[Ed. note: This article appears in the latest edition of the Norwood News, which is out on streets now.]

By Layza Garcia and Alina Rodriguez

It’s that time of the year again to search for that perfect gift for your loved ones: brothers, moms, maybe even your 80-year-old grandmother. But what to buy? The decision-making process can be agonizing.

Worry no more. The Norwood News is here to help! After vigorously shopping throughout the northwest Bronx, from Gun Hill to Fordham Road, you can find some of the most diverse and special gifts just outside your door.

Jerome Avenue-Gun Hill Road

We’ll start in the north end of the area. Between Jerome Avenue and Gun Hill Road, shoppers will be surrounded by interesting stores of all kinds. On your way to Jerome, first stop by Rosario Cigars (325 E. Gun Hill Rd.) for a handmade cigar. These authentic, hand-crafted cigars come in different sizes and flavors from strawberry to chocolate ($3 to $20). The shop imports different cigars from countries like Cuba and the Dominican Republic and also rolls its own. It would be perfect for those who like to accompany their brandy, or tea, with a cigar.

Pet Paradise (286 E. Gun Hill Rd.) is a fantastic store to visit, whether you are an animal lover or not. Owner Augie Santana has a vast collection of tropical fish and talking birds. These colorful and verbose birds start at about $300.

On Jerome, there is an overload of stores offering great deals and fun apparel. Rainbow (3493 Jerome Ave.) has a great selection of women’s clothing of all sizes. Pretty dresses, flashy blouses and fitted jeans cost $20 or less. If you can’t decide on what to buy, you can purchase a Rainbow gift card for any amount you want to put in.

Walk down the street and stop by Porta Bella (3449 Jerome Ave.) for a custom-made designer suit for a holiday outing or a gift for your special guy. Men’s shoes and coats are 50 percent off this holiday season. Suits range from $200 or less.

Looking for that hot new CD or a favorite DVD that your mother or friend has been asking for? Cross the street to FYE (3450 Jerome Ave.) for their collection of movies, music and video games. DVD special: 2 for $25. Some selected items are 50 percent off.

Before leaving Jerome, stop by $5 Shoe Warehouse (3420 Jerome Ave.) for some discounted shoes to complete that holiday party outfit. With a wide selection of boots, heels, and casual shoes, you’ll find what you’re looking for at the right price ($5, $7, $9, $15). If you are missing a few minor details to your outfit, there are socks, scarves, stockings, purses, and scarves to help you accessorize.

Bainbridge Avenue/204th Street

Just when you thought you were running out of places to shop, Bainbridge Ave./204th Street is there at your service.

Baby Boom Furniture Warehouse (3204 Bainbridge Ave.) is the ideal place for those who are looking to renovate their home or spruce up their new one. Baby Boom has everything from couches to bedroom sets to dressers and more. On many items, the store offers quality financing, such as zero interest for 12 months on some items. Also, they do deliveries and will assemble the furniture at your home.

For a gift that will wow your wife or a special someone, visit Freilich Jewelers (312 E. 204th St.). Their sterling silver bracelet with diamonds encrusted ($59.95) is to die for. Freilich also has an amazing collection of amber rings for women ($44.95 and up).

Say you forgot to get a toy for your cousin or your friend’s kid. You’re in luck. Leroy Pharmacy (314 E. 204th St.) has toys for all ages. Barbie dolls and action figures for the little ones are $13. Also, looking for that perfume that your mom wants? Leroy has perfume sets of different designers from $10.99 to $11.99.

Bedford Park Boulevard

If you’re looking for a tasty pastry to take to a holiday party, Mi Casa Bakery & Coffee Shop (18 E. Bedford Pk. Blvd.) is the place to go. Make sure to pick up some of their sugarcoated butter cookies for the kids ($10 a pound). Mi Casa has a variety of cakes in all sizes, starting at 6 inches for $15.


Kingsbridge Road

Another place to shop in the northwest Bronx is on Kingsbridge Road. Amiga Fashions (101 E. Kingsbridge Rd.) offers elegant dresses ($25 and up) that make the perfect gift to celebrate ringing in the New Year. Long or short, there is a style that suits every woman.

After finding the perfect dress, why not search for a wreath ($15) to decorate the house at Flowers by Carlos (48 E. Kingsbridge Rd.) You can find a small Christmas tree ($15) or a poinsettia ($10), the perfect decorative holiday gift for any home.


Fordham Road

Mannequins wearing Santa hats and storefronts decorated with Christmas trees can be found along the busiest shopping district in the Bronx.

Fordham Road offers variety for shoppers who can choose from chain stores such as the Children’s Place and Foot Locker, or smaller businesses like the Electronic Outlet (330 E. Fordham Rd.). Electronic Outlet is having a special holiday sale on electronics for all ages. Whether you are looking for a flat screen television ($148), microwave ($60) or a tiny mp3 player ($19), you can go home with something for everyone on your list.

Bon Bini (204 E. Fordham Rd.) is filled with the latest fashions for this holiday season. Whether you are searching for a dress ($12) to wear on Christmas Eve or a pair of boots ($15) for a loved one, this store offers a variety of women’s clothing and accessories, like earrings ($7) that make the perfect gift or stocking stuffer.

The Gap (271 E. Fordham Rd.) is having a 50 percent off sale on all sweaters and fleece wear in the store, an ideal gift for anyone you want to keep warm this winter.

If you are tired of traditional gifts, why not give the gift of a concert on Christmas Day? Nicki Minaj and Fabulous will be performing at the Paradise Theater (2413 Grand Concourse). Tickets range from $89 to $166.

Webster Avenue

To find a good holiday bottle of wine or liquor to go along with your holiday dinner or pastries, go to North End Liquors (2509 Webster Ave.). North End is famous for its low prices and vast collection of wines and liquors. A few of North End’s Top 10 bottles are Bell’s, a 20-year-old scotch ($59.99); Martini & Rossi, Italian Sparkling Asti ($10.99); and Svedka, imported Swedish vodka ($22.99).

This should at least get you started. The rest is up to you. Happy Holidays!