I think it’s important to really consider the person rather than the thing when giving a gift. Most of the time, my favorite gifts weren’t things that could be bought– they were either experiential or handmade. With that being said, there are a few places that I frequent for my gifts. I’ll probably end up at one of these shops for all the bridesmaids and groomsmen gifts. 
* MoMA store *
This is definitely a store where I blow a lot of money because I used to work at MoMA and got a sweeeet discount. Now I have to rely on the charity of my former MoMA friends. The reading room and the main gift/book store at the museum at 53rd street has the best art & design book collection, while the Spring Street store is the best place to shop for housewares and accessories. There are fewer tourists at Spring Street and if you come midday there are fewer people. If you’re shopping for jewelry, you’ll also get much more attention here than at the design store on 53rd Street.
I just picked up an alexis bittar piece a few weeks ago for Mr. C’s aunt as a birthday gift. I love them! They’re mostly lucite in these bright & milky colors. I got Mr. C’s aunt a pair of dew drop earrings, but a good idea for bridesmaids may be the pendants since they come in different colors and sizes. I don’t plan on buying the girls jewelry or items they have to wear the day of the wedding. It’d be nice if they wanted to, but I would rather get them things that are more catered to their individual tastes. For some reason, the MoMA shop online isn’t showing any of the Alexis Bittar pieces, but here are some of my faves and you can definitely see them in the store.
images from alexbittar.com
MoMA also carries great housewarming and shower gifts, also great for out of town gift bags or just for fun.
images from momastore.org
TOP: spectrum photo album, leather piggy bank, lumen oil lamp
BOTTOM: NY coffee cup, racing car paper clip holder, hug salt&pepper shaker
* pylones *
Another really fun shop right by the Spring Street MoMA store is the French import, pylones. It’s one of the most colorful places in the world, full of bright kitschy items and useful little housewares. I was hoping to make little bridesmaid packages, and a few of these would make nice little stuffers.
images from pylones-usa.com
TOP: thermos, sugar bowl, bottleopener
BOTTOM: paper fan, hairbrush
* zanisa *
This is not an actual shop, but an e-retailer. You’ll find simple but thoughtful gifts here as well. I love how they have a category labeled “fun.” One of my favorites is the artists’ box.
images from zanisa.com
TOP: artist pencil box, water photo stand, honey flutes
BOTTOM: art nouveau glasses, big sky wallet, lavender gift set
Since I’m a total lover of cute things… be on the look out for more shopping posts.
I am a huge online shopper and love anything unique/modern. But Miss Canary - why did you have to post all these great links? Now I’m going to go blow more money when I still have to pay tuition.
oh god those NYC coffee cups just brought back such nostalgia!! i used to live in brooklyn when i was a kid and moved to NJ when i was 6.. i haven’t seen one of those in a loong time.
[...] seeing Miss Petunia’s finds at Regina B, I immediately made an appointment to check it out. I surfed the site first, but [...]
Mrs. Canary, New York
Age and Occupation: 24, Marketing
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Journalist/Editor
Engagement Date: February 16, 2007
Wedding Date: July, 2008
Blogging Since: October 19, 2007
Venue: Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers
About Me: I'm a born and raised New Yorker who loves all things crafty and artsy, food (cheese and dessert!), magazines, and shoes. I'm a power shopper always on the lookout for good deals or great quality-- sometimes I'm lucky and I find both! I love to dance and "shake what my momma gave me" but can also really enjoy a quiet night in with Mr. Canary and a good episode of Seinfeld or curl up with a good book.
I agree with you. Its about looking at who the person is for sure. ONe of my favorite gifts at my bridal shower was two handmade/sewn christmas stockings …one with my name and the other my husbands. We were having a Xmas themed wedding and we ended up using them at the reception for cards. I love that gift because it took time to make,create, and it was so thoughtful with who I am.