The Columbus Circle Holiday Market

Is it too late to find a fantastic holiday gift for someone special? Or two? Or ten? Not in New York City, of course. We asked some of our top CORE agents to share their last-minute picks for great holiday shopping. Procrastinators can thank us, well, later.

Columbus Circle Holiday Market [link]
Neighborhood: Columbus Circle/Central Park South
Tips: This is my favorite market for holiday gift shopping since you will find a wide range of unique goods such as handmade clothing, jewelry, toys, ornaments, artwork and gourmet foods from boutique vendors and craft purveyors. You’ll be sure to find something for everyone on your list! It’s only open until Christmas Eve.–Lisa Graham

C. Wonder [link]
Neighborhood: SoHo
Tips: Co-founder of Tory Burch mixes with Chanel and Goyard. It’s a fun, chic store that’s super affordable…there’s something for everyone, including guy stuff. I purchased a tote bag that offers a monogram, palm tree cocktail plates for a Yankee swap party with a “beach style” theme, nylon attaché cases, and monogram wine corks and cheese boards.–Lawrence Treglia

Tiffany & Co. [link]
Neighborhood: Midtown
Tips: When racking one’s brain for the perfect gift, last minute or otherwise, Tiffany always shines. Even at its busiest, it radiates a calming energy. Their personal shoppers take the drag out of holiday shopping, as there are no lines or bargain hunters to contend with. And let’s face it, even the most jaded New Yorker must admit that the timeless mystique of Tiffany’s legendary blue box is intoxicating. (Holly Golightly knew this.)–Tom Postilio and Mickey Conlon

Lord and Taylor [link]
Neighborhood: Murray Hill
Tips: They have everything in every price range for women, men, and kids. It’s one-stop shopping, and there are no crowds!–Susan Rubell

The Shops at Columbus Circle [link]
Neighborhood: Columbus Circle/Central Park South
Tips: Particularly Sephora, Whole Foods, Williams-Sonoma and Godiva. I love the convenience of having a variety of options all in one place in my neighborhood. For example, I can run down to Whole Foods and have a basket of cheeses made with delicious meats and pick up a gorgeous bouquet of flowers. Then I can easily run up to Williams-Sonoma and Godiva to help complete the gift baskets. And in the midst of shopping madness you can take in a coffee and a pastry at Bouchon.–Adrian Noriega

Chelsea Market [link]
Neighborhood: Chelsea
Tips: There are vintage vendors in a pop-up space. In addition, there are additional pop-up stores at 19th street and 10th avenue and 15th street and 10th avenue offering various items. I bought cool vintage belt buckles, a knife set and a vintage mink wrap.–Lawrence Treglia

The Upper Breast Side, Bank Street Bookstore, J. Crew, American Apparel and Paul Smith
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
Tips: The Upper Breast Side for cute baby gifts like swaddle blankets, socks that look like Converse sneakers, ballet slippers and awesome headbands. The Bank Street Bookstore for the best kids’ and teen books and the most knowledgeable sales people. J. Crew and American Apparel for scarves, gloves, and hats. And Paul Smith has the best stocking-stuffers and men’s gifts.–Natalie Rakowski

West Elm [link]
Neighborhood: Chelsea
Tips: There is something for everyone’s home here. I often walk through the block-long store, entering on West 17th Street and exiting on West 18th Street (even after the gift-giving season, just to warm up).–Stuart Sussman

In the last few years, there has been major residential real estate development in Brooklyn, particularly in Williamsburg. This summer, I’ve noticed more and more people are making the journey on the L train on the weekends to attend the many open houses in the area. On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, especially in the upcoming fall months, you might as well make a day of it, and check out some of the restaurants, shops and other attractions in Williamsburg to supplement your apartment hunting.

For brunch, I recommend Fabianes, a French café and bakery, with a light, airy atmosphere and delicious salads. To satisfy your sweet tooth, there is a cute ice cream shop called Penny Licks that has vegan and regular ice cream options as well as cookies, brownies and cakes. There are great clothing boutiques such as Otte, Jumelle and Noisette that rival some of Manhattan’s stores. If you are looking to shop for home furnishings for a potential new apartment, The Future Perfect has great modern, sometimes quirky pieces. To relax, I suggest checking out McCarren Park, it is a beautiful park but also has lots of concerts and events, usually on Sundays. Williamsburg is also a great neighborhood to walk around and explore on your own.