Where To Shop: Holiday Gift Guide

Where To Shop: Holiday Gift Guide: It’s that time of year when our readers start thinking about how to give back to What To Do for a great year of fun and information. Of course, serving the community is our great honor so we want to do everything in our power to discourage all of you from sending us lavish gifts. For those of you who just won’t take “no” for an answer, here’s our holiday gift list for everyone in the What To Do family. PS – we celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, never re-gift (yeah, right!) and, of course, please shop locally. 

Holiday Gift Guide

For the unique boutique-er

Homespun treasures – Local Holiday Benefits Boutiques: Need a gift for an antiques geek or craft fair lover? There are a variety of local holiday boutiques where you can find one of a kind gifts and support local fundraising efforts including The Artisans Faire at Muscoot Farm featuring a variety of elegant and unique homespun treasures from 25 local craft designers from 11/29-12/5.  You can also check out the Katonah Elementary School PTO Holiday Boutique on 12/4, the First Congregational Church of Chappaqua’s Holiday Boutique on Sat, 12/2, Bedford Village’s Jingle Pass Weekend offers special bargains ad free promotions from 12/4-6 and you can find rare antique treasures at the New Castle Historical Society’s Gold In Your Attic sale at the Horace Greeley House from 12/5-19. Read more.

For the (way cool) guitarist 

Hand-painted guitars from Dyan and Daughters Gallery: Here’s new one we found in Katonah for the guitarist who wants to stand out. The new Dyan & Daughters Gallery in Katonah is featuring these hand painted electric guitars from Julie Rosenberg. Each one has its own geometric design in bold colors. Rosenberg is an artist, a former physical therapist and a lead guitarist in her own rock band. Call for pricing. (Dyan & Daughters Gallery, 188 Katonah Ave., Katonah, 914.772.8322 or julie@dyananddaughtersgallery.com; www.dyananddaughtersgallery.com)

For the craft beer affcionado

A Growler of Craft Beer from Decicco’s: Take home any of DeCicco’s 28 draft offerings in this handsome Growler – filled from their special counter pressure filling machine to retain 100% of craft beer quality. Comes with a canvas carrying case you can use when you go back for a fill up. Don’t know your pales ales from an IPA and never even heard of a Wild Sour Beer? Buy a gift card with the special gift Growler and let him pick his own brew on the 26^th. (DeCicco’s, 17 Maple Ave., Armonk)

For the Hanukkah Party Animal

A Schmaltzy Brew for Hanukkah: Shmaltz Brewing Company’s Shtick in a Box, you heard it here first, packages up four styles of Hanukkah brew in this 12 bottle gift box including, Messiah Nut Brown Ale, He’Brew Hop Manna, Slingshot (think David and Goliath) and Chanukah Pass The Beer. Pour yourself a cool Messiah and spin that dreidel. It’s gonna be a great Hanukkah. (DeCicco’s, 17 Maple Ave., Armonk)

For the erudite Ale-man

Ommegod! Ommegang Game of Thrones Special Brews: Season 6 of HBO’s critically acclaimed Game of Thrones won’t release until April but you can be ready for it with these special release Game of Thrones beers from Coopertown’s Ommegang Brewery (also critically acclaimed) complete with a totally awesome Game of Thrones souvenir glass. If you can’t wait until April, build a fire, put on one of those new pair of socks you just got, pop a top and watch Season 5 all over again. Dare we say, “Merry Christmas.” (DeCicco’s, 17 Maple Ave., Armonk)

For the snow globe collector and animal lover

Vintage “Woody” Snow Glove – Desires by Mikolay: A vintage “Woody” truck snow globe complete with the family dog. Desires By Mikolay donates a portion of the proceeds from this gift to the SPCA of Westchester. $60 at Desires by Mikolay, 55 King St., Chappaqua, 914.2382223; www.desiresbymikolay.com)

For the lady who loves bling

BLING! Diamond Pave Hoop Earrings – Desires By Mikolay: These sterling silver and pave diamond hoop earrings measure 1 1/3 inch in diameter – the perfect size – and deliver .50 carat total weight of diamond chips. With a huggy secure snap closure they are classic, elegant but not stodgy. And just $490 at Desires By Mikolay, 55 King St., Chappaqua, 914.2382223; www.desiresbymikolay.com)

Large Amethyst Gemstone Red Jewelry Box – Desires By Mikolay: This red lacquered wood jewelry box measures 9 ½” L x 6 ¼” W X 55 ½” H and is topped with a single purple amethyst lined with 24k yellow gold plate. Just big enough for the good stuff. And if there’s not enough stuff to put in it – see the Bling! diamond pave hoop earrings above. Just $195 at Desires By Mikolay, 55 King St., Chappaqua, 914.2382223; www.desiresbymikolay.com

Sapphire and Diamond Drop Earrings – Rocks by Jolie B. Ray: If you’re in the market for “something to die for” or you know someone who is – you can pick up these sapphire and diamond drop earrings at Rocks by Jolie B. Ray in Armonk. The sapphires are 14K and there’s a half karat of diamonds. But who’s counting? It’s the thought … SANTA BABY! Just $1,500 at Rocks by Jolie B. Ray, 378 Main St., Armonk, 914.219.5808)

Mixed Metal Necklaces – Rocks by Jolie B. Ray: She may not be into Iron Maiden but she may have a yen for some heavy metal she can call her own. These mixed metal necklaces at Rocks By Jolie B. Ray will rock her world more than Black Sabbath, Megadeath and Pantera put together. If you’re looking for just a little something extra this may be the way she rolls. These costumer necklaces range from just $50 to $500 at Rocks by Jolie B. Ray, 378 Main St., Armonk, 914.219.5808)

“Just one little thing – a ring” – LaGravinese Jewelers of Armonk: If this is one of those years where he (you know who he is) owes you big time than nothing says “I love you” like a ring. This trendy bar fashion ring is 18 karat white gold and diamond – and you deserve it just for being you! He will think you let him off easy because this classy beauty is just $995 at LaGravinese Jewelers of Armonk, 420 Main St., 914.273.5432; www.lagravinesearmonk.com)

For the martini drinker

Vermouth & Bitters – Wine Geeks Armonk: Wine Geeks Sommelier Derek Todd says “Shouldn’t your Vermouth be as good as your vodka, gin, bourbon or rye?” Don’t reach for the cheapest Vermouth on the shelf when you make a Martini this holiday season. Here’s a three bottle gift idea for the Martini drinker that will dramatically improve anyone’s bartending game: Dolin Dry Vermouth from Chambery, France ($9.99 for 375ml). Cocchi Sweet Vermouth, Torino, Italy ($12.99 for 375ml) The Bitter Truth Orange Bitters, Creole Bitters and Old Time Bitters ($19.99 for 200ml) are crafted specifically for cocktails. The Creole and Aromatic bitters are perfect in Manhattans and Negronis. The Orange bitters are considered essential in a classic dry Martini. All are sized to fit perfectly in your stocking. Wine Geeks Armonk, 559 Main St., Armonk, 914.273.WINE; www.winegeeksarmonk.com)

For the Safe Rider

A Holiday Gift to You from Castle Cab: Armonk’s Castle Cab’s Holiday Safe Ride 10 program offers a $10 discount on a round trip fare during the holiday season. Drive safe with Castle Cab and save with their coupon code SafeRide10 on their app. If you have never ridden with Castle Cab you can take advantage of their Holiday New Customer promotion that offers a first ride free up to $20. Download their APP and use coupon code Castle123. Happy Holidays from Castle Cab. (914.273.2535, info@ridecastle.com; www.ridecastle.com)

For the Dark Meat Lover

Legs & Thighs Come to the Dark Meat – Jon Pratt of Peter Pratt’s Inn in Yorktown & David Leveen: Americans overwhelmingly prefer the white meat of chickens to the legs and thighs. So much so that the poultry industry exports most of it’s dark meat to places like Russia, who in 2009 imported 1.6 billion pounds of it from the US. Why? The chief reason is the perception that white meat is more healthful. In fact, the difference in calories and saturated fat between the two is inconsequential. Here’s a book from Jon Pratt of Peter Pratt’s Inn in Yorktown and pop-up restauranteur David Leveen that offers 25 dark meat chicken restaurant recipes with Latin, French, Italian and Asian influences. If there’s a dark meat lover on your gift list, you can send them an eBook for just $3.99 on iTunes.

For the Music Lover

Caramoor Season Pass: Get early access to Caramoor’s summer performances – an 8-week mix of jazz, American roots, opera, classical, family experiences, and more – before the full season is announced! You can pick up the Pass for just $199, a $1,300 value, during Black Friday Weekend (November 27-30) or for $399 thereafter. Summer Prime Passes for their operas, symphonic series, Jazz Festival, and American Roots Music Festival are also available ($80-$240). 914.232.5035, info@caramoor.org, www.caramoor.org

For the little ones

MONNALISA Double Pom Pom Headband – LOL Kids Armonk: Want to Wow them at Wampus? Make them go gag at Griffin. Or, um, roar at Roaring Brook. Just set your little Euro-fashionista up in this Double Pom Pom headband from Italian designer MONNALISA. This headband fits kids 2 to adult. Julia Rosenfeld of LOL Kids says “a lot of Armonk ladies buy them for themselves but we keep it our secret.” Just $68 at LOL Kids, Armonk. Buy it with these MONNALISA fingerless gloves (AKA mittens) in military green grey (shown here) or dusty rose with a satin bow on the fingers. Just $36 at LOL Kids. Even little runway models need some play time. Yours can have the proverbial hours of fun with Fifi The Mouse from RAGTALES London. Fifi is a charming grey mouse with a soft velour body and a weighted torso. She comes attired in a lilac hand crocheted dress with flowery fabric bow (check out the check fabric on her ears) and her own RAGTALES storybook. LOL Kids also stocks 15 more RAGTALES toys including Fifi the Rabbit, Dylan the Lamb, Coco the Poodle Pull Toy, Princess and the Pea and Sophie Pink Ballerina. From $17 to $44 at LOL Kids, 384 Main St., Armonk (next to Restaurant North), 914.219.5232; www.lolkidsarmonk.com)

Tough guy threads for the Euro Tough Guy – LOL Kids: That’s right. They have tough guys in Europe too. And you’re little toughie will look totally, um, tough, in this Vierra Rose Unisex Long Sleeve Tee Shirt in 100% cotton. Did we mention the bulldog appliqué on the front. Tough, right? Just $32 at LOL Kids Armonk. What does a tough guy wear over a Vierra Rose long sleeve tee? Send him outside in this grey Astin Martin Zip up Hoodie Sweater with red, white, blue and grey pocket details and a faux button front. It’s 95% cotton and will make him look like one tough bloke. For ages 2 to 7 years. Just $94 at LOL Kids. Finish off the outfit with these black and white patterned leather boots with canvas detail. It has an orthopedic insert and a side zipper that makes it easy to put on or take off. Made in Italy. Now he’s one tough fashion forward Euro-dude. Just $102 at LOL Kids, 384 Main St., Armonk (next to Restaurant North), 914.219.5232; www.lolkidsarmonk.com)

Tees, Tunics & Leggings, Tottudes & Worry Eaters – hip-kid Chappaqua: These personality tees and flowy tunics from Neve/Hawk pair with tie-dye leggings to make a cute, comfy statement. A portion of Neve/Hawk’s profits go to keeping the arts alive in public schools. The “weird“ tee-shirt and tied dye leggings are just $37 each at hip-kid in Chappaqua. How cool are Tottude’s? These trendy long sleeved tees have the tattoos built right into the sleeve. Why didn’t you think of that, right? They keep the little ones out of the tattoo parlors and are sized for babies, toddlers and bigger kids who get to wear their attitudes on their sleeves. These tattoo-sleeved t-shirts are just $30 at hip-kid. These artsy animal-inspired separates are as playful as a puppy. This French bulldog tee is as lovable as the toddler who wears it. The outfit is thoughtfully made by Kira Kids, who design high-quality sustainable garments for your favorite little ones. The long sleeved top and the striped leggings are just $39 each at hip-kid Chappaqua. These Worry Eaters are super soft, cuddly friends and have a secret zipper pouch to stow away your kids’ worries. (What, me worry?) Kids write or draw their concerns and store them inside these helpful pals. Just $18 for small, $25 large at hip-kid, 77 South Greeley Ave., Chappaqua, 914.861.2710; hip-kid on Facebook)

For the remote controller

Home Automation Starter Kit – Soundworks Armonk: Bring one room of your home into the future with the new Savant Remote, host base and IR blaster gift bundle. Put away your other remotes and upgrade to an intuitive touchscreen that gives you the ability to control your television, cable box, Apple TV and one lamp in the room. Plus, everyone in the family can have their own profile that includes their favorite channels and their perfect lighting. Direct your home from your favorite seat and control your world with a simple touch or voice command. Just $599 from Soundworks, 1 Hunter Ave., Armonk, 914.765.0461; www.soundworksny.com)

For the Cashmere Lover

Cashmere sweaters – Family Britches Chappaqua: A touch of cashmere always makes the holidays brighter, don’t you think. Family Britches in Chappaqua is featuring cashmere sweaters for men and women this holiday season. Like this mock button cardigan for men and this sleeveless, relaxed fit turtle neck for women. (We sneaked a peek on their website and found a zip neck cable poncho we’re also adding to our personal list if anybody would like to send us a holiday gift. The boatman’s neck one would work, too. Just saying.) Just $295-$495 at Family Britches,  70 King St,., Chappaqua, 914.238.8017; www.familybritches.com)

More cashmere – Churchill’s Mount Kisco: For the more fashion forward (you know who you are), Churchill’s in Mount Kisco carries a line of to-die-for cashmere sweaters and scarves and cashmere-sleeved fur outerwear, made in Italy from the Parisian designer Avant Toi that Santa may not know about unless you give him a hint. Like this black diamond open cardigan in bronze – a statement piece that will last a lifetime for just $892. “Been an awfully good girl, Santa Baby … so hurry down the chimney tonight.” Also at Churchill’s, the latest in mobile device friendly hand wear – remember when they called them gloves. These neon pick and grey arm warmers from White and Warren have a thumb hole and no fingers so you can easily text your BFFs or, as shown, even make a phone call.  Remember phone calls? They are 11″ inches long so Jack Frost can’t get up your sleeves and are 100% cashmere. Just $120 at Churchill’s. Buy them with this matching 100% cashmere hat with exposed contrast piping – also from White and Warren. Just $145 at Churchill’s Mount Kisco, 41 South Moger Avenue, Mount Kisco, 914.666.4800; www.churchillsmountkisco.com)

For the fashion forward guy 

Hannes Roether hoodie and pullover – Churchill’s Mount Kisco: Is your man’s wardrobe a little over-leveraged with “labels” from Under Armour and Nike? Thought so. If he’s drinking Hefeweizen and driving a Beemer it’s time to get him into die nest Mode Deutsche. Like this Jacke Ruffin pullover hoodie in cotton twill and piped in leather from German designer Hannes Roether to pull his Euro-act together. Just $375 at Churchill’s Mount Kisco. Pair it with this cotton blend pullover drood v-neck in black and grey – also from Hannes Roether. Just $285 at Churchill’s Mount Kisco, 41 South Moger Avenue, Mount Kisco, 914.666.4800;  www.churchillsmountkisco.com)

For the cheese head

3 piece Laguiole cheese knife set– Consider The Cook Bedford: This 3 piece cheese knife set from Laguiole features the same quality construction and signature slim, ergonomic handles of their famous steak knives. It includes a spreader for soft cheeses lie Brie, a pronged cheese knife for semi-soft cheeses like cheddar and a cleaver for hard cheese like Parmigiano Reggiano. They come in six colors: tangerine, scarlet, candy apple, yellow, sage and cornflower. Just $40 at Consider The Cook, 26 Village Green, Bedford, 914.234.8880: www.considerthecook.com)

For the Yoga student

Monogrammed Namaste! Yoga Mats – Mrs. Monogram Bedford: These durable, latex free Yoga mats from Namaste! were featured in Architectural Digest. You can get yours monogrammed at Mrs. Monogram in Bedford Village. Now in 11 terrific colors! Practice your salutations and downward facing dog in style with this classic 1/8 inch yoga mat with a textured, non-slip surface The mat measures 68″ x 24″ and comes in 11 colors including light blue, lavender, forest green, black, red, brown and orange. Just $20 ($27 if you would like yours monogrammed) at Mrs. Monogram, 617 Old Post Road, Bedford, 914.234.4888; mrs.monogram.com

For teens & tweens

Powerboard from Hoverboard:  When Wiz Khalifa got busted at LAX for refusing to get off his hoverboard he famously tweeted  “I was forced to belly down all because I didn’t want to ditch the technology everyone will be using in the next six months.” Well those six months are now and this will be one of the hottest holiday gift items on the market. There are so many on the market it will drive you insane. We picked the Powerboard by Hoverboard because if they were savvy enough to register the name before anyone else we figure the product must be good. This no-joke “2 wheel self balancing scooter” comes with LED lights and a hands free battery powered electric motor. It travels at a top speed of 8 mph, carries a max weight of 220 lbs, has a 6 hour battery life, charges in less than 60 minutes and comes with a 1 year warranty. Pick your fave color: red, white, blue or black. These two wheel scooters range in price from $300 to $1,800. This one’s just $549 and is one of the top sellers on electic2wheelhoverboards.com)

Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera: Do your teens and tweens know that before smart phones there was something called a camera? Probably not. But even kids living in an instant gratification digital world will love this new Polaroid Snap Camera – for more than just a nostalgia trip. Just snap, print and share with your friends even if you’re not in a personal hot spot. Post it inside your locker, on your bulletin board or plaster them all over your walls. What a concept! The Polaroid Snap prints 2 X 3” full color prints automatically with its Zinc® (Zero Ink®) technology. You can also print in black & white and vintage sepia tone. There’s a self-timer and 32 gigabytes of storage so you can download your images and – well they know what to do with it once it’s on their laptops. Just $99.

Sterling Silver Charm Necklace – La Gravinese Jewelers of Armonk: You already treat her like a princess so you might as well dress her like one. This sterling silver black spinal charm necklace will dress up any outfit from jeans to a party dress. It is just $68 at La Gravinese Jewelers of Armonk, 420 Main Street, Armonk, 914.273.5432; www.lagravinesearmonki.com.

Star Wars Battlefront: The new Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens opens on December 18 and it has already logged over $50 million in pre-sales. So you know it’s going to be a Star Wars holiday season. The new Star Wars Battlefront from Electronic Arts offers ground based combat on Hoth, Endor, Tatooine and Sullust with fire blasters, drive speederbikes, snowspeeders and command At-Ats. You can play as and interact with iconic Star Wars characters and engage in epic Star Wars dog fights on Pilot X-wings, TIE fighters, the Millenium Falcon and more. Available for Playstation 4, Xbox One and PC. May the force be with you. Just $59.99 or $69.99 for the Deluxe version.

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