Finding holiday gifts is easy at downtown sample sales

Hoping to find family members something more creative than “I Heart NY” mugs for the holidays? Columbians might not be the most athletically inclined, but a little competitive gift-hunting at New York City-exclusive sample sales is perfect for knocking out a holiday shopping list.

The sample sale, a uniquely New York tradition, is a short pop-up sale that offers deeply discounted designer wares­—sometimes literally the samples that were sent out to fashion magazines or catalogue shoots. Access was once limited to fashion industry insiders in the know, but now New York Magazine’s website posts a regularly updated “Sales & Bargains” page of sample sale listings. Fashion blogs Racked NY and Sample Sally also both provide listings and reviews of current sales.

The sales are usually held in nondescript Garment District warehouses, Tribeca storefronts, or Upper East Side walk-ups. Devotees of a brand will show up hours before the doors open, so it’s good to arrive early to get a place in line and first dibs on the best stuff. It’s the exception rather than the rule for a sale to have anything resembling dressing rooms, so shoppers should prepare for hurried strip-downs in front of mirrors on the sales floor. Savvy bargain-hunters will be wearing simple, tight-fitting clothing—leggings and a tank top are usually best—and shoes that slip off easily.

Having some familiarity with a brand is ideal for guesstimating sizes and determining whether the price is a steal or a rip-off.

Sometimes designers will even be present at their own sales. Sample sales tend to offer last season’s back stock in a variety of sizes and at prices close to wholesale. The real gems, though, are the sample pieces themselves, worn once for a presentation or photo shoot and then dumped into cardboard boxes, priced at $20 a pop. Seasoned shoppers know to always check for signs of damage on the items.

Some upcoming opportunities for gift hunting? Diane von Furstenberg’s semiannual sale runs from Dec. 7 - 10 at 260 Fifth Ave. (between 28th and 29th streets). There will be markdowns of 75 percent on the label’s signature wrap dresses—perfect for a mom or sister of any shape.

For trendy friends, downtown chic label Vena Cava will offer womenswear samples from Dec. 2 - 4 at 457 Broome St., 2F (near Mercer Street). Celebrity favorite Botkier will be selling its “it” bags and shoes from Dec. 3 - 5 at 421 W. Broadway. For someone more conservative on the gift list, Theory has a sample sale at 261 W. 36th St. (between Seventh and Eighth avenues) that runs through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

At the fall/winter Tocca sample sale, which runs from Dec. 1 - 3 at 542 W. 22nd St. (between Tenth and Eleventh avenues), there will be more generic gifts like the brand’s coveted candles and perfumes.

As for the boys, preppy-hipster label Rag and Bone will have a sale at Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Ave. (between 15th and 16th streets), from Dec. 2 - 5. The sale will stock plenty of pea coats and plaid.

And if all else fails, sweaters and winter accessories always make welcome nondenominational holiday gifts. Autumn Cashmere’s seasonal sale at 231 W. 39th St. (near Seventh Avenue), which runs through Dec. 10 will have both men’s and women’s cashmeres.