Christmas Shopping? Forgo the Malls for Lower East Side

Maybe you like the idea of walking an endless stream of shops that basically all look the same, carry the same stuff, and never feeling like you got the "perfect" gift. If so, the malls are the perfect habitats for the scurrying, the pushing, the shoving, and grabbing any old thing when you hear the PA announcement that the mall is closing in ten minutes. Could be you're addicted to scarfing down greasy egg rolls and mocha lattes in-between chain stores. If so, you'll definitely not be interested in this little neighborhood huddled between Chinatown and the rest of the hustle and bustle of New York City.

If you are looking for the unique, the fab, and for that memorable gift, however, the Lower East Side could be your best kept secret. 

Nestled between the traffic bustle of Allen St and the eclectic nightlife of downtown, there is a small area in the Lower East Side that boasts a wealth of shops under-appreciated by the discriminating consumer. Bunched up between Houston and Delancey St., there are three streets worth strolling. From high quality couture to a gourmet food, the Lower East Side or LES as its residents lovingly dubbed it covers all the bases without charging a huge fee. And for the cost of a Metrocard (especially now as the MTA is offering weekend fares at half price), you can avoid the parking lot sharking and the traffic for LES' shops.

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ALLEN STREET:
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Jutta Neumann
158 Allen St. near Rivington St.
212-982-7048
http://www.juttaneumann-newyork.com/

Buttery soft leather handmade to any possible bag style you can dream up without paying the price of some logo-stamped chain store. But just because there's no logo plastered all over the skin means it isn't quality. The smooth tactile feel of the leather in rich earth tones tells of quality, handmade and unique so your bag isn't a clone. Women will love the shoes all handmade as well. 

Russ & Daughters
179 E. Houston St. bet Orchard and Allen Sts.
212-475-0345
http://www.russanddaughters.com/