Pricey, but it amortizes: the three-gallon porcelain water filter from Aquaovo means no more giant plastic water cooler ($650 at ABC Carpet & Home, 888 Broadway, nr. 18th St.; 212-473-3000).
The Nail Jack provides helpful leverage for extracting stubborn nails and staples ($30 at Fulton Lumber, 2360 Fulton St., nr. Sackman St., Bedford-Stuyvesant; 718-385-2262).
Striking original illustrations adorn each heavy paper book cover from Book City Jackets ($9.95 for three at Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store, 365 State St., at Bond St., Boerum Hill; 718-522-9848).