Once again the picturesque skating rink, large, fresh Christmas fir and outdoor holiday shops have set up in Bryant Park behind the 42nd Street Library. Temperate weather has even kept the carousel open.

There are plentiful tables, chairs and benches at which to enjoy anything from cocoa or coffee to, additionally this year: Chinese dumplings, Viennese sandwiches, Greek pastries, Pizza (including a chocolate version,) or Mexican enchiladas.

Once again there are a great many ornament shops (the Empire State Building? a pirouetting Santa?) a great many booths with small, mass-market jewelry, a great many scarf, hat and glove vendors (mostly ethnic), ethnic jewelry, a beauty treatment establishment or two…

Here are a few exceptions worth checking out:

Special Gifts for Special Children
Booth GO8: At Paradis Found Designs (www.hats4kids.com)

Dana Paradis sells her hand-made (in New York City!) girls and boys children’s wear. This great looking clothing is created from vintage camp blankets of the forties and fifties. All the pieces are one-of-a-kind in flannel, cotton-corduroy and chenille and reversible! Some are of mixed fabrics: the turned-up brim of a girl’s hat is a different pattern or fabric than its base.

Paradis’ designs have the kind of character sought by parents who don’t want their young ones running around with Hannah Montana or Buzz Lightyear emblazoned on their chests; those who, further, appreciate style, craftsmanship and original fashion There are also some very special, haute outfits; small art and vintage-looking playthings; and wonderful chenille ducks!

Fashionable (and Tasty) Gifts for the Fashionable Dog
Booth BO1: Annie’s Dog Bakery and Boutique (www.annie’sdogbakery.com)

Annie’s carries elegant and imaginative accoutrements…for dogs. Your four-legged friend can be the envy of the neighborhood in his very own down coat this winter or go on a play date wearing denim overalls (the female versions replete with sequined embroidery and appliqués.) He or she can comfortably walk you though the park in a hand-made sweater worthy of Saks sporting a collar of Swarovski crystals. There are harness-like fancy vests and designer carriers.

The booth’s bakery showcases all natural, home baked doggie treats that look like giant butter cookies, shaped and decoratively frosted to evoke the season or doggie dreams. Or how about chicken cannolis? These are individually wrapped and bowed—stocking ready!

Original Art for a Truly Unique Gift
BoothGO9: The Walking Art

This is a gallery of intaglio etchings, paintings and photographs by four artists, three from Argentina and one from the Soviet Union. Mauro, Pablo, Daniel and Ilia offer their very personal visions for those who want to give the truly unique gift of original art. The scale suits New York apartments and the prices are reasonable.

Pablo or Daniel’s (not a typo, this is how they credit themselves) sepia-toned or color photographs of New York City and its environs, singly or grouped together in sympathetic relationship, matted, mounted on wood or framed…are thoughtful, decorative pieces that will elicit memories or evoke stories (far better souvenirs than the Kodak-moments sold elsewhere.) (www.thewalkingart.etsy.com)

Ilia’s charming Paul Klee-like etchings (www.newyork3yilia.etsy.com) are of particular appeal. His New York is almost a city under a glass globe-shake it and there’s snow. Infinitely detailed buildings reach into the clouds with whimsy and affection; bridges seem to be dancing; Coney Island is a pictorial haiku.

Mauro’s Naughty and Nice paintings (in carefully chosen and lovingly restored vintage frames) are rather difficult to describe. (www.naughtyandnice.etsy.com) Think Tim Burton meets Edward Gorey, add brightly painted color, simplify the artwork and stir. The characters (all have back stories) are slightly sinister, whimsical, ironic, peculiar…neat. (Photo above is “The High School Sweethearts”).

Yesterday’s Materials Turned Into Today’s Treasures
Booth KO1: Peoria (www.peoriaemporium.com)

Enter Peoria and you will find a bright, cheerful fantasmagorical emporium mix with a heart. Elena Agostinis & Patricia Stevens specialize in product made from recycled materials predominantly by craftspeople and work with a number of self-sustaining women’s groups, especially from Africa. The booth carries unusual high end clothing and moderately priced jewelry, humorous decorative accessories (pillows, lamps,) and children’s gifts…there are large wreaths crafted from “No Trespass” or “Caution Danger” tape; arty wall-mounted cow and steer heads (a la Picasso) made of old detergent bottles, stretch gloves with frilled cuffs and large cloth- jeweled rings around one finger; children’s stuffed animals with appealing faces and many-patterned costumes made of recycled socks, sweaters and t-shirts; original scarves patched together from old cashmere sweaters; decoupage bracelets… The much touted Global Green Pals rag dolls can be found here. Each has a name and a tag explaining environmental stewardship from his or her country. The dolls are made of completely recycled materials in India, out of a factory supporting the disabled. Created by a United Nations employee this is a playing and a teaching toy.

The Holiday “Shops” at Bryant Park
Through January 3
Monday to Friday 11am -8pm
Saturday 10am-9pm; Sunday 10am- 6pm
The Pond (skating rink) free admission
(There is a bag check)
Sunday-Thursday 8am – 10pm
Friday & Saturday 8am – midnight