By Emily Baer

Don’t fret, it’s not too late yet! There’s still time to get inexpensive holiday gifts from local stores on the Upper West Side. I am actually one of those people who has waited until the absolute last moment to get holiday gifts. This combined with a limited budget might seem challenging, but to this UWS’er it was easy as pie.

I gave myself a budget of $60 to spend on five people. I stayed in the neighborhood and hit locally owned businesses.

For my mom’s gift, I went to Westsider Books, at 2246 Broadway (between 80th and 81st).  I knew I would find a book she would love and appreciate.When I saw, 1963, The Year of the Revolution, How Youth Changed the World with Music, Art, and Fashion, I knew it was the one. It was the most expensive item on my list, but you’ve got to splurge for mom! Cost: $20.

I have one friend who just had a baby. Since she has been taking care of her little one for four months, she has had very little time for herself. I thought she would love a gift certificate for a manicure. My go-to place on the Upper West Side is NYC Nail Spa at 2328 Broadway (between 84th St & 85th St), on the second floor. By New York standards this place is great and it costs under $10 for a great manicure. Cost: $9.54, tip not included.

While I was walking around the holiday market at Columbus Circle this past weekend, I found the perfect gift for a friend who has just moved into a new house. The booth was run by a business called La Savonnerie. I decided to get her 2 bags of Dead Sea lavender bath salts. If anyone deserves to indulge herself, she does. I got her two bags, for $2.50 each: $5.

Next on my list was another friend who is a great writer. I decided to get her a new journal, so I went to my favorite stationary store, Stationary & Toys at 125 W 72nd St. Just as I had suspected, they had a great selection, and I picked one I’m sure she’ll like. Cost: $15.95.

Last but not least on my list is my dog, Beau. He already is pretty spoiled. Petland Discounts at 137 W 72nd Street has great deals. After searching through a multitude of stuffed toys, I settled on a stuffed lion (with no plastic parts he can remove or swallow) that makes a crunching noise, which sounds like I am unwrapping a treat bag for him. He will love it. It will keep him busy drive him crazy!  Cost: $8.99.

Total Money Spent: $59.48 — on budget, with 52 cents to spare.

Last-minute holiday shopping on the UWS isn’t hard. Just hit the local stores and holiday markets and you will be fine.