Best Places to Shop for the Holidays

Best Places to Shop for the Holidays: Here’s our short list of holiday shopping destinations. If you can’t find something for that special someone (who can be yourself) check these stores out. If there’s nothing in these stores for anyone on your list – make new friends! 

Rocks Home, Gifts & Jewelry, Chappaqua: When jewelry designer Tanya Tochner moved her Armonk boutique to Chappaqua Crossing she traded up to a fabulous sun-lit gallery, with triple the space, triple the jewelry and added new lines of home decor, gifts, and art. Her designer collections include Meira T, Zoe Chicco, Doves by Paloma, Sophia Designs, and Jamie Joseph with prices from $25 to “We are living in a material world and I am a material girl”. And, of course, you can still find her own signature matte-finished, textured 18K gold jewelry with the highest quality diamonds and semi-precious stones. (480 Bedford Rd., Chappaqua, 914.219.5808; www.rocksbyjoliebray.com)

Cocobolo Interiors & Design Center, Armonk: Cocobolo is Westchester’s largest design resource, showcasing 6,000 square feet of high-end fabrics, wall coverings, furniture, lighting, designer carpets and accessories. Owner Julie Owen features noted design brands and emerging lines, including Vanguard, CR Laine, Palecek, Made Goods, Arteriors, Tech Lighting, Hickory Chair, Julian Chichester, Roberta Schilling, Visual Comfort and many others. Plus fabrics and wallcoverings devoted high-end companies like Romo, Osborne & Little, Schumacher, Holly Hunt, Zimmer & Rhode, JAB, Cowtan & Tout and Phillip Jeffries. It’s also a great place to pick up holiday gifts such as Maha Bone with Brass Trim Frames by Zodax, ($30-$38), Faux Orchids by Lux Art Silks ($138) or this Siberian Fir Candle ($45).  (37 Maple Ave., Armonk; www.cocobolointeriors.com/designcenter)

Desires By Mikolay, Chappaqua: Jewelry designer Scott Mikolay’s original collections have given Desires by Mikolay its en vogue reputation. Now, his wife Tara has gotten into the act with her stunning new Devout Collection. Shown here are her iconic Diamond Feather Earrings in Oxidized silver; and a Medium Pave Diamond Tassel Charm in 14K Yellow Gold and Oxidized Silver. Check out their Holiday Book for more from Scott & Tara, as well as collections from Sia Taylor, Mizuki, Luminescent, Janet Taylor, and Monica Rich Kosan. Plus, Frieda Rothman Bangle Bracelets, accessories, a great collection of Snow Globes, and gifts for men. Or check out their fab gallery that occupies two storefronts in downtown Chappaqua. (55 King St., Chappaqua, 914.238.2223; www.desiresbymikolay.com)

Wine Geeks Armonk: Our favorite purveyor of artisanal wines and spirits with an emphasis on organic and biodynamic vineyards, always stocks a treasure trove of holiday and hostess gifts for the season. It’s your go to place for wine paraphernalia, sommelier selections and general good cheer. We have someone on our list for this Kings County Distillery of Brooklyn’s beautiful gift set featuring 200 ml flasks of their flagship whiskies (Kings County Moonshine, Kings County Bourbon and Kings County Chocolate Whiskey) packaged together in a handsome wooden box made by a local Brooklyn artisan. On the lid is a burned-in image of the historical Paymaster Building: the current home of Kings County Distillery tucked inside the gates of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. (Wine Geeks Armonk, 559 Main St., Armonk; 914.273.WINE) www.winegeeksarmonk.com)

Susan Lawrence Gourmet Foods, Chappaqua: Chef Mark Kramer always has the holiday spirit with his Charles Dickens Victorian Christmas catering menu that features a Perfect Prime Rib Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding and Gravy, Stuffed Fresh Goose, and Perfect Popover Batter. The bakeshop, inspired by the gateaux of Paris and the rustic pastries and tarts of Provence, is the best in the ABC towns. For the holidays pick up a Buche de Noel, Red Raspberry Lattice Pie, Eggnog Brûlée Cheesecake, or his famous Chocolate Babka. If you would like to share some deliciousness with friends/family pick up some of Mark’s custom curated baskets of gourmet delicacies (shown here). Choose from an unlimited selection of ribbons, baskets, bows. And they will ship or deliver anywhere. (26 N. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua; www.susanlawrence.com)

Hickory and Tweed, Armonk: One of the country’s premier ski and bike shops, H&T was named Best Ski Shop by Ski Magazine. But it’s more than just a place to shop for the latest Volkl skis, Nordica boots or Canondale Road & Race or Mountain Bikes. A trip to H&K is like a trip to the past – as in mid-20^th century Vermont. H&K’s iconic red and white trimmed building with Victorian touches is an Armonk landmark harkening back to the days when it was an undiscovered backwater town. If you’re not a ski or bike enthusiast it’s still a go-to place for men’s, women’s or kids’ apparel from Bogner, Canada Goose, Patagonia, Parajumpers, Peuterey and more. This  fashionable, reversible women’s jacket from Almgwand has a very holiday-ish look – don’t you think? Pick it up for just $336. (410 Main St., Armonk, 914.273.3397; www.hickoryandtweed.com) 

La Gravinese Jewelers, Armonk: These 14K White or Yellow Gold Bangle Bracelets are the perfect stocking stuffer for the holidays. Buy one of each and there’s only six Days of Christmas left to worry about. They all play well with others – and they’re not too matchy-matchy. For 23 years LaGravinese has been a destination stop for fine and fashion jewelry for Armonk shoppers. Armonk resident Debra LaGravinese and staff have developed a reputation for distinctive custom work whether it’s creating a new design or redesigning an out-dated piece. They also carry lines from contemporary designers such as Shy Creations, Halcyon, Freida Rothman, Shinola, Victorinox, Luminox and many others. (914.273.5432, 430 Main St., Armonk; www.lagravinesearmonk.com)

G. Willikers, Katonah: Smart Toy Shopper Alert! G. Willikers, in Katonah, is a great little shop for specialty and educational toys, games, puzzles, clothes and happy faces for infants to 12 years (and up). At this long-standing Katonah shop with locations in Saratoga Springs and Albany, (go figure) you can find everything from a Sigi Kids Sweety Striped Fox and Tolo trains with tracks to science toys, crystal growing kits, magnetic dartboards, Thinking Putty and erector sets. Plus Spoolz Stackables, Jellycat Under the Sea stuffed animals, Kathie Kruse dolls, and this “too cool” Meercat Bowling Game from PlanToys. (29 Katonah Ave., Katonah, 914.232.0706; www.gwillikerstoys.com)

Catherine H., Katonah: Catherine Hiriart’s “eco-boutique” is Katonah’s “go-to” spot for “to-die-for” women’s clothing and accessories that are both casual and elegant. Catherine hand-selects her collection from over 50 designers with an eye towards eco-conscious, soft and natural fabrics. Including, American Colors, Ana Livni, Avant Garde Paris, Blossom Cashmere, Calleen Cordero, D’Antico Handbags, Fly London, Go Silk, Hanky Panky, Inizio, Marrakech, Old Gringo, Prairie Underground, Santiago, Softino, Testimony Los Angeles and Undo de 50. Check out this selection of loungewear made of organic pima cotton, and touches of silk for stylish relaxation that she is stocking this holiday season.(18-24 Parkway, Katonah, 914.232.2010; www.catherineh.com)

Little Rags and Riches, Armonk: Julia Rozenfeld shops the top designers from Europe for some of the most precious children’s wear you have ever seen. With sizes for infants through teens, for boys and girls, they carry upscale yet wearable fashions from Mini Rodini, Scotch and Soda, Nikolia, Paade Mode, Hilda Henri and Sonia Rykiel. This long sleeve cotton tee with Pom Pom Heart Detail and snap buttons on the back is a great gift for any young princess, 9 months to 3 years. And affordable at just $30. For girls 4 to 10 years check out this super funky/chic Little Marc Jacobs Graphic Long Sleeve Tee with Miss Marc graphic for $75. (384A Main St., Armonk, 914.219. 5232; www.littleragsandriches.com)

TruGrace Fashion Lounge, Armonk: Former buyer for Nieman Marcus, Grace Diodati knows fashion and knows how to buy for the high-powered ladies (and the ladies who lunch) of Armonk, Bedford & Chappaqua. For this high-end casual boutique, Grace handpicks a selection of fashion forward women’s apparel and accessories from some of Nieman’s stalwart brands such as A.L.C., Alexandre Birman, Alexis, Frame, DENIM, Giada Forte, Pedro Garcia, Ramy Brook and 360 Sweater. It’s the kind of place where you go to buy yourself a holiday present. Like a pair of these Ripped & Repaired jeans… (419 Main St, Armonk, 914.273.9600; www.trugracefashion.com)

More places to shop in Armonk, Chappaqua and Katonah.