Last-Minute Holiday Gift Shopping Guide

It happens every year. The holiday season gets hectic and you don't quite get around to finishing all of your gift shopping in time. That doesn't mean you have to show up at that holiday party empty-handed or re-gift something from your closet.

We have plenty of no-fail gift ideas that are easy to pick up on your way to any New York City holiday gathering. Whether you forgot to shop for Mom, your new significant other, or your office Secret Santa, we've got you covered.

Easy Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas

1. A Great Bottle Of Wine
   A good bottle of wine makes a great host/hostess gift for any holiday gathering. Wine is also perfect when you're buying for someone you don't know well (as long as you're sure they imbibe). You can find quality vinos at all price points so you can splurge on a great friend or give good gift on the cheap for a casual acquaintance. The problem is that many of us are clueless about which wine to give to make the right impression. Staring at the endless rows of bottles can be overwhelming. Luckily for us, there are some great New York City wine and spirits stores that make shopping easy.
   
   
   • Bottlerocket -- This welcoming Chelsea wine store takes the confusion out of picking out the perfect wine. There are eighteen gift display areas, arranged by theme, that offer different wines from around the world at varying price ranges for everyone from a perfect stranger to your demanding boss. You can also browse wines by country of origin or by the foods they complement (great if you know whether your hostess is serving duck, lamb, or Chinese takeout).
     Bottlerocket, 5 West 19th Street near Fifth Avenue, 212-929-2323
   
   
   
   • Crush Wine & Spirits -- Crush Wine & Sprits was voted the best new wine shop in America in 2005 by Food & Wine magazine. Owned by NYC celebrity restaurateur Drew Nieporent, Crush claims to have New York's best selection of wine and spirits and they deliver for free to all five boroughs. Complementary daily tastings can help you decide which is the perfect vino for that special someone.
     Crush Wine & Spirits, 153 East 57th Street between Lexington and Third Avenues, 212-980-WINE



2. A Perfect Book or Movie
   Want to give a gift that's personal without breaking the bank? Stop by the local book store and pick out a book or movie for everyone on your list. Put together a personalized combination if you want to spend a little more -- maybe a great chick flick plus the latest chick lit novel for your favorite chick, or a set of Lost DVDs and Robinson Crusoe for anyone who needs to get away from it all. Or pick a flick from our list of great New York movies for the great New Yorkers you love.
   
   For anyone who drives in the city, a copy of ParkIt! NYC can help save time and money all year long. For a friend or ex-colleague stressed about layoffs, pick up a copy of Guerilla Marketing for Job Hunters or Escape from Corporate America (full disclosure: About.com Manhattan Guide Pamela Skillings is the author of this book). What's perfect for everybody on your list? The latest Zagat guide or a gift certificate.
   
   
   
   • Barnes & Noble -- Wherever you are in New York, there's probably a Barnes & Noble nearby. You'll find a great selection and can mix and match books, music, and movies to create the perfect combination. Grab some Godiva at the register to add a sweet touch to any gift.
     Find a Barnes & Noble location near you in Manhattan
   
   
   
   • The Strand -- Support independent bookstores and find something unique at The Strand. Buy two books during the holiday shopping season and get a Strand tote bag for free.
     The Strand, 828 Broadway at 12th Street, 212-473-1452
     



3. A Little Extra Warmth
   It's really cold out there this winter. Help make 2009 commutes more pleasant for your pal with a cozy but non-bulky layer of high-tech warmth from Uniqlo. Made from specially-designed hollow fiber thread, Heat Tech converts body moisture into heat, warming and insulating without bulk. Already a wardrobe essential in Japan, Heat Tech is worn by an estimated one in every three Japanese. Best of all, Heat Tech is cheap. Prices range from $10.50 for layering t-shirts to $15.50 for long johns.
   
   
   
   • Uniqlo Soho -- Visit the Uniqlo store in Soho to pick up a cozy Heat Tech number to warm up any wardrobe.



4. A Sweet Gift Certificate
   If you're stumped for gift ideas, buy a gift certificate and treat your loved one to some fun after-holiday sale shopping on you. Not just any gift certificate will do. We've got some unique gift certificate ideas to thrill your favorite people. Best of all, they're all easy to pick up at the last minute.
   
   
   
   • iTunes Gift Certificate -- An iTunes gift certificate from The Apple Store is guaranteed to earn you points. Buy that special someone a shopping spree through 3.5 million songs at just 99 cents each. You can get a custom message printed on the card and choose from multiple colors and themes. Stop by the store any time (The Soho and 5th Avenue Apple Stores are open 24 hours before Christmas) or order online.
     Apple Store SoHo, 103 Prince Street, 212-226-3126, open 24 hours December 13-24, 2006
     Apple Store Fifth Avenue, 767 Fifth Avenue at 57th Street, 212-336-1440, open 24 hours December 13-24, 2006
     Apple Store West 14th Street, 401 West 14th Street at 9th Avenue, 212-444-3400
   
   
   
   • Gift Certificates To Eat, Drink And Shop In NYC -- To give the gift of variety, check out City Shuffle's decks of 52 card-sized $10 gift certificates. Choose from The Diner's Deck, which offers gift certificates for Manhattan's hottest restaurants or The Bar & Lounge Deck, which gives you a year of discounted nights out on the town. You can order online or pick up the decks at Barnes and Noble, MOMA Design and Book Stores, and other New York locations.
   
   
   
   • Movie Gift Certificate -- Delight your favorite film buff with the gift of movies. Fandango Bucks are good for any movie, any time, at any Fandango theater (more than 50 in Manhattan). Have your gift emailed immediately or have your gift card mailed with a customized card. Order Fandango Bucks online.