Holiday markets tout unique finds

NEW YORK — When one thinks of holiday shopping in New York, often Macy’s and Fifth Avenue are the first to come to mind. But the tented holiday markets sprinkled throughout the city during the holiday season are not to be underestimated. Located in such prime spots as Union Square and Columbus Circle, these makeshift shopping villages house snacks and sweets, arts and crafts, and much more. Drug Store News recently visited the tents in Union Square to unearth some of the more interesting items that easily could find a home on the shelf at mass:



Wonder Warmers are heat pads that promise to provide instant heat and are reusable more than 100 times. The pads heat for 30 minutes to two-plus hours, and prices range from $15 to $20. There are pads available for neck and shoulders, and bottle warmers. For more information, visit WonderWarmers.com.

                                                      

The Brooklyn Brew Shop has developed a simple-to-use, at-home beer brewing kit. One-gallon kits include Gingerbread Ale, Chestnut Brown Ale, Honey Sage Seasonal and Chocolate Maple Porter. The kits are priced at $40 each.

Charge mobile devices on the go with the solar mobile charger by Green Goods Technology. The solar mobile charger, priced at less than $50, features a 1,200 mAh lithium battery. The unit is charged by harvesting the sun’s rays, via a power outlet or through a computer. The unit comes with connecting adapters. For more information, visit GreenGoodsTech.com.

                                                      

                        

Empty candy wrappers have been given a  second life thanks to Nahui Ollin. Designer Olga Abadi discovered the ancient Mayan technique of binding everyday materials into handbags at a cultural festival in Mexico, and created the Nahui Ollin candy wrapper handbag. Prices vary, but smaller bags are priced at less than $30. For more information, visit NahuiOllin.com.          

The Filling Station specializes in extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars, sea salts, sugars and scrubs. The company uses all-natural and organic ingredients. The company also encourages customers to reuse bottles. Prices vary, but extra virgin olive oil white truffle is priced at $9.95, for example. For more information, visit TFSnyc.com. 

Need a Tickle Me Freud or a Buddha puppet? Then look no further than The Unemployed Philosophers Guild, a venture started by two brothers in a dwindling academic job market. Products include kitschy merchandise related to politics, science, philosophy and literature. For more information, visit UPGuild.com.