Exploring New York City’s vibrant neighborhoods is the perfect excuse to support small businesses. We have rounded up some of the best places to find local goods no matter the season.
Whether you are looking for a unique wardrobe refresh, eclectic apartment decor, or goods from local artists, the five boroughs have you covered.
Discover the best local shopping across the city
Many local boutiques and stores offer unique, handcrafted items that you simply will not find in big box stores. Here are just a few of our favorite local spots to help you shop small and support the community this year.
1. NiLu’s Gift Boutique, Harlem
This lovely Black-owned lifestyle shop features a variety of curated candles, books, art prints, and homemade goods. Everything is sourced from local makers and inspired by the owners’ global travels.
Shop daily from 11 am to 7 pm or browse their online store.
Where: 191 Malcolm X Blvd
2. MoMA Design Store, SoHo
Rep some of the best icons in NYC. You can find exclusive items like a MoMA Yankees hat or a basketball inspired by Brooklyn’s own Jean-Michel Basquiat. It is a fantastic spot to find a vibrant model of the NYC skyline for the architecture lover in your life.
Where: 81 Spring St A
3. The Brass Owl, Astoria
Visit this adorable boutique in Queens where you can find something for absolutely everyone. Whether you are shopping for a plant lover, a disco queen, or an animal enthusiast, their gifts are incredibly unique. They also carry a wide array of Astoria-themed clothes and accessories made by local artisans.
They are open from 11 am to 8 pm.
Where: 36-19 Ditmars Blvd, Queens
4. Yoseka Stationery, Greenpoint
This Brooklyn shop sells amazing notebooks, stickers, stamps, and arguably the biggest assortment of pens in the city. From adorable office accessories to practical planners, you are bound to find something unique to upgrade your desk setup. Visit the store from 1 pm to 7 pm, Wednesday through Sunday.
Where: 63 West St, Brooklyn
5. Lockwood, Multiple Locations
This beloved home goods store has neighborhood locations across Queens and Brooklyn. You will find everything from cozy home accessories and covetable puzzle collections to apothecary products and special NYC-proud items. Check their website for exact hours at each location.
Where:
- Astoria – 32-15 33rd St, Queens
- Greenpoint – 98 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn
- Jackson Heights – 77-13 37th Ave, Queens
- Williamsburg – 485 Driggs Ave, Brooklyn
- Sunnyside – 46-06 Skillman Ave, Queens
6. Fishs Eddy, Flatiron
Stop by Fishs Eddy for the absolute best dishware in the city. You can pick up bowls, mugs, and plates featuring beautiful graphics. Their designs range from classic NYC scenes and quirky prints to hilarious one-liners.
They are open Mondays 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 8 pm, and Sundays 11 am to 7 pm.
Where: 889 Broadway at 19th St
7. Twisted Spine, Williamsburg
If your bookshelf could use a macabre makeover, The Twisted Spine will gladly recommend a few chilling page-turners. Joining the ranks of NYC’s specialized indie bookstores, they recently expanded to a brick-and-mortar outpost in Brooklyn. They specialize in all things scary and frequently host events and signings for horror fanatics.
Where: 306 Grand St, Brooklyn
8. Sullivan Street Tea & Spice Co., Greenwich Village
Choose from hundreds of organic teas, herbs, and spices at this cozy Greenwich Village spot. They offer handmade sets crafted with sustainable materials, perfect for elevating your pantry or brewing homemade iced tea. Open daily from 11 am to 7 pm.
Where: 208 Sullivan St
9. Exit9 Gift Emporium, East Village & Boreum Hill
This Mom and Pop shop prides itself on shelving quirky gadgets, knickknacks, stationery, and NYC-focused novelties. If you are looking for something you will not find anywhere else in the city, Exit9 probably has it. Their curated gift boxes are a major standout, packed with themed presents based on different interests.
Where:
51 Avenue A (Manhattan)
127 Smith St (Brooklyn)
10. Artists & Fleas, Williamsburg & Chelsea
These indoor markets are as local as it gets. You can shop directly with small business owners and find one-of-a-kind vintage clothing, jewelry, records, and art. The Chelsea Market location is open daily, while the Williamsburg outpost is open Saturdays and Sundays.
Where:
Williamsburg – 70 N 7th St, Brooklyn
Chelsea Market – 88 10th Avenue @ W 15th Street
11. November 19, Lower East Side
This beautiful craft and lifestyle store curates items from all over the world. From Japanese clocks to hand-painted jars, you will find incredible pieces to elevate your home. Prices are highly affordable and their inventory constantly rotates to keep things fresh.
Where: 37 Orchard St
12. Friends, Bushwick
This trendy urban shop sells gently used and vintage women’s clothing, shoes, accessories, and unique gifts. Their inventory is always lighthearted and comes from fantastic brands like Brooklyn Candle Studio and Only Hearts. It is nearly impossible to walk out without finding something special.
Where: 56 Bogart St, Brooklyn
13. Lil Sweet Treat
The West Village’s viral candy shop serves up sweets from across the globe. They specialize in hard-to-find gummies, chocolates, and unique confections. Owner Elly Ross prioritizes delicious, rare candies that you will not easily spot anywhere else.
Where: 184 7th Ave South or at 30 Rockefeller Plaza
14. True Love Always, Windsor Terrace
This unique Brooklyn shop is geared toward those with a taste for sentimental value. Owners Damian and Sarah prioritize Brooklyn-made items, offering a mix of home decor, apothecary items, and apparel. Their blend of local artists and classic American brands makes for a fantastic shopping experience.
Where: 191 Windsor Pl, Brooklyn
15. Still Here, Upper East Side
Buzzy NY-based denim brand Still Here has a gorgeous store on the Upper East Side. It is the perfect place to grab a gift for a fashionista friend or upgrade your own wardrobe. The storefront feels like stepping into a best friend’s living room, allowing you to browse for jeans while enjoying a cup of coffee.
Where: 905 Madison Ave
Give the gift of a New York City experience
If you prefer experiences over physical goods, treating a friend to a local event is a fantastic way to support the city’s arts and culture scene. Skip the standard gift card and treat someone to an intimate candlelight concert, a unique dining experience, or an interactive show. You will easily find an unforgettable experience for anyone on your radar.