Give your expat New Mexican a taste of home. Chile Traditions (#1, 8204 Montgomery NE, 888-3166) sells tons of New Mexico-made agricultural products, and they've got shipping down to a science.
For the deserving nerd on your list, pop over to Noble Collectibles (#2, 8216 Montgomery NE, 858-0212) for comics, books, trading cards and affordable used video-gaming gear.
You can't go wrong with wine for an easy holiday gift. Quarters BBQ Wine Shop (#3, 4516 Wyoming NE, 292-1300) has five stocked shelves of New Mexico wines, many of which are surprisingly inexpensive. And if your friends are big on Bill W., you can pick up a pint instead—of Quarter's lip-smackin' barbecue sauce.
Forget the Hallmark Store. Jeanne's Cosmetics, Gifts and Jewelry (#4, 5901 Wyoming NE, Suite D, 797-7200) is overflowing with enough ornaments, scented candles and other miniature miscellany to stuff every lace-trimmed stocking on your list.
It's a long way from Nob Hill, but Terra Firma's (#5, 5901 Wyoming NE, Suite E, 856-7200) second location at Academy and Wyoming is as cozy and charming as the shoes they sell. Try on a pair of comfortable European clogs, grab a Hobo bag or stock up on snuggly wool socks to keep your tootsies toasty.
Now We're Cooking (#6, 5901 Wyoming NE, Suite S, 857-9625) is quite simply the best store in the city for kitchen gadgets. 'Nuff said!
Just two months old, Moni V's (#7, 5901 Wyoming, Suite Y, 856-4043) boutique clothing store sells flirty and sophisticated high-end threads (think Betsy Johnson and Nanette Lepore). The super-friendly staff even offers onsite tailoring.
Out of the Blue (#8, 8001 Wyoming NE, Suite C-3, 822-5060) is Albuquerque's only independent toy store. When I asked for a business card, the lady behind the counter exclaimed, “Card? We don't have those! How about a sticker?” That's my kind of store.
When only the priciest clothes will do, it's got to be Diamond Tags (#9, 8001 Wyoming NE, Suite C-5, 856-5688) for designer sunglasses and denim, plus the only line of Lacoste you'll find in the city.
Pamper your partner with a few hours at Mark Pardo Salon and Spa (#10, 8001 Wyoming NE, Suite D-1, 856-7700). The menu of spa services is extensive and well worth the money.
“Curios, playful and intelligent” are four words that ScoJo's Gifts, Cards and Books (#11, 8001 Wyoming NE, Suite D-3, 828-0360) live by. Think of Beeps in Nob Hill, only four times as big.
Lilly Barrack (#13, 8001 Wyoming NE, Suite D-6,822-8401) sells stunning contemporary jewelry and home accents, much of which is made right here in town. Keep your eyes peeled for some killer deals.
