Don’t let the warm weather fool you, the holiday season is in full swing and thousands of visitors are flocking to NYC to partake in the festivities. Many will be visiting the tree at Rockefellar Center or ice skating in Central Park and of course doing some serious shopping.  While the go-to standards like Macy’s, Saks and souvenir shops in Times Square are fun to peruse, I much prefer  shopping at unique boutiques where I’m guaranteed to find one-of-a-kind items. Below is an NYC holiday shopping guide to help you find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list!

  

 

GOOP MRKT

Photo source: goop.com

WHAT YOU’LL FIND:

Gweneth Paltrow’s site “Goop” has become a trusted resource for those seeking insider travel, dining and shopping tips. The online store, Goop Mrkt, offers many specialty gifts ranging from organic beauty products to home décor. Those traveling to New York for the holidays are in for a treat because for the first time ever, Goop has brought their online space to life with a pop-up store at Columbus Circle.  Browse this elegant space while sipping on matcha green tea lattes, which are served daily. Be sure to check their calendar for a list of fun in-store events such as beauty touch-ups and wreath making demos.

WHERE:

10 Columbus Circle

New York, NY 10023

(59th Street & 8th Avenue)

WHEN:

November 23rd – December 24^th

Mon-Sat 10am-9pm; Sunday 11am-7pm 

 

BRYANT PARK WINTER VILLAGE

Photo source: Fêtes de Noël

WHAT YOU’LL FIND:

Bryant Park should be on your list of places to go in New York year round, but the holidays are a particularly special time to visit.  Throughout the holiday season, the park is transformed into a winter wonderland with an outdoor skating rink, glittering trees and countless shops to explore.  The open air European style market houses over 125 boutiques selling a wide array of items. From fine jewelry, art and beauty products to home décor and apparel…it’s almost impossible to leave empty handed!

WHERE:

Midtown Manhattan between 40th and 42nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Avenues.

WHEN:

October 30, 2015 – January 3, 2016

Mon – Fri 11am – 8pm; Sat 10am – 9pm; Sun 10am – 6pm

  

 

HANDSOME DAN’S

  Photo source: handsomedansstand.com

WHAT YOU’LL FIND:

Channel your inner child and indulge in some tasty sweets that you’ll only find in New York. Handsome Dan’s began as a snow cone shack that snowballed into a brick and mortar store serving up a variety of yummy treats. Try a Rose~Cherry flavored snow cone or satiate your sweet tooth with a little something from the chocolate case. You’ll also find cotton candy and a variety of vintage sodas and candies. Everything here is delicious and a to-go bag makes the perfect stocking stuffer!

WHERE:

Williamsburg

218 Bedford

Brooklyn, NY 11249

(347) 889-6683

East Village

186 1st Avenue

New York, NY 10009

(917) 965-2499

WHEN:

Willamsburg

Sun – Thu 11:30am – 8:30pm; Fri – Sat 11:30am – 9:00pm

East Village

Sun – Wed 12:00pm – 11:00pm; Thu – Sat 12:00pm – 12:00am

 

 

PEARL RIVER

  Photo source: Pinterest

WHAT YOU’LL FIND:

Located near Chinatown on Broadway, this eclectic Chinese market is great if you’re looking for truly unique gifts. You’ll find beautiful stationary and porcelain tea sets to just about everything in between. With 2 floors of inventory, there’s surely something for everyone on your list!

WHERE:

477 Broadway

New York, NY 10013 NYC.

(between Broome & Grand)

(212) 431-4770

WHEN:

Daily 10 AM to 7:20 PM (including holidays)

 

BEACON’S CLOSET

 

 Photo source: beaconscloset.com

WHAT YOU’LL FIND:

If you’re interested in gifting some vintage accessories or just adding a special piece to your own wardrobe, Beacon’s Closet is your answer! This locally owned, female founded consignment retailer proudly promotes sustainable and ethical business practices, provides healthcare for all full time employees and partners with several charitable organizations…so it’s spending you can feel good about especially during the holiday season!

WHERE:

Park Slope

92 5th Ave

Brooklyn, NY 11217

(718) 230-1630

Greenpoint

74 Guernsey St

Brooklyn, NY 11222

(718) 486-0816

Bushwick

23 Bogart St

Brooklyn, NY 11237

(718) 417-5683

Manhattan

10 W 13th St

New York, NY 10011

(917) 261-4863

WHEN:

Daily 11am-8pm

As you can see, if you’re in the Big Apple for the holidays there are PLENTY of wonderful options to assist you in checking off your holiday shopping list.  If you manage to find time to actually explore the city, be sure to check out what to see and do in NYC for FREE here  and here! Happy shopping, happy holidays and as always…happy wending!

 

Where do you like to shop during the holidays? Share your comments below!

***A special thanks to my dear friends Drea Cofield & Rachael Eckles for their assistance with this post!