Trade Routes, Part II

Atlantic Avenue may be a bit of a trek from your normal shopping beats. But nestled between Fort Greene and Brooklyn Heights, this burgeoning quadrant—which has recently gained notoriety for its abundant antiques—has been amping up its shop-options. A recent visit to the area yielded a minor revelation in holiday gift-giving opportunities. Minus the mania of other traffic-heavy hoods, Atlantic Ave is our current front-runner for civilized (and prosperous) holiday shopping.

Step into Bark and your gift-giving journey may come to a halt. Stocked with so many eclectic housewares (funky flasks), accessories (Gerard Tully rings), and cool gadgets, you're sure to be stumped over what to get grandma. Our pick: Winter warmth to be found in their colorful, luxe blankets (from $170-$780). Bark, 495 Atlantic Avenue; 718-625-8997

It might seem simple, but the right plant just screams festive, and it's just the thing for the impossible to please. Dig doesn't specialize in standard wreathes; instead they've made topiary holiday dogs ($280), aromatic rosemary trees, and offbeat poinsettia arrangements the new host gift (and you'll need plenty). Dig, 79 Atlantic Avenue; 718-554-0207

A trip to Butter will make scoring the right gift for the ladies in your life a piece of cake. The vintage coral studs are an affordable luxury, and one of Butter's braided wool hats designed by Local ($98) is the perfect marriage of function and fashion for the frigid months ahead. Butter, 389 Atlantic Avenue; 718-260-9033.

Despite a concentration on highbrow 19th-century furnishings, Circa Antiques is also home to plenty of smaller vintage treasures, including sweet sets of espresso and tea cups, unusual bookends, and a stunning 1900s mesh purse ($150). Circa Antique , 377 Atlantic Avenue, 718-596-1866

Beside the definition of Curiosity Shop in the dictionary, a tiny image of Darr might be appropriate. Picking favorites amid this extraordinary collection of odds and ends from the past will undoubtedly be tough, but their impressive stock of antique glass jars (from $40) offer endless possibilities. Darr, 369 Atlantic Avenue; 718-797-9733

At Hollander and Lexer, shopping for the most stylish guy in your world is a cinch. Those at the top of our wish list are a classic H and L tweed tie ($75) or decide between some of the best men's bags in town like the Billy Kirk Leather satchels ($325). Hollander and Lexer, 358 Atlantic Avenue; 718-797-9190

Hug them, love them, give them funny names. The toys at Acorn might make you momentarily regress, and that's why you know they're great gifts. The soft knit Rainbow Ring Stacker ($56) and the jungle and farm animal sets ($74) by I Golfini della Nonna are as loveable as they are affordable. Acorn, 323 Atlantic Avenue; 718-522-3760

Our last stop is a bit off the beaten path, but the recently opened Stuart & Wright is well worth the excursion. Double up on tokens for both guys and girls, like an Earnest Cut & Sew Shawl Neck Cardigan ($295) or Sara Berner's Sterling Silver Clover, ($180). Stuart & Wright, 85 Lafayette Avenue; 718-797-0011

• Nicky's Vietnamese Sandwiches has been an East Village institution for sometime now, pleasing both herbivores and carnivores. Get the same cheap and satisfying eats at the Nicky's on Atlantic. The homemade lemonade is a must. 311 Atlantic Avenue; 718-855-8838.

• The Victory coffee shop is where locals go to fuel up. Nothing like delicious pastries and good strong coffee to put you in the right state of mind. 71 Hoyt Street; 718-596-9035.

• A meal at Bacchus is a no-brainer for anyone who loves wine and enjoys a fine, savory meal. Featuring over 200 wines and 23 beers, you'll have no trouble celebrating your many exquisite purchases. 409 Atlantic Avenue; 718-852-1572.

• Late Bloomer. Invitro orchid, ($30), at Bark.
• House Bound Casa Susana photo book ($30), Hollander and Lexer.
• Snap Shot Pinhole camera ($27), Acorn.

Your Holiday Shopping Guide to Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn.