After mistakenly taking the F train home, I wound up in Carroll Gardens. On the long walk back to my apartment, I decided to browse Home & Haven. For a home-décor store, the beach-tote stock was surprisingly robust. This satchel, crafted by an unknown African artist, was made of palm leaves with a brown leather trim. Priced at just $80, this would probably be the perfect birthday present for my rather traditional mother. 177 Smith St., nr. Wyckoff St., Cobble Hill, Brooklyn; 718-875-1775.