Last-Minute NYC 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. Luckily, there are some helpful New York City wine and spirits stores that make shopping easy.
   
   
   • Bottlerocket -- This welcoming Chelsea shop takes the confusion out of picking out the perfect wine. Browse display areas arranged by theme to find wines from around the world at varying price points. 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 also offers custom-created gift pails. Ask their wine experts to help you put together a combo of vinos for that special someone or choose a ready-made gift pail (who wouldn't love the $99 pail with four bottles of wine, a carrying case, and a wine tasting kit?)
     
     Bottlerocket, 5 West 19th Street near Fifth Avenue, 212-929-2323
   
   
   
   • Crush Wine & Spirits -- Crush Wine & Sprits has won awards from Food & Wine, Wine Spectator, and New York magazines. Owned by NYC 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.
     
     Free Thursday evening tastings can help you decide which is the perfect vino for that special someone. Crush is also offering special gifts for the holiday season -- including a Dom Perignon gift set ($169.95) and custom bottle engraving ($49.95 not including cost of wine).
     
     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.
   
   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 a Barnes & Noble nearby. You'll find a wide selection and can mix and match books, music, and movies. 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. Spend $25 during the holiday shopping season and get a $5 gift certificate. Spend $50 and get a $5 gift certificate and a Strand tote bag.
     The Strand, 828 Broadway at 12th Street, 212-473-1452
     
   
   
   
3. A Little Extra Warmth
   It's cold out there this winter. Help make 2012 commutes more pleasant with a cozy but non-bulky layer of high-tech warmth from Uniqlo. Made from specially-designed hollow fiber thread, Uniqlo Heat Tech converts body moisture into heat, warming and insulating without bulk. Best of all, Heat Tech is cheap. Prices range from about $8 for layering camisoles to $15+ for long johns.
   
   Uniqlo Ne York City Stores -- Uniqlo stores are located in Noho (Broadway between Prince and Spring), on 34th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues), and on 5th Avenue (at 53rd Street.



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 -- many can even be emailed if you've waited until the very last second this year.
   • iTunes Gift Certificate or Gift Card -- An iTunes gift 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. Stop by any Apple store to pick up an iTunes gift card with a custom message printed on the card and choose from multiple colors and themes. You can also purchase an iTunes gift certificate online and email it or download and print it from your computer. All New York City Apple stores have extended hours for the holiday shopping season and the 5th Avenue Apple Store is open 24 hours.
     • 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
     • Apple Store Upper West Side, 1981 Broadway at 67th Street, 212-209-3400
     • NEW Apple Store in Grand Central Terminal, 89 East 42nd Street, East Balcony of Grand Central Terminal, 212-284-1800
   
   
   • Fun and Games at Chelsea Piers -- Give the gift of good clean fun at Chelsea Piers. Pick out a gift certificate that can be redeemed for golfing, rock climbing, spa treatments, ice skating, baseball, parkour, personal training, and more.
   
   
   
   • 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. Order online or buy at Barnes and Noble and other New York locations.
   
   
   
   • Movie Gift Certificates -- 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. Buy Fandango Bucks gift certificates online.