2009 Buy-Local Holiday Gift Guide: Washington, Vestry, Beach

I love the aesthetic of Number (N)ine—the little store on Washington with an old door , a tiny sign, and dim lighting—even if the prices have generally scared me away. And yet I was bummed to learn that the shop will close at the end of the month: Maybe I was planning on winning the lottery. In any event, I found a bunch of cool stuff the other day, including ice-cream buttons ($12–15) and plaid Vans-like sneakers ($350!). I wanted to ask the salesclerk if the store was planning to have a sale before shuttering, but he seemed sad, so I left him alone. • 431 Washington (Desbrosses/Vestry), 212-431-8699, numberniners.com.

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I’m the kind of guy who, once I find a grooming product I like, sticks to it—but only because that’s easier. If someone were to buy me something new, I’d gladly try it. John Allan’s, the salon (and “club”) a block up from Number (N)ine, sells products that have a definite appeal. Who couldn’t use more ocean in his life? The shampoo is $15, the pomade $19. • 418 Washington (Vestry/Laight), 212-334-5358, johnallans.com.

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A bottle of wine says I like you. A bottle of good Scotch says you mean the world to me. Vestry Wines has a handful of bottles of Bruichladdich Cuvee B Pauillac 16-Year Single Malt and is selling them for a comparatively reasonable $96. At the other end of the spectrum are these elegant reusable plastic tumblers—with a grippable indent—perfect for your friend who has a swimming pool and someone to wash them (they’ll melt in the dishwasher). • 65 Vestry (at Washington), 212-810-2899, vestrywines.com.

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Light fixtures may not be on many people’s Christmas lists (“I wish,” said Keith, the clerk at Schoolhouse Electric), but on the other hand, have you ever been inside Schoolhouse Electric? Owner Brian Flaherty started the company after he discovered cast-iron moulds in a warehouse upstate, and the designs are exquisite. (When I was telling my partner about them, how they were classic American design at its best, he said, “You mean like what the Amish have?” Er, not exactly….) • 27 Vestry (at Hudson), 212-226-6113, schoolhouselectric.com.

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There are people who probably don’t get excited about being sent flowers; lucky them to be so jaded. Personally, I’m partial to plants rather than cut flowers, because the joy lasts far longer. Think of this oncidium orchid at Floratech as a very fancy poinsettia ($150). • 51 Beach (at Collister), 212-941-0021, floratechnyc.com.

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Previously: Murray and Warren Streets

 

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