By Lisa Fogarty
Whether you choose to call it a recession, mini depression, economic downturn or financial fiasco, there’s really only one word that truly describes the current state of most of our wallets: barren.

So maybe we won’t be able to purchase our loved ones that HD television set they truly deserve, but that certainly doesn’t mean there aren’t bargains and steals out there that will help keep our pockets a little heavier and our spirits a little lighter.
Here is a list of some economically-safe and smart store choices right here in Queens.

S&L
40-03 Bell Blvd.
Don’t let the high-priced paintings and china intimidate you. If you take your time and scour through this quaint home goods shop, you’ll be delighted to find that you don’t always have to sacrifice quality for price. Crystal giftware, tableware and decorative accessories – some priced as low as $5 – dot the room. My favorite: porcelain teacups and milk servers ($15-$20) by Andrea by Sadek – sketched with a precious strawberry pattern – the perfect compliment to any Christmas morning brunch.

Blue Tulip
The Shops At Atlas Park
This is my top shop choice for great stocking stuffers – all under $50. Choose among gifts such as adorable Reindeer Wine Goblets ($44.95 for 4), Hand Painted Bottle Stoppers ($12.95), Hot Cocoa Mugs and Mixes ($9.95-$10.95), a solid colored Pashmina ($25), and scented soap gift sets ($29.95). And for the sweetest person on your guest list, Blue Tulip stocks an entire shelf of the Barefoot Contessa’s Outrageous Brownie Mix and Chocolate Chunk Cookie Mix.

Breakdown Records
48-09 Bell Blvd.
If you consider yourself a lover of music, you must – must – make a pilgrimage to this gem. True, this shop resembles the bedroom of a teenage boy’s dream – with piles of records on the ground and bins of 45s in random order (bet Barbra Streisand never thought she’d come after REO Speedwagon). But the versatile selection of used CDs and vinyl, which include rock, classical, hip-hop, jazz, cabaret, and children’s, make it well worth the trip. Where else in Queens will you find a copy of Mickey Mouse Disco for $4.99?

Hot Topic
Queens Center Mall
Girl falls in love with vampire. Vampire falls in love with girl and tries his best not to kill her. Doesn’t sound very festive, does it? Well, chances are, your teenager disagrees. “Twilight,” the wildly popular Stephenie Meyer book series and now box-office smash, has inspired scores of young girls to don black capes and fake fangs. Hot Topic is ground zero for “Twilight” merchandise such as a “Twilight” over-the-shoulder book bag ($20), T-shirts ($20), the “Twilight” movie soundtrack ($10), gothic jewelry inspired by the book’s characters (around $20), and enough posters and memorabilia to cover her bedroom walls.

Charlotte Russe
Queens Center Mall
Why does it seem like most inexpensive women’s clothing shops stock outfits that could get you arrested in many states? If you are a young woman, or know a young woman, who wants to be stylish and dressed, Charlotte Russe is a great option. You won’t find name brands here and I would steer clear of knit sweaters, which, when not made very well, tend to be the first items in your wardrobe to unravel. But there are few places where you’ll find a brown and ivory plaid polyester and wool trench coat for $49.97, great-fitting boot-leg and slim-fit jeans (after searching in pricier stores, I found the perfect grey jean here) for around $29.95 and 100 percent cotton tops for just $10. Shop here on Black Friday and get 25 percent off on every item in the store.

Butala Emporium
37-46 74th St.
While many items at this traditional Indian store have mind-boggling price tags – particularly the well-made carved wooden furniture and musical instruments – the shop’s books, magazines, audio tapes, incense and statues make great spiritual gifts.