Abodeon

A tightly focused inventory is all well and good for precision shoppers. For hapless procrastinators—the other 99 percent of us—less focus and more serendipity goes a long way, especially when we're floundering about for a special-occasion gift. Among Abodeon's inspired jumble (whimsical Japanese bowls, vintage Mexican silver bracelets), there is something to delight any friend, coworker, or in-law. Plus, it's near impossible to leave without picking up an extra trinket (see our own growing herd of ceramic piggy banks), which means the next time a last-minute hostess gift is required, it won't be a dusty bottle of zin snagged on a Route 6 pit stop. RUNNERS-UP: Good, Joanne Rossman 2007 WINNER: Good