New York City is one of the greatest shopping meccas in the world. Though the consumer-filled metropolis is synoymous with high brow department stores and the globe’s best designers, it is also known for its mix of specialized boutiques. I’ve narrowed down a few of my favorite boutiques and shops in the Big Apple, with gift ideas that will surely send a smile to your lucky gift recipient this holiday season.
Known for unusual concoctions of flavors, the Momofuku empire is now selling its cookies and pies online from its Milk Bar. Favorite gift items include: the compost cookies, $10 for six; and the Franken pie, $44. If you happen to be in New York, it’s worth a shot to wait in line at one of the restaurants to refuel. Or you could take a shot at making the compost cookie on your own, via Epicurious.
Great for: the foodie; the sweet tooth; your mom.
Mxyplyzyk -pronounced “Mix-ee-pliz-ik- refers to an old Superman comic book character. Far from a comic book store, Mxyplyzyk carries an eclectic array of affordable design items. Favorite gift items include: the music branch, $9.95; table topics ( a box of conversation topics), $29.95; and the “lucky beggar purse,” inspired by the “we are happy to serve you” cup, where a portion of proceeds assist the homeless (courtesy of HELP USA).
Great for: a retail fix for the Etsy addict; that quirky gift for your bestie.
FAO Schwarz I feel like FAO Shwartz is the one of the great symbols of New York during the holiday season. The store, which was acquired by Toys R Us in 2009, still maintains its iconic location on 5th and 58th Streets in Manhattan. There is always a display, including the Grand Hall, including 20,000 computer controlled colored lights; life size Lego re-incarnations of favorite movie characters like Chewbacca from Star Wars ; and the classic dance-on piano featured in the movie Big.
Favorite gift items include: the build your own muppet workshop; the Barbie shaving Ken Doll -complete with five o’clock shadow, $16.99; and the eco-friendly classic wooden balance bike, $79.99.
Great for: the kids; the kid at heart; the lego freak.
Flight 001 -pronounced “Flight One”-takes its’ inspiration from the glamour of retro airlines of past, like Pan-Am, yet recognizes the need for orgainzation and safety for the modern traveler. Favorite gift items include: Grid-It to organize your technological gadgets, $22; lucha libre luggage tags, $12; the infamous spacepak compartment series, various prices, and chic passport wallets like this “Palermo” design, $18.
Great for: the stylish jet setter; the one who always checks his or her luggage.
Clic is a space for renowned and emerging photographers. Housing limited edition prints, you may find a piece that will answer the question of what to hang on your walls. That said, if you can’t afford the photograph, you can buy the book, browse the gallery for inspiration and maybe even meet the photojournalists -including Patrick Demarchelier or Tony Caramanico – at a book signing (which happens here often). The store has three locations in New York.
Great for: the Sartorialist fan; the photographer; the art and decor enthusiast.
This is the kill-two-birds with one-stone shop. You get to peruse the collections and finish off the sightseeing with shopping for some really unique and artistic items. Favorite gift items include: laptop cool feet to cool your laptop., $14.95; Clocky Alarm Clock, the alarm clock that you have to chase, $48; and the sky umbrella, $48.
Great for: anyone on your gift list. MOMA’s website has sections for various giftees and pricepoints.
This 25 year old vintage dish store, named after a hamlet in Upstate New York, is ground zero for commercial quality dish and glassware without the hefty price tag. Favorite gift items include: the pocket change tray, $7.95; polka dot glasses , $24.95 for a set of four; and the a la carte cutlery at $1 a piece. IKEA doesn’t even sell a la carte cutlery!
Great for: the kitchen enthusiast; the hostess with the mostess; the student.
Based in Brooklyn, The Blue Ribbon General Store is the creme de la creme of everything you need to plan a Christmas party or get last minute gifts for your family and friends.
Favorite gift items include: tiny tarot cards, $6.50; , an eco-humidifier,$48; mother/baby bath duck toy, $13.95; humunga-stache fetch toy for your pooch, $14, and the Eiffel Tower grater, $25.95.
Great for: the domestic goddess; the party planner; the fun hipster.
Though there are 36 different locations in the United States, Kate Spade’s first shop, opened in New York’s Soho in 1996. It is the quintessential landmark for gifts of sophisticated style (some of which you can find under $100). Favorite items include: taxi mittens, $65; iphone 3G hard cover case, $40; and the “Cheers” necklace, $75.
Great for: the Audrey Hepburn wanna-be; your chic aunt; your sister.