Man Hunt

Buying duds for your dude can be oh so difficult. Whether the man in your life is your BFF, your gay husband, your dad, or your so called sweetheart gift giving for any male is always a mental challenge. Well I have a few ideas that go beyond the watch, the hat, and that bottle of cologne. So say goodbye to the old spice and hello to a new world that's not so heavy on the returns.

Today's goodies come from one of my favorite Brooklyn haunts Cog & Pearl. The non corporate

"damn the man" independent design retailer has a plethora of paraphernalia to appease the male perspective. Made of one of the most sustainable woods, the Cork and Wood Grain Fabric Wallet has an eco chic masculinity.  Handcrafted from Tracy Tanner this bifold style retails for just $60.00. Designed with one bill pocket, two card slots, and an optional snap-close change purse it is also lined with a kitschy cotton wood grain print. 

Adding a spin on a staple in every man's wardrobe the silk screened ties shown in two color ways evoke a rugged yet professional persona. Printed with outdoor industrial images like the 

quentessential water tower found in our New York skyline, each 

neckpiece takes a nouveux approach to neckwear. Retailing for just $45 your guy is destined for an unexpected surprise that is both fashionable and functional.

Smart and stylish cufflinks are an emerging trend taken from the more formal fads in mens fashion past. Designer

 Anne Holman has placed two vintage maps of Turkey behind magnifying resin to create this clever look. Set in oxidized sterling silver this pair is sure to make a statement for the man in your life for just $100. 

All of these great gifts and more are available in store or online at www.cogandpearl.com

Check out their Park Slope location:

190 Fifth Avenue (between Union and Sackett)

Brooklyn, NY 11217

GG

Monkey Around!

One of the greatest gifts my grandmother gave our family was her introduction to monkey bread. This sticky and sweet cinnamon based snack is so much fun. It is one of the few foods kids are actually encouraged to eat with their hands! We would all gather around the living room table like crows to a carcass fighting to get a piece before the big boys let their appetite spoil our fun. 

While strolling down my local supermarket aisle I spotted a variety of these nostalgic treat mixes from Lollipop Tree. Available in Banana Chocolate Chip, Caramel Cinnamon Chip, Wild Blueberry Crisp, and even Organic Three Cheese Pizza you will go ape over the all natural pull apart bread!

Treats from the Lollipop Tree are perfect for any gathering from house warmings to party favors and holidays. The fun food is also an ideal star for anyone's birthday from kids to adults. Monkey bread is making a comeback in full swing! 

GG

*Portions of the proceeds are also donated to the Heifer Project International to fight global hunger. 

Overcast Not Overpriced!

New York is definitely overcast but not overpriced! So why not gift yourself this week? Start by getting your shop on recession style and check out my latest find your all your downtown duds.

Pinky Otto opened its doors in 2005 to an almost instant fashionista following that includes Lindsay Lohan, Hilary Swank, and our own New York "Party Girl" Parker Posey. Trend setting style plus the celebrity stamp of approval made their quaint boutiques a stop on any downtown shopping route in Manhattan and Brooklyn alike. But why should the stars have all the fun? 

The flirty and fabulous New York based designer is offering a steal that can't be kept a secret. Displaying two racks of this season's best in their SoHo local, Pinky show the shopper all her signature moves. Look for everything from basic black to darling prints and avant-garde sihouettes all priced at 50% off!

Think Pink can't get any better than that? Well think again. In addition to the already deep discount all shopper who buy 2 sale items get 1 FREE! So grab your gal pal and give your shopping shoes a workout this weekend at Pinky Otto.

Check out Pinky Otto:

49 Prince Street

New York, NY 10012

East 9th street

New York, NY 10003

204 Bedford Ave.

Brooklyn, NY 11211

GG

It's Like Butter

Innovation is often times the key to gift giving on a budget. The ability to envision one product as another is a simple solution to make your pockets more powerful. A self-proclaimed storage junkie, my roomie is the kind of gal who gets more excited about the Container Store than half priced shoes. Yesterday she brought home a beautiful glass butter dish from Crate and Barrel. What's so special about a butter dish...it's miniature!!! We all know everything is cuter when it's pint sized from doggy day wear to baby booties and even bite sized candy bars. 

Today we have gotten a little creative with the condiment container. No longer is this tiny glass domed dish just for jams and chutneys. It can also be elevated to house even the daintiest delights. Rings, earrings, bracelets, and everything in between fit so perfectly in this deep dish you could say, "it's like butter."

GG

Available for just $4.95 at Crate & Barrel stores:

650 Madison Avenue

212.308.0011

611 Broadway

212.780.0004

Everyone's Got a Secret....

Snow days got you trapped inside? Time to catch up on your reading! The Gift Girl is now expanding her shopping services. I will be writing a few articles a week for Examiner.com's New York edition. As the Shopping Secrets columnist I will be bringing you all the inside info on our city's most hush hush steals and deals. In addition look out for tips and tricks straight from the mouth's of some of your favorite designers. Check in with me daily for the best buys for your budget straight from the stores. Sale racks, 2 for 1, discounts, and deep designer dish are being revealed. Shhhh....tell everybody!

Click on the link to read my first article, Think Pink! 

Happy Hunting

GG