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As we head into the last weekend before Santa makes his masked and socially distanced midnight ride, it’s time to make sure everyone on your list is taken care of. Here are some of my favorite NYC gifts to give and receive.
Gem Spa Tote Bag
Gem Spa streetwear
The legendary Lower East Side newsstand and purveyor of the world’s best egg creams may not be with us in the physical realm anymore, but they live on in their collection of hoodies, tee shirts, joggers, hats, totes, and of course, face masks! Give the gift of rock and roll and literary New York history. Gemspanyc.com
Fire Escapes of New York
Tenement Museum Fire Escape ornament
The Tenement Museum tells the story of the immigrant communities that came to our shores looking for a better life and helped create the New York City we all know and love today. While the museum is closed due to COVID, you can still sign up for a walking tour of the Lower East Side, or shop in what I consider to be the greatest New York gift shop in all of the five boroughs. Their newest ornament pays homage to that classic feature of New York life, the fire escape. Tenement.org
Hudson Whiskey NY Bright Lights Big Bourbon
Cheers!
Hudson Whiskey is New York attitude, distilled. These fine spirits are handcrafted in Gardiner, New York, using grain from local, family farms. My personal favorite is Short Stack, a full-bodied New York Rye finished in maple syrup barrels. For stockists: hudsonwhiskey.com
Zen Holiday
TribeTokes CBD Gummies
Embrace the CBD lifestyle with TribeTokes, a woman-owned business located right here in the Meatpacking District, NYC. They have everything from tinctures and beauty products (try the green, superfood mask!), to vape pens. And the gummies, with 15mg of CBD each, make the perfect stocking stuffers. tribetokes.com
CW Pencils Charm
Write Stuff
It’s no secret that I am obsessed with pencils so when I discovered CW Pencil Enterprise on Orchard Street, naturally I became a regular customer. Their website is packed with great gift ideas, but I particularly love this little 14k gold pencil charm, designed by Cass Lilien, an NYC-based jewelry designer. Perfect for the creative people in your life. cwpencils.com
Russ & Daughters
Appetizing
Russ & Daughters is a 106-year-old appetizing shop that is part of the rich culinary history of the New York Jewish community. It is also the BEST place to buy smoked salmon, pickled herring, whitefish, as well as bagels, bialys, halvah, dried fruits, and more. Create your own spread to nosh on, or have the team put together a stellar platter or gift box for the ultimate in NYC gifts. shop.russanddaughters.com
John Derian Puzzle
Splendid Decor
John Derian is known for his decoupage work, which appears on everything from plates to coasters, and it’s all produced right here in NYC. But his East Village shop is also filled with all kinds of sweet and cheerful items, including Steiff animals, ornaments, home décor, textiles, art, and vintage and antique finds. These jigsaw puzzles are perfect for stay-at-home days. This one is a 19th century print of the Manhattan island. johnderian.com
Arielle Medea Coat
Fashionista
Texas-born Arielle launched her eponymous brand in 2018, after over 10 years in the fashion industry. The fully sustainable label is committed to zero-waste, ethical sourcing, and elegant, lasting style. The Medea Coat is made from vegetarian shearling using Responsible Wool Standard American merino wool backed with Repreve®, made from recycled water bottles. Oversized lapels and welt pockets highlight a clean, straight cut with open front. Fully lined in organic cotton. Made in NYC. shop.arielle.com
Bee Raw Butch Wax
Busy Bee
Bee Raw champions American family-run farms and apiaries and produces a collection of honey-based goods packaged in post-consumer paper, glass, and metal. Butchwax is a moisturizing balm that softens skin, made from beeswax, jojoba, rosemary, peppermint, and tea tree oils, and made right here in Industry City, Brooklyn, NYC. Beeraw.com
Give Give Give
The season of giving is also a great time to remember our neighbors in need, especially during this pandemic. Some of my favorite organizations with local roots are: Lower East Side Girls Club, Project Renewal, Girl Be Heard, Bowery Mission, DIFFA