It’s long been my theory that the only truly satisfying spa treatments are massages and maybe facials, but that’s the great thing about a gift certificate: If the recipient really wants to try the Ionithermie offered at Tribeca Spa of Tranquility, so be it. (You certainly wouldn’t want to suggest he or she go for the “anti-cellulite detox.”) The treatment is $140; 60-minute massages, meanwhile, are $110. • 462 Greenwich (Watts/Desbrosses), 212-226-4141, tribecaspaoftranquility.com.

According to its website, Oly was founded with the mission of “good design at affordable prices.” If this wonderful—but expensive ($1,275)—teak ball is any indication, however, affordability is in the wallet of the beholder. Oly Atelier, the brand’s flagship store, is a very pleasant place to browse (with one of the best staircases around), and who knows, you might just find a way to justify the set of three vertebrae ($675). I regret not asking what kind of animal they’re from, because not saying is sort of creepy, isn’t it? • Oly Atelier, 408 Greenwich (at Hubert), 212-219-8969, olystudio.com.

For me, part of the charm of Wichcraft is that I can get a sophisticated sandwich without having to make it myself. Perhaps you feel differently: If so, you can order a copy of the chain’s cookbook, Wichcraft ($27.50), autographed by Tom Colicchio, here. Or buy five $15 Wichcraft gift certificates and you’ll receive the book for free. Win-win! • 397 Greenwich (at Beach), 212-780-0577, wichcraftnyc.com.

On my own Christmas list this year: The Craft of Baking: Cakes, Cookies, and Other Sweets with Ideas for Inventing Your Own by Locanda Verde pastry chef Karen DeMasco ($35, or $23.10 on Amazon. She used to be the pastry chef at Craft; hence the title.

One of the things I miss about working in an office is the gift baskets you tend to receive (or at least we did in the magazine business). Maybe it’s just because I’m always hungry—and refuse to stock my pantry with snacks, lest I eat them—but I find assortments like this $55 one from Bazzini irresistible. • 339 Greenwich, 212-334-1280, bazzininuts.com.

There’s no point in spending a ton of money on cat toys when they often get excited about playing with something as simple as a bottle cap. These “crinkle balls” caught my eye and ear—they make a noise that can only be described as “crinkly”—and happily, they cost just $2 each at Dudley’s Paw. If you insist on spending more, the shop also has an adorable catnip-filled toy in the shape of a fish skeleton ($6) andCat-Man-Doo dried bonito flakes ($7). • 327 Greenwich, 917-432-9393.

Also on my Christmas list—as they have been for the past decade—are new sunglasses, because my prescription ones are 15 years old. I keep hoping I’ll lose them so that I can rationalize buying new ones—as if looking like someone from Napoleon Dynamite weren’t reason enough. The nice folks at Myoptics said that these “Jacko” frames are the hottest model around, popular with men and women ($235). • 327 Greenwich, 212-334-3123, myoptics.com.

Talk about a painting sure to brighten anyone’s day: Del’s Freakin’ Rocks, John Tebeau, is $1,200 at Jan Larsen Art. The current show has a wide variety of styles on display; I also liked Composition 8 by Erin Rachel Hudak ($1,400). • 321A Greenwich, 212-219-7780, janlarsenart.com.

When I started taking photographs of these cute wooden toys ($7, and I came this close to buying the ambulance for myself), the wooden crayons ($12), and the stuffed-animal snail (the small one is $29), the proprietor of Koh’s Kids, whose name I assume is Koh, not-so-gently informed me that she’s known for her handmade sweaters. They’re pretty great. The one pictured is $139, and that includes the hat. • 311 Greenwich, 212-791-6915.

Swedish café Kaffe 1668 sells attractive tins of tea ($11–$17). I don’t have much more to say about them, being a coffee person and all. • 275 Greenwich, 212-693-3750, kaffe1668.com.

As much as I covet that teak ball from Oly, I prefer buying Christmas gifts that are simply small indulgences, fancier takes on everyday things. (In my family, we put much more effort into stockings than into the gifts proper.) A nice bar of soap, for instance, can give weeks of joy. Take these 6″ birthday candles (4) from Whole Foods Market: I would never buy them for myself, but I’ll give them as a gift, and I know that when the recipient uses them, they’ll make a special moment a little more memorable. • 270 Greenwich, 212-349-6555, wholefoodsmarket.com.

Previously: • Murray and Warren • Washington, Vestry, and Beach