Anticipating the happiness of your loved one opening that perfect gift you got them, that’s the beautiful part of gift-giving.

But, sometimes, holiday shopping can be draining.

Here are 2 places that can add that much needed dose of excitement.

Go Indie!

Industry City in Brooklyn is home to the Renegade Craft Fair, on December 17+18 (11am-6pm).

Featuring over 200 vendors, Renegade Craft Fair is the largest independent craft fair in the world, an indie extravaganza that has been in a number of cities, such as Chicago, San Francisco, Austin, Portland, and London.

It describes itself as a “highly curated showcase of the very best in modern craft and design” – and Industry City calls the Brooklyn event, “a festive Celebration of DIY featuring Maker-designer goods, inspired surroundings, interactive features, artisanal food + drink, live music.”

(220 36th St #2-A, Brooklyn)

Renegade Poster

And, if you’re fond of Vodka, or know a connoisseur who’d be excited about a special one as a gift, Industry City Distillery offers Saturday tours of its facility where they make their house vodka.

(For another indie shopping option, try Artists & Fleas in Chelsea Market.)

Shop Some Standards to Old Standards – with a light show!

At the Winter Garden at Brookfield Place (which has Saks, J Crew and Burberry, among others) enjoy a light show all through the season with Luminaries – where  “Visitors are immersed in a canopy of glowing lanterns suspended within, each changing color and intensity.

Touch-sensitive ‘wishing stations’ on the ground invite visitors to send a holiday wish, which materializes as a burst of color traveling through the lanterns above.”

And for every wish, a donation is made supporting music education programs.

Luminaries at Brookfield Place (photo from Brookfield Place’s Instagram)

Light shows will be presented at the hour and the half hour, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, synced to 3 beloved seasonal songs: “Winter Wonderland” by Michael Bublé, “Silver Bells” by Tony Bennett and “Carol of the Bells” by The Bird and The Bee.

(230 Vesey Street)