It’s hard to believe there was once a world before The Segway. Back when the only time humans could both stand around and move simultaneously was on an escalator. Now—in no way overestimating the market for such devices—the Robomancers over at Honda have invented something called the UNI-CUB Personal Mobility Device. With promotional language like “For Individuals. For Society. Honda Introduces a new kind of mobility.” [SPOILER ALERT: It's a stool with wheels.]

#FutureOfStuff: Ever seen Wall-E? The future will be indolent.

.@BYTES1GHz is a single serving of undigested tech for the unfocused and/or unconcerned. Don’t be disappoint. Like. Enjoy.

One of the first thoughts to strike a new parent—after feelings of joy, of course—is just how much stuff their new bundle of cuteness requires. Hence, the baby registry: a smart way to keep track of baby’s needs while providing loved ones with the chance to give you something they know you’ll love. But creating a baby registry can be an overwhelming process. I remember standing in the middle of buybuy BABY with my all-powerful laser gun, frozen with indecision over which changing pad to scan. There’s just so much stuff out there—and every parent wants the best. To help the overstressed parent-to-be, we asked for 10 tips from the registry experts.

1. Start early “This gives you plenty of time to consider your choices and change your mind,” says Ali Wing, founder and CEO of giggle, who recommends registering four or five months before your due date. “It also allows for proper lead time on larger items and special orders,” she adds. And if the baby comes early, you’ll be glad everything is taken care of!

2. Use starter checklists “Let someone else do the homework for you,” says Wing. Rather than beginning your registry from scratch, use checklists available at stores like giggle and community websites like thebump.com to help jumpstart the process—they outline the basic gear and clothing that newborns need.

3. Talk to other new parents With so many products on the market, it can be confusing to discern what you truly need. Asking new moms and dads who’ve been there can help. “They can tell you what was great, what worked for them and what they thought was pointless,” says Ingrid Prueher, founder of NYC Baby Planner.

4. Touch and feel “It’s important to try out what you’re getting,” says Prueher. Sure, you don’t have to leave your home to create a registry, but it’s a good idea. A baby blanket may appear luxuriously soft on your computer screen, but have a very different texture when you get your hands on it.

5. Combine several registries into one Most parents end up registering at several stores. To make life easier for you and gift-givers, consolidate all your registries into one place by using a website like amazingregistry.com, recommends Prueher.

6. Strike a balance between now and later “The amount of clothes we get for newborns is crazy because they outgrow them so quickly,” says Prueher. Instead of registering for countless onesies, include toddler gear like a high chair or umbrella stroller you’ll need later.

7. Don’t stress over price points “Unlike bridal registries, it’s typical for a baby registry to have a lot of smaller items and everyday essentials,” says Wing. Choosing items with a range of prices lets you accommodate all budgets. Include splurges, too. “You never know when friends or family might want to go in together on a gift!” she says.

8. Register for gift cards  If you’re unsure of what to register for, include a few gift cards. Family and friends are often happy to give them and “it leaves room for items you may need later on [after the baby is born],” says Wing.

9. Don’t keep your registry a secret People want to give you something you’ll use, so don’t be shy about spreading the word about your registry. Take advantage of stores that have insert cards for shower invitations, recommends Wing. “Or ask to see if they have an e-mail template so you can send notifications from their websites,” she says.

10. Remember what’s important In the end, what’s on your registry isn’t going to make or break your life as a new parent. “Babies need a home, they need to be loved, to be changed and fed, and they need a certain amount of clothes,” says Prueher. “Everything else is just accessories.”

Spruce Up Any Registry With Hand-Picked Items From The Pros

MOST POPULAR 

ERGObaby Performance Carrier. This new model is one-third lighter than the standard ERGO carrier and allows babies to be cradled with both legs to one side. (thebump.com)

UPPAbaby Vista Stroller in Pink. Features both a bassinet and seat, folds super-easily and comes in a color exclusive to this store. (buybuy BABY)

Baby Brezza One Step Baby Food Maker. Load food and water into the machine, pick a steam time and get a healthy baby puree in minutes. (Babies “R” Us)

NEW & COOL

Joovy Groove Stroller. A great value, the Groove umbrella stroller is available in four colors and can be used with babies as young as three months old. (buybuy BABY)

Boon Naked Collapsible Baby Bathtub. Can be reclined to cradle a newborn and collapses flat for easy storage. (thebump.com)

Magnificent Baby Layette. A luxuriously soft layette with magnetic enclosures that make changing baby a breeze. (buybuy BABY)

Chewbeads Jewelry. Stylish necklaces for mom made of colorful, non-toxic beads baby can teethe on. (Albee Baby)

THE TODDLER YEARS

Chicco 360 Hook-On High Chair. It swivels 360 degrees, is machine-washable and folds up into a carry bag. (thebump.com)

Britax Marathon 70 XE Convertible Car Seat. Grows with your child from birth to 70 pounds. (buybuy BABY)

Chicco Polly Magic High Chair. This sturdy high chair has a snap-on tray and fits baby from the newborn stage to the toddler years. (Babies “R” Us)

UPPAbaby G-Luxe Stroller. A lightweight umbrella stroller with a convenient carry strap and great sun canopy. (Albee Baby)

NEW MOM INDULGENCE

Beaba Bib’Expresso. It may look like a chic espresso machine but this one actually lets moms prepare a bottle of formula milk (or warm up breast milk) at the perfect temperature in just 90 seconds. (thebump.com)

Belli Best Baby Bump Duo. Pregnant moms will love these two luxurious and non-toxic products: Elasticity Belly Oil and All Day Moisture Body Lotion. (buybuy BABY)

Monte Design Joya Rocker. A modern rocker that mom will use beyond the baby years. (giggle)

Timi & Leslie Diaper Bag. A stylish way to carry baby essentials. (Albee Baby)

There is no doubt that Valentine’s Day is met with anxiety and trepidation by New Yorkers hoping to do the night justice. For those budget-conscious romantics or for those of us who need a bit of inspiration, below is a list of some of the best Valentine’s Day buys, promotions and things to do Downtown.

A Laugh For Half
Psycho Therapy, Cherry Lane Theatre,
38 Commerce St. (at Bedford St.),
cherrylanetheatre.org; $36.
For any couple looking for a night full of laughter, the Cherry Lane Theatre is offering tickets to its current show, Psycho Therapy, at nearly half-price—they have reduced ticket prices from $66 to $36 through Valentine’s Day for anyone using the promo code GMPT35. Go and enjoy this humorous three-way love triangle!

For the Shoe Lover’s Soul
Camper, 125 Prince St. (at Wooster St.), camper.com.
If you’re searching for the perfect gift to accompany the chocolate on Valentine’s Day, why not buy your significant other a pair of fashionable heels or sneakers at Camper? They are offering sales ranging from 10 percent to as much as 40 percent off, which means you’ll make her—or him—happy without compromising your dinner reservations.

Build Trust for 23 Bucks
Dialogue in the Dark, South Street Seaport (at Pier 17), dialognyc.com; $23.50.
Every good relationship is built on a solid foundation of trust, so take your loved one on an exciting “blind” date. Patrons are guided through some of New York City’s most famous landmarks without their primary sense: sight! Your guide will be visually impaired and you’ll have a perfect excuse to cuddle up close as you try to navigate the Big Apple with touch, sound, smell and taste.

A Romantic “Summer“
Getaway in February
Openhouse Gallery Park, 201 Mulberry St. (betw. Kenmare & Spring Sts.), openhousegallery.org.
Anyone who has been waiting to marvel at the charm of this chic indoor park needn’t wait any longer. Adorned with fake grass and splendid backdrops, the Openhouse Gallery Park provides a warm atmosphere for a summer’s day picnic without the potential for discomfort that winter in New York may force upon your outdoor dining plans. Cuddle up with magazines, lunch, candles and some one-on-one time and see what’s new to do at the pop-up park.

Bargain V-Day Eats
Greenwich Grill & Sushi Azabu, 428 Greenwich St. (betw. Lincoln Hwy. & Vestry St.), greenwichgrill.com; $55.
Nebraska Steakhouse, 15 Stone St. (betw. Broadway & Broad St.), nebraskasteakhousenyc.com; $65.
If you haven’t already, now is the time to sample the delicious Italian-Sushi spot that earned Best New Sushi Restaurant from the New York Times in 2009. The northern Tribeca restaurant is offering a special Valentine’s Day prix fixe—a four-course meal plus coffee or tea for $55. If, however, you are looking for a different sort of cuisine, Nebraska Steakhouse is offering a similar prix fixe with a three-course offering and a bottle of wine. Nebraska offers an intimate atmosphere perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Fashionable Heart Finds
bit+piece, 246 Mott St. (betw. Prince & Houston Sts.), bit-piece.com.
Smart Valentine’s Day buys aren’t just found at candy stores and restaurants. Take advantage of the convenient overlap between this romantic holiday and the change in fashion seasons at bit+piece, which is offering as much as 80 percent off select items. You’ll be sure to find some great designer clothes for your partner, though much of their selection will cost you over $100.

An Excessively
Decadent Date
Trump SoHo, 264 Spring St. (at Varick St.), trumpsohohotel.com; $6,740.
Sometimes money is no obstacle. For those of you looking to put an exclamation point on your shock-and-awe campaign this Valentine’s Day, the Trump SoHo has your interests in mind. Their Valentine’s Day package includes a private skating lesson at Wollman Rink, couple’s spa therapy, a penthouse stay and more guaranteed perfection for the small price of $6,740 per night.

There is no doubt that Valentine’s Day is met with anxiety and trepidation by New Yorkers hoping to do the night justice. For those budget-conscious romantics or for those of us who need a bit of inspiration, below is a list of some of the best Valentine’s Day buys, promotions and things to do Downtown.

A Laugh For Half
Psycho Therapy, Cherry Lane Theatre,
38 Commerce St. (at Bedford St.),
cherrylanetheatre.org; $36.
For any couple looking for a night full of laughter, the Cherry Lane Theatre is offering tickets to its current show, Psycho Therapy, at nearly half-price—they have reduced ticket prices from $66 to $36 through Valentine’s Day for anyone using the promo code GMPT35. Go and enjoy this humorous three-way love triangle!

For the Shoe Lover’s Soul
Camper, 125 Prince St. (at Wooster St.), camper.com.
If you’re searching for the perfect gift to accompany the chocolate on Valentine’s Day, why not buy your significant other a pair of fashionable heels or sneakers at Camper? They are offering sales ranging from 10 percent to as much as 40 percent off, which means you’ll make her—or him—happy without compromising your dinner reservations.

Build Trust for 23 Bucks
Dialogue in the Dark, South Street Seaport (at Pier 17), dialognyc.com; $23.50.
Every good relationship is built on a solid foundation of trust, so take your loved one on an exciting “blind” date. Patrons are guided through some of New York City’s most famous landmarks without their primary sense: sight! Your guide will be visually impaired and you’ll have a perfect excuse to cuddle up close as you try to navigate the Big Apple with touch, sound, smell and taste.

A Romantic “Summer“
Getaway in February
Openhouse Gallery Park, 201 Mulberry St. (betw. Kenmare & Spring Sts.), openhousegallery.org.
Anyone who has been waiting to marvel at the charm of this chic indoor park needn’t wait any longer. Adorned with fake grass and splendid backdrops, the Openhouse Gallery Park provides a warm atmosphere for a summer’s day picnic without the potential for discomfort that winter in New York may force upon your outdoor dining plans. Cuddle up with magazines, lunch, candles and some one-on-one time and see what’s new to do at the pop-up park.

Bargain V-Day Eats
Greenwich Grill & Sushi Azabu, 428 Greenwich St. (betw. Lincoln Hwy. & Vestry St.), greenwichgrill.com; $55.
Nebraska Steakhouse, 15 Stone St. (betw. Broadway & Broad St.), nebraskasteakhousenyc.com; $65.
If you haven’t already, now is the time to sample the delicious Italian-Sushi spot that earned Best New Sushi Restaurant from the New York Times in 2009. The northern Tribeca restaurant is offering a special Valentine’s Day prix fixe—a four-course meal plus coffee or tea for $55. If, however, you are looking for a different sort of cuisine, Nebraska Steakhouse is offering a similar prix fixe with a three-course offering and a bottle of wine. Nebraska offers an intimate atmosphere perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Fashionable Heart Finds
bit+piece, 246 Mott St. (betw. Prince & Houston Sts.), bit-piece.com.
Smart Valentine’s Day buys aren’t just found at candy stores and restaurants. Take advantage of the convenient overlap between this romantic holiday and the change in fashion seasons at bit+piece, which is offering as much as 80 percent off select items. You’ll be sure to find some great designer clothes for your partner, though much of their selection will cost you over $100.

An Excessively
Decadent Date
Trump SoHo, 264 Spring St. (at Varick St.), trumpsohohotel.com; $6,740.
Sometimes money is no obstacle. For those of you looking to put an exclamation point on your shock-and-awe campaign this Valentine’s Day, the Trump SoHo has your interests in mind. Their Valentine’s Day package includes a private skating lesson at Wollman Rink, couple’s spa therapy, a penthouse stay and more guaranteed perfection for the small price of $6,740 per night.

Christmas Day service
Sunday, Dec. 25, 11 a.m.

John Street Methodist Church
44 John Street (betw. Dutch & Nassau Sts.), www.johnstreetchurch.org.

Christmas Vespers: lessons, carols and candlelight
Sunday, Dec. 18, 5 p.m.

Christmas Eve Mass: carols, candles and Holy Communion
Saturday, Dec. 24, 7 p.m.

Christmas Day Mass: celebration of God’s word and table
Sunday, Dec. 25, 11 a.m.

Lower Manhattan Community Church
P.S./I.S. 89 Auditorium, 201 Warren St. (at West St.), lowermanhattanchurch.com.

Third annual Community Christmas Service
Sunday, Dec. 18, 11 a.m.

Trinity Church
74 Trinity Place (betw. Rector & Barclay Sts.), www.trinitywallstreet.org.

Christmas Eve services
Saturday, Dec. 24, 4 p.m. (children, youth and families), 6 p.m. (Eucharist) & 9 p.m. (choral prelude & Eucharist).

Christmas Day services
Sunday Dec. 25, 9 a.m., 10 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.

Second annual Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
Saturday, Dec. 24, 4 p.m.

The River Vineyard Christian Fellowship
250 Greenwich St., 7 World Trade Center
(betw. Barclay & Vesey Sts.), rivernyc.org.

Special Christmas services
Sunday, Dec. 18, 10 a.m., 11:45 a.m. and 6 p.m.’

St. Paul’s Chapel
74 Trinity Place (betw. Rector & Barclay Sts.),
www.trinitywallstreet.org.

Christmas Eve midnight mass
Saturday, Dec. 24, 11 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Christmas Day Holy Eucharist
Sunday, Dec. 25, 8-8:45 a.m.

St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church
22 Barclay St. (betw. Church & Broadway Sts.), 212-233-8355.

St. Peter’s Church Mass
Saturday, Dec. 24, 8 a.m. & 4 p.m.,
Sunday, Dec. 25, 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. & noon.

St. JOSEPH’s CHAPEL
Gateway Plaza 500 (near World Financial Center),
212-466-0131.

St. Joseph’s Chapel Mass
Sunday, Dec. 25, 10 a.m. & noon.

Synagogue for the Arts
49 White Street (betw. Church & Broadway Sts.),
www.synagogueforthearts.org.

Chanukah services
Tuesday, Dec. 20–Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 7 p.m.

Photo: Trinity Church

Our ultimate guide to holiday presents from Downtown purveyors.

Scoping out the East Village for Holiday Gifts
Gifts for Those Likely to Chew the Stocking
The Wish List for the Playful Ones
Last-Minute Shopping Ideas on the Web

For an Iconolocastic Accessorizer
Reinerland Jewelry, 162 Allen St.
(betw. Rivington & Stanton Sts.),
646-418-9818, www.reinerland.com
Reinerland, the brainchild of husband-and-wife team Cristina Taranu and Reiner Mengesdorf, specializes in one-of-a-kind and custom jewelry with an ancient Roman inspiration. Offering everything from one-of-a-kind engagement rings to masculine rings, Tarau and Mengesdorf present it all on pieces of reclaimed materials such as driftwood salvaged from the East River. For prices, call or email the store.

For the Too-Cool Friend
Warby Parker, 295 Lafayette St.
Ste. 501 (at Houston St.),
www.warbyparker.com
Nothing says cool like a pair of slammin’ sunglasses—and none are cooler or chicer than Warby Parker’s. The very chichi store is an appointment-only affair (visit the website to schedule a visit), but it’s hard to argue with products like the Everett, the company’s signature shades priced at a very cool $95. Perfect for the perpetually hung-over friend who is tired of cracking H&M shades after a week.

For the World Traveler
TASCHEN Books, 107 Greene St. (betw. Prince & Spring Sts.), 212-226-2212,
www.taschen.com
Rather than dealing with the obviousness of cheap travel guides—or the wavering Wi-Fi one finds on foreign streets—this year, give the gift of classiness to your ocean-hopping friend with TASCHEN 4 Cities ($59.99), an easy-to-carry, 12-volume set of guides to London, Paris, Berlin and New York. Your friend may still look like a tourist, but he’ll be a very elegant one.

For the Manly Wine Drinker
Dean & Deluca, 560 Broadway (at Prince St.), 212-226-6800, www.deandeluca.com
In addition to the store’s café and high-end groceries, Dean & Deluca also offers some truly distinguished kitchen utensils—especially the Laguiole Stag Horn corkscrew with leather pouch ($140). Guaranteed to be one-of-a-kind—each corkscrew is made out of naturally shed stag’s horn—it’s the perfect gift to butch up a bottle of wine.

For a Well-Meaning Relative
Cursive New York, ABC Carpet & Home,
888 Broadway (betw. 18th & 19th Sts.), 646-602-3806, www.cursivenewyork.com
Cursive (which also has a location in Grand Central Station) offers a ton of fabulous home décor items and stationery, but don’t encourage your aunt to make you feel guilty by writing you letters on expensive paper to which you’ll never respond. Instead, replace her drugstore pump hand soap with a 16.9-oz. bottle of Savon de Marseille liquid soap ($27.50), available in a variety of scents. We recommend the grapefruit.

For the Big Spending New Yorker
Bond No. 9, 9 Bond St. (betw. Broadway & Lafayette Sts.), www.bondno9.com
On the Bond No. 9 website, the mission for their new collection is quite simple, “To restore artistry to perfumery and to mark every New York neighborhood with a scent of its own.” The widely known perfumer has met both of these goals with their line of scents for almost every nabe in NYC. Our favorites include Washington Square Park, a blend of geranium, tarragon and purple rose, whose bottle is decorated with a lavender-hued depiction of the park ($240 for 100ml, $180 for 50ml), and the refreshing Nouveau Bowery, a mix of lime, basil and wild lily to reflect the gentrifying nabe ($230 for 100ml, $160 for 50 ml).

For the Hopeless Sweet Tooth
Ladurée, 864 Madison Ave. (betw. 70th & 71st Sts.), 646-558-3157
Few desserts are as jam-packed with saccharine as macarons, and while the French will always have us beat in this culinary delight, Paris-based Ladurée opened their first international location in NYC this year. The macarons, at $2.70 a piece, are flown in daily from France. When it comes to sating your sweetie’s sweet tooth, few pastries can beat this crumb-licking treat.

For the Urban Explorer
Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), 303 Lafayette St. (betw. E. Houston & Jersey Sts.),
www.rei.com
While in a store as expansive as REI—the Soho location is over 30,000 square feet—it can be difficult to narrow down your present to just one choice. But if your budget only allows for one big sports-themed purchase, we suggest Vibram’s FiveFinger shoes. Most likely you have already seen people at your gym or out on the street partaking in the trendy, colorful, flat, separated-toe footwear; to make sure your loved one isn’t left in the dust, pick up a pair (Vibram FiveFingers KomodoSport LS Multisport Shoes, $110) at REI.

For the Techie Who Has Everything
J&R Music and Computer World, 23 Park Row (at City Hall Park), www.jr.com
While J&R is a behemoth 300,000-square-foot complex of gadgets, music, software, housewares, office supplies and even musical instruments, the store is essentially a local success story, started in 1971 on Park Row by newlyweds Joe and Rachelle Friedman. While one can find the staples in electronic wares at J&R, the store still has merchandise to wow and amaze even the savviest techie. Our pick is one of J&R’s top sellers this holiday season, the ION iCADE Arcade Cabinet for the iPad ($99). The product magically turns your ordinary iPad into an old-fashioned arcade, complete with a joystick, buttons and a library of famous Atari games.

For Stocking Stuffers Under $10
Pearl River Mart, 477 Broadway (betw. Broome & Grand Sts.), pearlriver.com
While Pearl River Mart is certainly no longer a well-hidden gem, the store still offers some of the best prices on everything from clocks to lanterns. Some of the store’s best deals can be found in its ceramics section, with a wide selection of designed bowls (6-inch Magnolia bowl, $8.50, Fern Leaf bowl, $7.95). The wares in the store often have a touch from the past, like the Retro Square Wind Up Alarm Clock ($9.50), while other items just add a nice note to a room (Blue Flowers Printed Paper Lantern, $7.50).

It’s not at all too late to finish your shopping online, and you can often find great deals right from the comfort of your couch. Here are our top picks:

For the truly unique find
FredFlare.com
This quirky online shop sells such whimsical fare as LEGO Star Wars Mini-Figure Alarm Clocks ($44), available in Darth Vader, Storm Trooper, and Yoda. They specialize in useful but odd accessories and gadgets that somehow seem stylish and hip, like a beer making kit ($65) or the Holly GoNightly sleep mask ($15), modeled after the one Hepburn donned in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. They’re offering free UPS ground shipping with a $100 purchase if you use the code “bicycle,” and free shipping with a $25 purchase until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16 with code “zoom.”

For the no-brainer, stress-free choice
Amazon.com
You can’t go wrong with the mother of all online retailers. Amazon is offering its free super saver shipping for Christmas delivery through Thursday, Dec. 15, and offers more expensive options up through local express delivery on Christmas Eve (where available) to ensure that your procrastination goes unnoticed. The Kindle e-reader is a can’t-go-wrong pick, with a $79 model, and gift cards can be cashed in for anything under the sun. They even offer email and printable gift cards, so if you forgot someone on the list, Christmas morning isn’t too late.

For the fashionable last-minute gift
Net-a-porter.com
This fashion retail site stocks only the latest and greatest fashions, so while you should be prepared to drop a pretty penny, you’re sure to get a pretty purse, like the latest Chloé bag ($1,850), in exchange. Net-a-porter also offers editors’ picks, style advice and a carefully curated selection of luxury retail fashion items, so whether you want to deck someone out in a Lanvin wool felt cape (on sale, 30 percent off, for $2,404) or a simple pair of Aubin & Wills leather mittens ($175) you know you’ll satisfy the fashionista on your list. Plus, they offer free shipping!

For the “big” kid
It’s easy to get lost in all the adult sophistication of new technology. Check out these nostalgic cases to remind yourself to stay playful!
Etch A Sketch® iPhone Case by Headcase
$24.99, getaheadcase.com

For the astute accessorizer
This precious purse in a classic plaid is the perfect size for an urban kid’s winter essentials—mittens, tissues and chapstick!
Girl’s Plaid Purse by The Children’s Place
$9.95, childrensplace.com

For the eco-friendly entertainer
Add pizzazz to your mornings orange juice or afternoon snack time with this globalized, environmentally friendly set of glasses—a percentage of the proceeds goes to UNICEF.
“Our Future” Juice Set by Green Glass
$56, greenglass.com

For the charitable chef
Savor some sweet moments whipping up pancakes and noshing on gingerbread and biscotti with the fam. Plus, spread some holiday cheer—15 percent of every purchase goes to the charity of your choice.
Breakfast Gift Box by Baking for Good
$60, bakingforgood.com

For the littlest linguist
Give your children a head start at becoming little citizens of the world—they will learn over 180 words and phrases in a new language.
Spanish Deluxe Gift Set
by Little Pim
$84.95, littlepim.com

For the young glamour girl
This sweet wool party dress is the perfect combination of upscale chic and childlike whimsy—perfect for holiday occasions and dress-up days.
Bonaventura Dress by Sierra Julian
$145, sierrajulian.com

For holiday (s)hoppers
Your little ones can snuggle up with Babo the bunny while you unwind and pamper yourself with organic holiday soaps.
Babo Bunny Holiday Stocking Stuffer
by Babo Botanicals’
$18, babobotanicals.com

This holiday season, the dog days are most definitely not over.

According to a new AP-Petside.com poll, more than half of all pet owners will buy a gift for their pet this holiday season. And some pets may get more than one.Naresh Jessani, co-owner of New York Dog Spa & Hotel on the Upper East Side, said he often sees an increase in business around the holidays.

“Pets are part of the family,” said Jessani. “Pretty much everyone buys a Christmas gift for their pet and puts it under the tree.”

Jessani said many of his clients bring their pets in for holiday grooming.

“They want to deck their dogs out in Christmas gear,” said Jessani. “Reindeer antlers, jingly collars and Santa coats are popular.”

Sandy Robins, a pet lifestyle expert based in California, said the economic recession shouldn’t put a stop to a pet’s holiday bliss.

“If people do have a little bit of extra money, they’re going to splurge on their kids,” she said. “Whether their kids have two legs or four legs.”

Robins said the market for holiday-themed pet gifts has exploded in the past five years. This year, she said, most people will tend toward more practical gifts.

“If you’re someone who goes for walks at night a lot,” she said, “maybe you’ll buy your pet a collar with a reflector or one that lights up. Your pet gets something new that is also functional.”

The trendiest pet gifts this year are puzzles, Robins added. She likened the puzzles to board games for adults, except that the pet doesn’t play against anyone and she gets a treat when she wins.

“Puzzles will keep the pet very, very busy,” she said. “They also offer great mental and physical stimulation.”

Holiday Pet Events
“Rosie’s Toy Drive.”
Not every dog or cat has such a fruitful holiday season—donate your pet’s gently used toys or purchase something new. All donations will go to Bideawee. The New York Dog Shop, 46 W. 73rd St., thenewyorkdogshop.com, 212-595-0800.

Holiday Adoption Extravaganza.
Not all pets have a home in which to celebrate the holidays. Two rescue organizations will host the two-day weekend event, where families can also take photos with one of the organization’s mascots: Santa Maddie, a 6-foot-tall miniature schnauzer. The Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St., 212-463-0200, Dec. 18-19.

By Amy Smith

Downtown New York is brimming with history and diversity, but few can compare to the tight-knit, funky community that resides in the East Village. From Bowery Lane to Alphabet City, this small pocket of our city is a cultural treasure trove, held together by a network of independent store owners who strive to keep the creative spirit alive. Whether you’re looking for a stiff drink or the perfect antique to add to your collection, the shops featured here—and those that didn’t make the list—all strive to keep the boho spirit alive. Not to mention that you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list this holiday season. Happy holidays and happy shopping.

Vera Meat
315 E. 9th St., 917-353-3885
Independent jewelry designer Vera Balyuria’s line of handcrafted, eco-conscious jewelry is not for the hemp-wearing hippie set. Coveted by the likes of Amy Sedaris and Miranda July, her quirky collection ranges from dinosaur claw rings to necklaces featuring a bust of the unofficial company mascot, Fred (a pint-sized French bulldog, of course). Vera Meat is carried in stores throughout the U.S. and Europe, but you can visit her flagship store (and Fred) at her East Village location.
Dinosaur Claw Hug Ring, $90-$120 (depending on material)

Obscura Antiques & Oddities
280 E. 10th St., 212-505-9251
The aptly named treasure trove has been an East Village staple for years. Owners Mike Zohn and Evan Michelson have amassed a collection of oddball items like no other. From shrunken heads to Victorian armor and crystal balls, you’re sure to find something to add to your weird aunt’s stocking this holiday season.
Obscura Souvenir T-shirt, $25


Enchantments
424 E. 9th St., 212-228-4394
Considered one of New York City’s largest “Witchcraft/Goddess supply stores,” Enchantments has something for the witch or wizard (or is it warlock?) in all of us. The incense and essential oils are the perfect addition to your Christmas list this season. Just remember, anything you do will come back to you threefold—at least, that’s what they told us in The Craft.
Custom candles, $28

Patricia Field NYC
302 Bowery, 212-966-4066
She caught your attention with Carrie Bradshaw’s seemingly endless assortment of designer duds, but Pat Field remains a staple of New York fashion with her flagship stop on Second Ave. A disco playground brimming with sequins, studs and sky-high platforms, there’s no way you’ll leave the shop empty-handed.
The “Carrie” necklace, $270

A-1 Records
439 E. 6th St., 212-473-2870
Chock full of everything from soul to hip-hop, A-1 Records is a one-stop shop for any music lover. With albums averaging $15 a pop, you’ll come out with something for everyone in your family—just don’t ask for the latest collection of Stravinsky or Schubert in this classical-free zone. I’m sure Dad won’t mind if you switch out Bach for the blues.