Are you a New Yorker shopping around for holiday presents? Consider shopping local and uncover unique gifts in the city that never sleeps from these local boutiques and businesses.
For the pup: Dog & Co.
Why you should support this business: Dog & Co.’s array of quirky and adorable toys will fulfill every dog’s dream (and their accessories will fulfill every pet lover’s dream, too). Plus, they partner with animal rescue and welfare groups!
Potential gifts: Tiny Holiday Gnome Squeaky Dog Toy, Wubby Quarter-Zip Dog Fleece in Buffalo Plaid, Naughty Custom Dog ID Tag
Check out Dog & Co.’s website here.
For the fashionista: Nude Barre
Why you should support this business: They create high-quality tights for every shade of skin! Their inclusivity is a win.
Potential gifts: Their best-selling footed opaque tights, fishnet tights, camisole tops
Check out Nude Barre’s website here.
For the sentimental friend: Storykeep
Why you should support this business: We can’t think of a more special way to record the history of your family than by having a talented group of storytellers produce a film (or a podcast) for posterity.
Potential gifts: The One Golden Hour personal video message, a private podcast, or a life story film
Check out Storykeep’s website here.
For the historian: Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts
Why you should support this business: This incredible museum is committed to amplifying Black voices and telling the story of Africa and its diaspora through different mediums.
Potential gifts: A yearly membership or a trip to the museum if you’re itching to gift an experience instead of a material object, The 1619 Project (hard copy), Black Lives Matter ring
Check out the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts’ website here.
For the socially aware yet irreverent friend: Get Bullish
Why you should support this business: Besides creating apparel at the intersection of “feminist” and “funny,” this small retail business is 100% woman-owned and operated.
Potential gifts: Ladies Fight Club Enamel Pin, Plant Lady But Also Cat Lady Long-Sleeved Tee, Emotional Baggage Canvas Tote Bag
Check out Get Bullish’s website here.
For the worldly shopper: Chop Suey Club
Why you should support this business: Chop Suey Club has a curated collection of designs and art that connect people to contemporary Chinese culture.
Potential gifts: Five Metal Shop Calendar 2024, Mahjong Rubiks Cube, Guiguzi Bowl
Check out Chop Suey’s website here.
For the old soul: East Village Hats
Why you should support this business: These 100% handmade vintage-inspired hats scream elegance. If you’ve got extra money for gifts this year for a worthy friend, check them out.
Potential gifts: Miniature Boater in Black Sinamay, The Claude Fedora in Natural Fine Sisal
Check out East Village Hats’ website here.
For the green thumb: Plant Corner
Why you should support this business: Their rare plants are a great way to get through the New York City winter.
Potential gifts: Jewel Orchid, Maranta Red, Calathea Lancifolia
Check out Plant Corner’s website here.
For the athlete: Spiked Spin
Why you should support this business: Founder and CEO Briana Thompson started Spiked Spin with the goal of creating a safe space for Black women and their allies to work out.
Potential gifts: The Spiked Shorts, The Wellness Cropped Sweatshirt, Monthly Memberships
Check out Spiked Spin’s website here.
For the little kid: Grandma’s Place in Harlem
Why you should support this business: Grandma Dawn, the owner of the shop, has curated a heartwarming store that will both entertain and educate the kids. The store sells baby dolls in all colors as well as age-appropriate books teaching kids on everything from consent to Malcolm X.
Potential gifts: Lil’ Hugs 12″ Baby’s First Doll, 28 Days: Moments in Black History That Changed the World
Check out Grandma’s Place in Harlem’s website here.
For the musically inclined family: Blue Balloon Songwriting School
Why you should support this business: They nourish students of all ages — from the age of 3 to adults — to tap into their musical side with indoor, outdoor, and virtual songwriting and instrument lessons.
Potential gifts: A personalized ukulele, private in-home and virtual art classes, songwriting lessons by age group
