IN Style: Our Favorite Shops for Gifts

They say it’s better to give than receive, and it’s true that giving feels better than receiving, but along with giving comes the challenge of finding the right gift. It can be downright stressful to think of something that your Great Aunt Betty doesn’t have. What does she like? What size is she? Am I spending enough or too much? Should I buy something they need or something they want? Gift giving can be a true art.

Also, coming up with new and original ideas and places can send you over the brink. Think about stepping outside of the box when searching for a special something. We are in the stores all the time – all the time! – and constantly looking for new and unique things for clients. We call it ‘item envy’ – when we want the pieces we’re buying for someone else. It happens all the time with our business, and we bet it happens to you, too. For the season, we’ve put together our list of top 10 favorite spots – in alphabetical order – to look for cool gifts.

Hopefully our suggestions can shed some insight into some new places to go to help you look for interesting and heart felt gifts to give. And don’t forget to gift the gifter- it’s only fair!

Beverly Bremer: This shop has been around for a long time, but we’ve "re-found" it. Run by Mimi Woodruff, Beverly’s daughter, this shop is chock full of shiny silver gifts – and not just flatware: mini vases, ornaments, jewelry, boxes. Pieces no one needs but loves to get. Some great finds at $50, including sterling ornaments. 3164 Peachtree Road, Buckhead; (404) 261-4009 or www.beverlybremer.com.

Deka: Owner Jim Whitlow has the coolest lines of athletic and casual wear. Great finds for women who are active and want to look chic, too. Ask to have a bag chock full of fun ideas for your significant other; a thoughtful and fun gift to get. 375 Pharr Road, Suite 501; (404) 869-9600 or www.dekaathletics.com.

Etc East: Unusual, unique and not your average jewelry store – an array of items from $100 up. Exclusive lines such as Jamie Joseph, Cathy Waterman and Pyrrha are just a handful of designers Etc. East offers. Don’t forget about the great accessories: bags, scarves and belts make great gifts. Gina Gertz, the owner, and her staff are passionate about what they sell and it makes for a nice shopping experience. 4300 Paces Ferry Road, Vinings; (770) 434-6360.

Laura Pearce: Word to the wise – and significant others! – Laura Pearce will make an in-store wish list which takes the guessing out for those on the giving end. Laura carrieds a vast selection of 18-carat yellow and white jewelry, contemporary as well as estate pieces. The green boxes and wrapping make it an impressive presentation, too! 2300 Peachtree Road, Suite 103; (404) 350-9207 or www.laurapearce.com.

London Trading Company: Here’s where you can find an emporium of great holiday goods – including oodles of horsey, hunting, outdoorsy finds for both men and women, all with a British accent suitable for East Africa, too. They also carry fun, seasonal decorative pieces as well. Owner Ramona Brumby has given The London trading company, located on Andrews is owned and operated by Ramona Brumby. She carries oodles of horsey, hunting, outdoorsy finds for both men and women. Going into the shop is like hoping into a chic NY store on Madison Avenue. Lots of fun seasonal decorative pieces as well and kids gifts as well. 30 East Andrews Dr. (404) 233-1225 or www.londontradingcompany.com.

Topaz Gallery: Jewelry here are pieces of art, handcrafted by artisans from all over the country. Owner Peter Emabattra does a fabulous job of selecting unusual pieces. Located in Buckhead (across from Beverly Bremer’s Silver Shop) in a strip mall does not do this one of a kind shop justice. Treat yourself to seeing all that glitters. 3145 Peachtree Road, Suite 177; (404) 995-0155 or www.topazgallery.net.