Holiday Shopping Al Fresco in Bryant Park

The outdoor Holiday Shops at Bryant Park opened for business this weekend. If you feel claustrophobic in crowded New York City department stores, it's the perfect place to shop for all of your holiday giving needs in the open air. You can even take a break between purchases for a twirl around the ice skating rink or a nourishing cup of hot chocolate from the 'wichcraft kiosk.

Best of all, you can find great gift ideas for everyone on that intimidating shopping list of yours. Here are just a few of the enticing offerings from vendors and artisans at the Holiday Shops at Bryant Park:

• Gifts for People Who LOVE New York (and not just the contestants on this reality show): The ArtPhoto NY shop has a wide selection of historic and original photos of New York City (see some of the great original photos here). You can pick up a print and give the gift of a fabulous New York City view. For yourself, you can get a set of holiday cards featuring striking New York City scenes. Find the ArtPhoto NY booth just east of the ice skating rink near the New York Public Library.



• Gifts for People Who Wear Shirts: Give someone you love a piece of wearable art with a t-shirt or hoodie from Parable Ink. Each design is created and custom-printed by an artist in the Parable Ink collective to tell a story. Check out their funky, abstract take on the New York City Subway system and their design inspired by a Buddhist chanting session. The women of Parable Ink also make shopping a pleasure by offering personalized service and a place to try on. The Parable Ink shop is located on the northwest side of the park near Sixth Avenue.



• Gifts for People With Cold Ears: Pick up a cute crocheted hat and scarf set for just $25 at Le Primitive for your Secret Santa or pal from down the hall. Le Primitive also sells cute kitty-ear hats for the woman who wants to let out her inner Catwoman and stained-glass jewelry. The Le Primitive Shop is on the west side of the park near the fountain.



• Gifts for People With Walls: If you're looking for a special gift to brighten up that special someone's home, stop by the Mosart shop to look at their beautiful glass-mosaic mirrors and picture frames. You'll be dazzled by the artist's detail work and the sparkle of the colored glass. The Mosart shop is on the southwest side of the park near the fountain.



• Gifts for People With Noses: The bath and body products store Sabon has an outpost in Bryant Park this year. Walk by and your nose will lead you inside to sample their aromatic soaps, scrubs, and lotions. Buy a slice of all-natural soap made from a 70 year-old Australian recipe, a scrub made from Dead Sea extracts, or an aromatherapy oil with herbs and flowers from the Israeli countryside. The Sabon shop is located just inside the northeast entrance to the park on 42nd Street near Fifth Avenue.

See a map of all of the merchants participating in the Holiday Shops at Bryant Park this year.

Also, keep in mind that the Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair opens today and runs through December 29th. Dozens of vendors have set up shop in Vanderbilt Hall to make it easy for you to pick up a gift on your way to the train.