Ditmas Park Holiday Gifts For Everyone On Your Wish List

Keeping in mind that the perfect gift is more valuable to the recipient than it costs the giver, we’ve rounded up a list of stylish, delicious, fun, and affordable local gift ideas. Not every gift we found can be mentioned, but with a little time and creative thinking, you’ll find Ditmas Park has something for every age group and every price point.

The price point at Collyer’s Mansion (368 Stratford Road between Cortelyou and Dorchester Roads) and Brooklyn ARTery (1021 Cortelyou Road between Coney Island Avenue and Stratford Road) allow the giver to find an original present. The ARTery offers a range of jewelry and accessories, (including the bicycle necklace above, $30), while Collyer’s has ornaments (top photo) and other trinkets for the home that will still leave you some cash for a latte.

Scenario: You’re invited to a holiday dinner and want to bring a thank you gift.
The trick to a great gift for a host is to find a beautiful treat that is also either consumable or re-giftable, without blowing your budget (or flowers, of course–with the exception of a host who can’t quit sneezing, flowers are a safe bet). T.B. Ackerson Wine Merchants (1205 Cortelyou Road between Westminster and Argyle Roads) will select a bottle at your price point and give you tips on how to discuss its notes.

Brooklyn ARTery also carries locally curated gift bags of chocolates with de rigueur Brooklyn labels. Alternatively, you can pick up boxes of classic holiday cakes and cookies from John’s Bakery (1322 Cortelyou Road on the corner of Rugby Road) and still have enough money left over for a red and green bouquet from Stems (1118 Cortelyou Road between Stratford and Westminster Roads), or simply deli flowers (Variedad De Productos Mexicanos Universal at 1105 Church Avenue is having a $9.99 special on bouquets until December 18) wrapped in newspaper.

Scenario: Your teen is cultivating an ironically-mainstream, borough-centric image.
Look no further than Brooklyn Industries (1420 Cortelyou Road on the corner of Marlborough Road). Your daughter can walk proudly into high school sporting a sweater with an applique of an owl in oversized red glasses ($78), her brother can strut intellectually at her side in his periodic table t-shirt ($34), or baby can announce her favorite borough in Mom’s favorite Brooklyn onesie ($25).

Scenario: You’re looking for an non-electronic game the entire family can enjoy. Together.
You can try passing an Etch A Sketch off as “the original tablet,” or pick up a board game–both of which work even when the electricity goes out. Toy Space (1410 Cortelyou Road between Rugby and Marlborough Roads) also carries cards and games like Apples to Apples ($25) and Bananagrams ($15), both of which are cleverly crafted so baby boomers can enjoy playing with their grandchildren.

For the little ones, Toy Space also has classic wooden blocks–as does S & S 99 Cents Store (1318 Cortelyou Road between Argyle and Rugby Roads).

Scenario: Someone has been begging for a pony.
Toy Space carries stick horses ($25),  which are more economical than the initial investment and monthly upkeep of their breathing counterparts. If an actual horse is a must, Kensington Stables (51 Caton Place on the corner of E 8th Street) offers lessons ($340 for 11 half hour sessions).

Plush puppies, also a cheaper investment than their live alternative, can be found at Toy Space, Rite Aide, and Duane Reade. Or if you’re up for bringing a new family member home for the holidays, you can adopt a dog, cat, or other creature from Sean Casey Animal Shelter (153 E 3rd Street between Caton Avenue and Fort Hamilton Parkway).

Scenario: You don’t want your new dog/cat/other creature to feel left out.
Sean Casey can help your new loved one transition smoothly to a new home, providing everything from doggie beds to Kittie Christmas Cookies. Noah’s Ark carries fun squeaky toys, too.

Scenario: Give back to feel good.
Money isn’t everything, so check out our list of over 100 places to volunteer in Brooklyn, and see what you can do this holiday to positively impact the lives of others.

Scenario: Forget others–you just want to get away from it all.
Holiday shopping! Holiday cheer! Too much pressure to create a perfect holiday! Treat yourself to a holiday massage from one of our local, certified massage therapists. While relaxing, remember that doing good for yourself is also benefiting Kym O’Neill, Jody Baty, and their respective families.

So, what are you wishing for this holiday? A gift you can hold in your hand, a vacation, to help your less fortunate neighbors… or something else entirely?