Small Business Saturday is upon us, and like any true New Yorker, we have an empty tote bag at the ready for our shopping excursion.
We’ve scoped out the local businesses in NYC — some of our personal favorites — to help you figure out where to shop on November 30th.
Just like our city itself, our selections are diverse and aplenty. Whether you’re thinking scented candles for your roommate or a new bestseller for your favorite bibliophile, to kitchen essentials for Mom and stationary goods for your BFF, these mom and pop shops are brimming with great gifting ideas.
Trust us, once you scope out our go-to places to buy gifts for the holidays Santa might inquire about your availability.
1. Books Are Magic (Cobble Hill, Brooklyn)
The moment I stepped into Books Are Magic in 2017, I fell in love, and I’ve been returning practically weekly ever since. Not only is the store chock-full of great reads, but it has also become a vibrant part of the community thanks to a generous calendar of events. I’d personally be lost without it. It also doesn’t hurt that there are cutesy tchotchkes for bibliophiles that are the perfect accompaniment to bookshelves and closets: think tees, mugs, hats, pens, and totes.
2. Lockwood (Astoria, Queens)
If I’m being quite honest I try to avoid walking into Lockwood at all costs–strictly because every single time I do I’m tempted to drop my entire paycheck (and then some) on goodies. They sell everything from clothing and kitchenware to home decor and books, and I love how a majority of their treasures are NYC-themed. Plus, now makes for the perfect time to do some shopping as their shelves are filled with the cutest ornaments! It’s one of those places where you don’t walk in with a clear idea of what you’re going to buy, rather the store tells you.
3. The Locavore Variety Store (Greenwich Village, NY)
This shop owner has popped up on some of my late-night TikTok scrolls – and I love the whole mission behind her store, how she shares what it’s really like running a brick-and-mortar in NYC (monthly rent and all), and how she goes on special missions to find specific products for New Yorkers! Their motto says it all: “An emporium of local goods, all grown / baked / fabricated / assembled / crafted / concocted / sewn / stuffed / pickled within 100* miles of NYC.”
— Claire Leaden, Managing Editor, East Coast
4. Sweet Pickle Books (Lower East Side, NY)
I am an avid reader and passionate pickle lover. Thus, no place quite suits my shopping tastes more than Sweet Pickle Books in LES. This quirky second-hand bookshop lets you trade your old novels for a jar of pickles. I love coming here for a quick mid-week pick-me-up (Tuesdays and Wednesdays are their donation days) to swap out my well-loved books for their signature spicy pickles, knowing my stories I leave behind will be granted a new life. Plus, I’ll be sure to do some book perusing on my own to find my next read.
— Justine Golata, Senior Staff Writer
5. True Love Always (Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn)
This little gift shop in Windsor Terrace Brooklyn has all my favorite things. Candles from Boy Smells, towels from Dusen Dusen or BAGGU, the latest record I’m listening to on vinyl, and much more. Perfect to shop for family, friends, or yourself!
— Dan Shure, Video Producer (Events)
6. Painted Swan (Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn)
I don’t think I’ve ever walked out of this home decor gem in Carroll Gardens without finding something — adorable Moroccan mirrors for my gallery wall, vintage-styled photo frames to hold special moments, and of course, tumblers of the store’s signature candle, a sweet, invigorating fragrance that will make you feel right at home. If you’re looking for something cozy, you will absolutely find it here.
7. The Market NYC (Soho, NYC)
Why choose just one store or one vendor? This little market has a handful of vendors on 449 Broadway (between Broome and Grand). It’s easy to miss (I’ve walked by it a lot of times), so keep your eyes peeled for some stellar band shirts in the display window! It’s not overwhelming like other markets, but they definitely have a vintage vibe without being pretentious or too expensive! If you’re a haggler and do some serious shopping there, you could probably cut a deal or get a freebie thrown in.
— Liz Ramanand, SMN Sponsored Writer/Content Creator