the top 50 wines recently purchased and add them to your cart, or create your own Morrell Wine gift registry.

5. www.PearlRiver.com: A great site for finding interesting stocking stuffers, ceramics, lanterns, calligraphy sets, tea sets, and other traditional Chinese items.

6. www.BooksofWonder.net: Search the online catalog of this children's bookstore for old and rare books or browse the new book selection sorted by favorite characters or subjects.

7. www.StrandBooks.com: The New York institution boasts 18 miles of books and takes it even further online. Their extensive category listings (from rare Northern European art to mountaineering and everything in between) make it easy to select a gift for even the pickiest of personalities.

8. www.William-Wayne.com: Unique items for the home, including Capiz shell place mats, shagreen coasters, and bamboo serving plates.

9. www.JamaliGarden.com: Jamali Garden Supplies offers more than just items for the garden, with a large selection of vases, containers, ribbons, ornaments, and home décor. It's a great spot for finding interesting items to decorate your tabletop, but keep in mind the site requires a minimum online order of $50.

10. www.FetchPets.com: Whether you love dogs or cats, just click on the icon and begin shopping for pets and their owners. Know someone receiving a new pup from Santa? Order the New Puppy Kit complete with new-puppy announcements, treats, and a toy.

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