I'm bearing glad tidings for all of you who feel faint, nauseous or both at the very prospect of engaging in puilistic battle on Oxford Street over the next couple of weeks. There'll be no need to resort to violence to get your hands on the last Little Britain DVD in HMV or the only teal poncho in Topshop, because I've checked and it's not necessary to stray beyond the environs of N16 to be gracious and generous gift-giver this festive season. Here's a selection of what's on offer locally - probably not completely comprehensive, but pretty close to it.

Leila (166 Stoke Newington Church Street, 0207 254 4735) This recently opened, sister branch of the popular Crouch End store has a great variety of gifts for girls. If you're not adventurous enough to plump for anything from the wide range of ladies clothes, there are some great diamante brooches, tonnes of candies, pampering gift sets and other typical Christmas clobber.  The line of kids' clothes is good for the stylish occupants of all those 3-wheeled buggies. 

Mass (19 Barn Street, 0207 812 9700, www.massnl6.co.uk, info@massnl6.co.uk Opening times: Wed-Sat 11-6) Another new destination. Ok, so you might not be looking to buy either a bed or a bench for anyone this year, but the lampshades (E5O-ElOO), photo- frames (El 7-E20), glassware and crockery (various) are definitely worth a look. And to help you make a decision, it all looks great arranged in the studio space. 

Hamiltons (96 Stoke Newington Church Street, 020 7254 1703).  Is it possible to do Christmas without Hamilton's? I doubt it. From exquisite and surprisingly affordable decorations to Hamilton's signature selection of goodies - toiletries, jewellery, fun and funky household gifts, and a priceless selection of gorgeous gewgaws that won't break the bank (plus, of course, some seriously desirable stuff that might), Hamilton's reputation as an unbeatable source of unusual and distinctive objets is unrivalled. Oxford Street? Who needs it? 

Tana Mana (150-152 Stoke Newington Church Street, 0207 249 5656) As ever, Tana Mana 'is an absolute treasure trove of potential and unusual gifts. Raw silk scarves range from 910-E28 in an array of jewel colours, sequinned bags (P25) and slippers (918.50) are fairly failsafe presents. Handmade paper notebooks bound in silk, cushions, throws, bedlinen and some beautiful marble bowls would satisfy lots of people. And, if you really like them, you could splurge on some amazing one- off pieces of furniture. 

Renowned vintage store Ribbons and Taylor (I 57 Stoke Newington Church Street, 0207 254 4735) has a great selection of second-hand clothes, shoes and accessories - if you need an unusual cocktail or prom dress this is definitely the place and at very reasonable prices. The current stock of jewellery is lovely, including lots of silver pieces with turquoise and mother-of-pearl stones. 

Similarly Casino, (136 Stoke Newington Church Street, 0207 923 2225), a recent addition to Church Street, has a carefully sourced range of vintage items for a completely unique present. Pleasingly, the boys are catered for as proficiently as the gids, and if you know someone who wants a pair of cowboy boots, you can't go far wrong. The line of customised vintage clutch bags and vanity cases would make particularly good presents.

Sticking with the clothes theme, Red's (127 Stoke Newington Church Street) stock of Traffic People clothing - especially the tweed jackets (E45) and lace tops (P-25) -is great. A plethora of stylish t-shirts and jumpers will fix up lots of boys this year, and they will happily exchange or offer credit notes if you get it wrong! 

Pictures and Light (41 Stoke Newington Church Street, open Thursday-Sunday) have reopened in now premises on Church Street with lots of beautiful and unusual items, from vintage teapots and glasses to framed film stills to excellent leather chairs. Pop in and fall in love with it all (then rue the fact you can't afford it, like I did). 

Jewellery's generally a good plan and Metal Crumble (13 Stoke Newington Church Street, 0207 249 0487) has a beautiful selection of original one-off designs. The main ranges this Christmas use freshwater peads, amber and juxtapose semi- precious stones with unusual fossils. Items range from P-5 for pretty cluster earrings to seriously expensive pieces. One brilliant pair of earrings - huge discs of iridescent mother of pearl - has tempted me to pierce my ears forthwith. Commissions are being taken right up until the last week of December if nothing takes your fancy.

Affinity (5 Stoke Newington Church Street, 0207 241 0898) continues to offer a good range of men's and women's jewellary, including a variety of watches, which really mean there's no need to fight your way into town. Texture (84 Stoke Newington Church Street, 0207 241 0990) Packed to the rafters with possible presents. They assure me they'll be stocking their popular gift baskets. including bathrobes, towels and soap, again this year. The E29 yogawear will find many a happy and calm home as will the range of soothing lavender bags, eye and neck pillows. Babies are well catered for with their own lovely gift baskets, and there are always gift tokens if you can't decide.