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Holiday shopping smackdown: Williamsburg vs. SoHo

BY Lauren Johnston and Linda Perney | amNY.com Staff Writers

November 30, 2007

It's amNewYork's holiday shopping smackdown! This round: SoHo vs. Williamsburg. Two of the city's hippest hoods battle it out - old vs. new, couture vs. vintage, jazz vs. indie rock - to decide which will win the battle of eclectic must-have stuff for the holidays.

In this corner: BROOKLYN
Williamsburg is where the hip kids hang - we all know that by now - converging en mass each weekend to hit the late night scene. But Billyburg-by-day is just as vibrant and the ever-growing crowd of unique retailers has remade Bedford Avenue into quite the shopping destination loaded with cool gift options.

Home Sweet Home

Ugly Luggage: If it's wonderfully tacky, kitschy or campy - you'll find it here - from paint-by-numbers portraits to '70s-style glassware. The store is packed full of vintage items plucked from auctions and estate sales. No two trips are alike. (214 Bedford Ave.; 718-384-0724)

Scandinavian Grace: The store imports furniture, housewares, gifts, toys and art in simple lines and bold colors from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. (176 N. 9th St.; 718-384-7887; www.scandinaviangrace.com)

One Sixty Glass: All pieces are crafted on-site by local artists in this not-for-profit glass-blowing studio. The pieces come in unusual shapes and a rainbow of colors. If you've got a bigger budget, buy the art lover on your list a pass for glass-blowing classes. (160 Berry St.; 718-486-9620; www.onesixtyglass.com)

For Her
Femme Fatale: If your gal likes things one-of-a-kind, this is the place. The boutique sells mainly emerging local designers. The looks are a mix of rocker-chic, retro and uber-femme at reasonable prices - and the sales chicks are super nice. (578 Driggs Ave.; 718-497-6055)

Sleep: Lingerie and linens, from dainty to coy to ultra-sexy. Whether you're seeking a lovely duvet or a naughty bustier, this boudoir-like boutique has the goods. (110 N. 6th St.; 718-384-3211)

Red Pearl: This tiny store is big on variety, so make it your one-stop shopping spot for cute kitchenware, luxury soaps, cozy bathrobes, pretty scarves, flirty cami-panty sets, delicate jewelry or cozy cashmere sweaters. (202 Bedford Ave.; 718-599-0023; www.redpearl.com)

For Him

Mickey's HookUp: If your guy's a geek, hook him up at Mickey's and make those visions of Mac accessories dancing in his head a reality. Plus they have cool gadgets like real, working guitar amps made inside cigarette boxes. (88 N. 6th St., 718-599-8906 or 351 Graham Ave.; 718-384-3800; www.mickeyshookup.com)

Artists: This warehouse market has a rotating group of about 32 local artists and designers, including several graphic t-shirt designers. (129 N. 6th St.; www.artistsandfleas.com go online for holiday hours)

Ear Wax: They've all got an inner rock star right? Head to this corner music hub for an eclectic selection of everything from jazz, to funk to rap to indie to world tunes - plus a juicy stash of used vinyl. (218 Bedford Ave.; 718-486-3771)

For Pets
P.S. 9: The owner knows every dog customer's name and has a great selection of toys, treats and couture for your pup, or kitty. Plus, for the holidays a photographer will be in the shop to snap your pet's portrait for home hanging or cards. Call for details. (169 N. 9th St.; 718-486-6465)

For Kids

Mini Jake: The key words at this all-purpose kid store (it stocks furniture, toys and clothes for all ages) are safe and educational. Lots of Dan Zanes music, streamline, wooden toys and arts and crafts supplies. (178 N. 9th St.; 800-646-4043; www.minijake.com)

Good for Gift Cards