Online shopping is a great alternative to the crowds, overheated stores and parking free-for-alls that go hand-in-hand with the holidays.
And don’t let the delivery woes of a few years ago scare you away from computer commerce–online retailers have gotten their acts together. A few years ago, “some companies hadn’t thought about logistics,” says Ken Seiff, CEO of Bluefly.com, and as a result, they weren’t prepared for the holiday rush.
Most of those companies, however, are out of the picture now. “It’s a Darwinian process,” says Seiff. “It has eliminated much if not all [of the companies] that have failed to live up to expectations.”
Though some sites take orders up to the last minute (for a price), to be on the safe side (and for better selection), order by mid-December.
Here are 12 sites that are worth a look, with gift suggestions in all price ranges. Unless otherwise noted, all sites offer gift-wrapping or gift boxes.
1. RedEnvelope.com
Named for an Asian tradition in which gifts are presented in a simple red envelope (a symbol of good fortune, love and appreciation), this site offers a carefully edited selection of more than 1,000 stylish gifts. 877-733-3683.
Sinamay vase. This 9-inch-tall clear glass vase comes with a woven mesh sinamay (a plant fiber) sleeve in orange, green or yellow; $18. Or order a set of three extra sleeves ($18) and get one in every color.
Quilted slipper set. Function meets fashion in this ruby red, quilted slipper set. A great gift for Grandma, the slippers have non-skid soles and come with a matching travel bag; $75.
Chopsticks for two. Set includes two pairs of stylish stainless steel chopsticks, two chopstick rests and a black box with a space for monogramming. Cute idea for newlyweds or for anyone who loves sushi; $40, $45 with monogramming.
Retro wooden tool chest. Make household chores something to look forward to. Chest features three pull-out drawers, a roomy main compartment and a removable tray with dividers. It’s so good-looking they won’t want to hide it in the basement; $75.
2. MuseumShop.com
With a selection that’s culled from more than 75 museums worldwide, MuseumShop.com delivers “gifts of culture” to you or someone you love’s doorstep. From the Met to the Louvre, you’ll find all of your favorite museum gift shops here. You can shop by museum, product, artist or time period, or find the perfect present with the easy-to-use gift finder, which allows you to search by gender, age, occasion and price. 888-872-0080.
Children’s fantasy hats. From the St. Louis Art Museum, these colorful, plush, polyester velvet hats are perfect for playtime. Choose from Princess, Royal King or Very Horned; $20 each.
Snow Skiing at Lake Placid cards. A vintage photograph, “Snow Skiing at Lake Placid, New York,” by Morris and Stanley Rosenfeld, and the words “‘Tis the Season” grace the front of each card. The inside is blank. Set of 10 cards with envelopes; $12.95.
Van Gogh and Gauguin: The Studio of the South exhibition catalog. From the Art Institute of Chicago gift shop, this catalog was published for the Van Gogh and Gauguin exhibit. Includes full color reproductions and explores the relationship of the artists; $65.
3. UncommonGoods.com
Think craft show, Soho boutique and international bazaar rolled into one. The site features home goods and personal accessories, including works of artisans you won’t find anywhere else. And $1 from each purchase goes to one of four non-profits (you choose). 888-365-0056.
Pewter angel coins. Twelve pewter coins, each imprinted with an angel, come tucked in a red silk pouch. A sweet gift on its own, or buy a set and tuck one coin into the stockings of the people you love; $15.
Veggie parchment bowls. Artist Margaret Dorfman crafts these decorative, conversation-starting bowls from dried vegetables. Choose from zucchini, beet or red bell pepper; $28.
Oli block set. These odd-shaped blocks are colorful and fun. Set comes with 24 plastic blocks that interlock in different ways. For kids 4 and older; $39.
Compass cufflinks. Quirky yet stylish, these sterling cufflinks have real working compasses. If he refuses to ask for directions, consider these a must; $126.
4. eLuxury.com
“The Rodeo Drive of the Internet,” according to style director Ronni Heyman, eLuxury.com stocks everything from designer T-shirts and hair accessories to bags and clothes. The destination for “sought-after, not necessarily easy to find” goods also features an e-concierge service, which hooks you up with a personal shopper. 877-890-7171.
Jacqua Girl Tub Queen. Pamper her with this all-you-need bath kit. Includes lavender bubbling bath gel, body lotion, bath oil and bath salts, rose petal bath salts, a bath mitt, a headband and a “The Queen is Soaking” sign. Perfect for new moms or anyone else who deserves some R&R; $37.50.
American flag T-shirt. Show your patriotism and look good while you do it. Designed by L.A.-based James Perse, this cute fitted tee features a distressed red, white and blue flag; $34.
Dior holiday logo embroidered pouch. A black satin background adorned with bright Chinese embroidery on both sides makes this the perfect purse for the holiday party circuit; $385.
5. YogaZone.com
Yoga Zone started as a small yoga studio in Manhattan. Now, in addition to having several studios in the New York area, it produces a line of videos and yoga-related CDs as well as a TV show. The site is stocked with everything from mats and clothes to tapes and DVDS. 800-264-9642.
Feng shui kit. Learn how to get the most out of your home and increase its positive energy. The kit includes a feng shui compass, pa kua mirror and instruction book. Nifty for first-time homeowners; $32.
Classic collection 3-Pack DVD. Give the gift of inner peace (and tighter abs). Each DVD contains two 20-minute yoga workouts led by teachers from Yoga Zone’s TV show. Beginning to intermediate; $29.98.
Silver “Om” pendant. Popular jewelry designers Me & Ro created this simple silver pendant featuring the word “Om,” a Hindu word of affirmation. The pendant hangs from a 16-inch sterling silver chain; $119.
6. Sharperimage.com
This site offers a huge selection of cool and practical gifts. And if you order too late for holiday delivery, the company will e-mail a picture of the gift you’ve chosen (or a gift box if you want to keep it a surprise) to the recipient to let them know it’s coming. Register with the site and get 10 percent of what you spend back to be used toward future sharperimage.com purchases. 800-344-4444.
Talking Pictures Photo Album. Not only does this album hold 24 pictures, it allows a 10-second voice-recorded message for each photo. Makes a special gift for grandparents or out-of-town family; $29.95.
RoboCub. A mini version of RoboScout, a multitasking personal robot ($900), this cute remote-control little guy is the perfect pal for kids. He talks, lights up and can even hold objects; $39.95.
Hot & cold snack box. The ultimate gift for the career couch potato, this cooler/warmer holds a six-pack worth of refreshments, plus snacks. Can be used to keep food and drink hot or cold; $99.95.
New Beetle CD stereo. It looks like a miniature VW Beetle, but it’s actually a CD player. The hood conceals the controls, the speakers are in the wheels and the disc slides out of the bumper. Available in Cyber Green, Yellow, Silver Arrow or Techno Blue; $99.95.
7. Eziba.com
“Handmade goods globally sourced” are featured here. Eziba’s buyers shop the world in search of the best indigenous crafts. As a result, you’ll find more than 1,500 items from more than 70 countries, including handcrafted toys and ornaments, hand-sewn tapestries, and one-of-a-kind baskets and pottery. 888-404-5108.
Moving masks. Make-believe gets even more magical with these lever-animated foam masks for kids. Choose from monkey, wolf or caiman; $25.
Stars and stripes bracelet. Wear your patriotism on your wrist with this red, white and blue beaded safety pin bracelet fashioned into an image of the American flag. Plus $15 from each bracelet goes toward the Twin Towers Fund in New York; $35.
Tea for two gift set. Everything a tea-drinking twosome needs–two cups, green tea from the mountains of Hanoi in Vietnam, a bamboo tea strainer and the “Book of Tea”–all packed in a wooden box; $65.
Peruvian nativity woven tapestry. Called “arpilleras,” or cloths covered with appliques, these tapestries are painstakingly crafted by women in Peru. This handworked nativity tapestry features the starry sky and the Magi arriving at the manger; $65.
8. Artstore.com
Mecca for serious artists and dabblers alike, this site offers paints, brushes, paper, easels and everything else the professional or hobbyist needs, plus journals, photo albums and a great selection of stationery. Gift-wrapping is not available, but you will find a stunning selection of handmade papers to use as gift wrap. 888-546-2787.
Lama Li artist book. It’s meant to be a sketchbook, but it can be used as a journal, scrapbook or photo album. Handbound book has a pearlescent cover and is filled with handmade Indian paper; $24.98.
Double-sided children’s easel. Little artists will love this sturdy easel. Comes with a chalkboard, dry-erase board, supplies tray and a 15-inch roll of paper; $39.98.
Xonex deluxe wood art case. Older kids and adults will not be able to resist this set, which includes 36 colored pencils, 36 oil pastels, two brushes, 14 watercolor cakes and a mixing tray; $19.98.
Watercolor starter set. Unleash their creative side with this all-in-one set. Includes six paints, four brushes, paper, palette, carrying case, pencil, eraser, tape, X-acto knife and instruction book; $59.98.
Sennelier artist oil travel set. Packaged in a sleek stainless steel case, this professional-grade set features 14 tubes of oil paint, three brushes, a palette knife and a Plexiglas palette; $119.95.
9. Anthropologie.com
Every time you go to an Anthropologie store, you’re bound to discover something special. You’ll have the same experience on its Web site. Anthropologie’s buyers travel the world looking for goods. The result: a unique blend of vintage and new items with European, Moroccan and African influences. For simple shopping, head directly to the gift section. 800-309-2500.
Latte bowls. It’s hard to wake up on the wrong side of the bed when you drink your morning coffee out of these cheerful, oversized bowls. A set of six includes one in each color: lime, orange, lemon, mint, blue and lavender. Perfect for a pal; $24.
Small domino bracelet. Wooden Chinese dominoes and glass beads alternate in this hip bracelet that’s sure to become an instant fave. Julia Roberts sported something similar in “America’s Sweethearts.” Small domino bracelet, $24; large domino bracelet, $38.
Hand-crocheted evening bag. Made with silk, glass beads and wire, this bag is so stunning it can double as a wall hanging. Floral design with silk lining; $88.
Ming pottery necklace. New York artist Maya Brenner crafts these elegant and unusual necklaces. Each features a shard of authentic Ming dynasty pottery hanging from a circle of semi-precious stones; $78.
10. Sundancecatalog.com
Founded by Robert Redford, Sundance’s merchandise is artist-driven and reflects the flavor of the American West as well as native cultures from around the world. In addition to lots of handmade jewelry, the site offers garden and home decor, accessories, and men’s and women’s clothing. The farm section features wreaths, soaps and other bath products, as well as items from Sundance’s organic farm. 800-422-2770.
Leather baseballs. A clever stocking-stuffer for the sports fan in your life, these leather baseballs come in four colors and finishes: green cowhide, chocolate suede, tan cowhide and cowboy boot suede; $25 each.
Molten silver bead hoops. Sure to become an instant favorite, these wear-with-anything small handmade hoops are fashioned from matte sterling. Snap-down posts make for a secure fit. Made in Nepal; $25.
Leather weekend bag. This Italian-made bag features two zip pockets and two Velcro pockets. Perfect for the man in your life–it might even persuade him to ditch that dusty duffel bag; $265.
Frontier throw. Freezing temperatures don’t have anything on this cozy, cuddle-inducing blanket. Striped in red and green hues taken straight out of the desert. Wool-nylon blend; $102.
Grand garnet ring. Show her she’s the one for you with this simple yet stunning ring. Features a large faceted garnet with a small cultured pearl set on either side. 14-karat gold band; sizes 5-8; $375.
11. Bluefly.com
The online destination for designer fashion at outlet prices (25 percent to 75 percent off retail), Bluefly.com is a fun site that features men’s, women’s, kids’, house and gift departments. Plus, it stocks a nearly endless list of style-savvy brands like Prada, Fendi, Donna Karan, BCBG and A.B.S. 877-258-3359.
Mike + Ally embroidered linen hand towels. Each set includes two towels, one large and one small, embroidered with silver flowers and finished with a satin ribbon border. Available in wine and olive; $34.95.
Miller Rogaska crystal martini glasses. Handmade glasses dress up any drink, from martinis to orange juice. Made in Slovenia. Set of four; $24.95.
Kashmere silk and cashmere travel set. Frequent travelers will love this ultra-soft set. Features a soft throw for staying warm on cool planes, an eye mask for naps and a matching bag. Available in black; $129.
Froelich leather desk set. This red, four-piece, Italian-made set is just the thing to spruce up a home office. Includes a blotter, pen/pencil holder, a memo box and a 4- by 6-inch picture frame; $179.
12. Blissworld.com
If you’ve got a beauty junkie on your list, head here. This witty site keeps shoppers clicking with features like At-Home Spa Tips, and Miss Bliss, a beauty Q&A answered by Bliss founder Marcia Kilgore. 888-243-8825.
Diamancel nail and foot files. Great socking stuffers. Coated with real diamonds, they come in varieties tough enough for the worst calluses and gentle enough for fragile nails; $26-$48.
Hot salt scrub. Turn a shower into a spa treatment with this self-heating gel. Dead Sea salt sloughs off dull cells and sinus-clearing eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils soften skin and send spirits surging; $34.
Soap, Soak and Sound Gift Set. This soul-soothing set includes the Rhythm & Bliss CD, packed with mood-lifting tunes, Lemon & Sage Softening Soak and a Blisslabs large lemon soap; $50.
The Soap Opera Box. Four delectably scented, super-sized bars: Mammoth Minty Scrub Soap, Enorma-Lyptus Soap, Large Lemon Slab and Big Blue Bar. A stellar hostess gift; $45.
