by Laura
Welcome to the first installment of the Daily Triangle Gift Guide; over the course of the week, we’ll explore some local shops to highlight unique holiday giving ideas. (In other words, we’re avoiding writing our final papers.) However, in this day and age, the Internet is where it’s at. Here’s just a few of my favorite places to enter my credit card number and hit “order”:
Browsing this booming online marketplace for handmade goods is a worthy way to while away an afternoon, particularly if your nearest & dearest are longing for custom-made clothing, unique jewelry, and knit baby wear. Plus, don’t you feel good about supporting independent artisans and crafters?
Awesome deals on Indian-inspired jewelry by Amrita Singh. (In the pic to the left, check out this $150 smoky quartz piece, now $25). You can get an additional 50% off your total with the code BLACK until Friday, 12/4/09.
I love this site because of its selection of low-cost, framed prints and original artwork in a million different categories. Perfect place to find regional pieces – my Dad found me a photograph of the # 7 train that included a shot of my old block in Sunnyside, and I got my friend a picture of the place she got engaged for a wedding present.
There’s no better place to order photo supplies and equipment; and if you get a chance to go, visiting the NYC warehouse in person is a real treat. A motorized track running around the ceiling delivers your merchandise from the stockroom to checkout, and most of the helpful Orthodox Jewish staff sport beards to go along with their elf-like green vests. However, digging around online still yields fantastic deals, and you can call their help number if you need some advice from a team of professionals.
I’ve found their photo book options to be the best; you can put together 14 double-sided pages of memories for $10. Right now, the HOLIDAY coupon code gets you 25% off a $50 order.
This is the most popular site for customized postage stamps; other personalized gifts favorites include M&M’s (www.mymms.com), money clips & business card cases (www.bluenile.com), and stationary (www.expressionary.com).
Since green is the new black, you might want to check out this eco-friendly gift guide. Another favorite idea is a delivery of fruits and veggies from a local CSA – www.localharvest.org will help you find communities of farmers anywhere in the country.
Stay tuned for the next installment – our take on charitable presents you can feel extra self-congratulatory about giving!
Laura
Harold
