The holiday season is officially here! Whether you’re looking to do some last-minute shopping, or you want to explore the best goods from local artists within the five boroughs, there’s plenty to put on your list!
As the holidays get closer, many local boutiques and stores have extended hours and rushed shipping options to help you check everyone off your list, plus you’ll be able to support the amazing businesses that make the city what it is. Here are just a few of our favorite local spots to help you finish off your shopping list this year! (And be sure to stop by our favorite holiday markets around the city for even more local offerings.)
1. NiLu’s Gift Boutique, Harlem
This lovely Black-owned lifestyle shop in Harlem features a variety of curated candles, books, art prints, and homemade goods from local makers… inspired by the owners’ global travels and a lifestyle of raising a family in Harlem! Holiday hours are from 11 am – 7 pm pm daily, and also if you order by December 15 you can ensure it’s delivery for the holidays. Shop online here.
Where: 191 Malcolm X Blvd
2. MoMA Design Store, SoHo
Rep some of the best icons in NYC this holiday! Don’t sleep on this exclusive MoMA Yankees hat you can only get at MoMA Design Store. Pick up a basketball inspired by Brooklyn’s own Jean-Michel Basquiat and his art. For the little (or big) architect in your life give them a vibrant model of the NYC skyline!
Check out all of these New York centric gifts plus other MoMA Design Store exclusive items. Snag a discount from Dec. 13-22 when you mention or use the code SecretNYC* at checkout at the Soho store at 81 Spring Street or online!
*Use or mention promo code SecretNYC online and at US MoMA Design Stores for 10% off your purchase, now through Friday, December 22. Cannot be combined with other offers, used on gift cards or memberships. Product restrictions may apply. Valid from 12/13-12/22/23.
Where: 81 Spring St A
3. The Brass Owl, Astoria
Visit this adorable boutique in Astoria, Queens — where you can find something for everyone! No matter if you’re looking for the plant lover, the disco queen, or the animal lover, their cute gifts are so unique! They also have so much Astoria-themed clothes, accessories, and unique gifts (made by local Queens artisans) too! Their hours are 11 am – 8 pm and you can shop their holiday curated gift guide here.
Where: 36-19 Ditmars Blvd, Queens
4. Yoseka Stationery, Greenpoint
This stationery shop in Greenpoint, Brooklyn sells amazing stationary, notebooks, stickers, stamps, and probably the biggest assortment of pens you have seen! From adorable office accessories to practical planners, you’re bound to find something unique for everyone on your list. Visit the store anytime 1 pm – 7 pm Wednesday – Sunday, or browse their 2023 gift guide here.
Where: 63 West St, Brooklyn
5. Lockwood, Multiple Locations
This home goods store in NYC has locations in Astoria & Jackson Heights, Queens, plus Greenpoint, Brooklyn! You’ll find everything from cozy scarves, a covetable collection of puzzles and candles, apothecary products, cookbooks, 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 best dishware gifts…and if you think that sounds boring, it’s definitely NOT. Get bowls, mugs and plates with beautiful graphics — from NYC scenes to quirky prints to hilarious one-liners. It’s open Mondays 10-6, Tuesday -Saturday 10-8, and Sundays 11-7…plus special Christmas Eve hours of 9-4. Check out their products here.
Where: 889 Broadway at 19th St
7. Fountain Bookshop, Washington Heights
NYC’s latest independent bookshop not only offers a wide variety of books in various genres, but the newly-opened establishment also serves as an ice cream shop. While you browse for your latest read, have a scoop of something delicious from Jane’s Creamery, sip hot chocolate, or indulge in a root beer float. We can’t think of a better combination than sweets and good reads, can you?
Where: 803 West 187th St
8. Sullivan Street Tea & Spice Co., Greenwich Village
Choose from hundreds of organic teas, herbs, spices & more from this Greenwich Village spot, plus handmade gift sets that are made with sustainable materials. Order online and then pick up everything curbside. Open daily 11 am – 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, NYC-focused novelties, and so much more. Whether you’re shopping for last minute items or looking for something you will not find anywhere else in the city, Exit9 probably has it. Our favorite items are the curated gift boxes that are packages full of different presents based on interest (ex: New York Booze Box and Spicy Box).
Where:
51 Avenue A (Manhattan)
127 Smith St (Brooklyn)
10. Artists & Fleas, Williamsburg & Chelsea
These two flea markets are as local as it gets! Shop directly with the small business owners themselves as you walk around the different vendors in search of your holiday gifts. You’ll find everything here too. Vintage clothing, jewelery, records, art, you name it. Artists & Fleas is one of the best places to sniff out independent retailers and find one-of-a-kind goods. The Chelsea Market location is open daily and the Williamsburg location 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 home and lifestyle goods store curates items from all over the world in their LES shop. From Japanese clocks to hand painted jars, you’ll find just about anything you want for your home. Prices are pretty affordable and their inventory is constantly rotating to ensure freshness.
Where: 37 Orchard St
12. Friends, Bushwick
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This cute urban shop in Bushwick sells gently used & vintage women’s clothing, shoes & accessories, unique gifts, and a whole lot more! Their gifts are always lighthearted and fun, and come from all over the world (including brands like Brooklyn Candle Studio, Anecdote Candles, Field Trip, and Only Hearts here in NYC). It’s impossible not to walk out of here with something special.
Where: 56 Bogart St, Brooklyn
13. Lil Sweet Treat
The West Village’s adorable, viral candy shop serves up sweets from across the globe, specializing in gummies, chocolates, and other confections. Owner Elly Ross has a simple mantra for sourcing her candies: “What is something that you don’t really see often, but is delicious at the same time?” Don’t forget to visit her holiday pop-up at Rockefeller Center!
Where: 184 7th Ave South or at 30 Rockefeller Plaza
14. True Love Always, Windsor Terrace
True Love Always owners Damian and Sarah “try to offer something that’s unique and close to the maker…stuff [that] is Brooklyn made!” This unique gift shop in Brooklyn is geared toward those with a taste of sentimental value, with all kinds of home decor, apothecary, apparel, holiday gifts, and more! Their mix of local artists with classic tried-and-true American brands like Filson and Pendleton make for an awesome shopping experience. Check out their products here.
Where: 191 Windsor Pl, Brooklyn
15. Still Here, Upper East Side
Buzzy NY-based denim brand Still Here just opened their brand new store on the Upper East Side, and it’s the perfect place to grab your last minute gifts for a fashionista friend! The storefront feels like you’re stepping into your best friend’s living room…all while you can browse for jeans and enjoy a cup of coffee! Stop by their new location or shop online here.
Where: 905 Madison Ave
What’s more, whether you’re undecided or are looking for a hassle-free, last-minute gift, these experiences in NYC just do the trick. They’re not your typical gift cards as they’re tailored to the individuals interests. Ranging from intimate concerts to dining experiences and interactive shows, you’ll find something for everyone on your list.