Shop Local: Our 2021 NYC Holiday Gift Guide

For the Perpetual Student: ClassBento

Should the person you’re gifting have everything, meet ClassBento, a workshop booking platform designed specifically for artisans who want to share their craft. They just launched with a highly-curated catalog of virtual and in-person experiences, from making a leather tote bag in Brooklyn to learning the ins and outs of street photography in the city. You’ll feel so good knowing you’re supporting the craftiest of New Yorkers and giving your loved ones an experience to remember.

Online: classbento; prices start at $30

For Kings County Gamers: Monopoly Brooklyn Edition

For those old-school gamers who can’t get enough Brooklyn love, this special edition of the board game classic dedicated to the borough is a no-brainer. Many of Brooklyn’s major sites and landmarks are represented, including Coney Island, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Green-wood Cemetery, numerous parks and even Junior’s Cheesecake! Buy it locally at locations including Wegmans, Awoke Vintage, Junior’s, Jewish Children’s Museum, Park Slope Toys, St. Mark’s Comics, Toys4u, Woods Grove, City Chemist, and more. 

Price: $39.99

For the Hard Core New Yorkers

Literie candles, the brainchild of Erica Werber, a born and raised New Yorker, evokes the (delicious) sounds and smells of New York City. From Hot Roasted Nut Cart to Bodega Coffee, your home will smell delish—and just like the city you love.

$35 each

Online: literiecandle.com

For a Personalized Wall Piece

Maps become beautiful pieces of artwork when created by Marquee Design Studio, the first and only place for hand-drawn and customizable map prints. Graphic designer and founder Marti Reiff was looking for unique yet meaningful artwork for her new apartment and when couldn’t find any she drew her own. She posted her map creations to social media and with that, her business was born. FYI: New York City maps are ready-to-order or you can pick a custom location of your choice that means a lot to you and yours.

Prices start at $57

Online: Marquee Design Studio

For Aspiring Artists

With the NYC Adventure Painting Kit from Uncommon Goods, you can choose from 18 prints of hand-sketched scenes of the Big Apple’s most famous landmarks and streets ready to be rendered in your choice of colors. Everything else you need is included too, like watercolor pebble paints, a sponge, brushes, and more—all you need to contribute is a little bit of water for the eyedropper. Happily, these kits are made in New York, too!

$45

Online: Uncommon Goods

For the New, New York Parents

Dopple, a chic clothing subscription service for kids newborn to age 14 based in NYC, has introduced Dopple Gift Drops for effortless and elegant gifting. These gift sets can be customized according to the recipient’s style and your budget (from $60 up to $750). Choose from The Luxury Lover, The Boho Babe, The Preppy Parent and The Hypebeast. Gift sets are available for girls, boys and unisex with pieces from brands such as Bonpoint, Dôen, Petit Bateau, Stella McCartney Kids, Rylee + Cru, Monica & Andy, Chloé. 

$60 and up

Online: thedopple.com

For Gourmet Grub

The founders of Kadoo, based in Forest Hills, know a thing or two about creating memorable gift boxes. Our favorite: The Gourmet Pancake Gift ($85), which features buttermilk pancake and waffle mix, raspberry jam and maple syrup, sourced from Finding Home Farms in Middletown, New York. Note: All Kadoo boxes are wrapped in reusable materials a la the Furoshiki art of sustainable gift wrapping. 

$85

Online: kadoonyc.com

For a Superior Sauce

If you love Sunday sauce but don’t want to take the time to make it, skip that step and order a gift box of four Carbone sauces, including marinara, arrabbiata, tomato basil and roasted garlic. Developed by Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi—chefs and co-founders of the NYC-based restaurant group Major Food Group—Carbone’s sauces are crafted in small batches using premium ingredients to create a Carbone at-home experience for you!

$40

Online: carbonefinefood.com

To Shop Local for Locally Inspired Gifts

At Lockwood, a boutique with three locations in Queens and one in Brooklyn, fun local treasures await—right down the block. Local favorites include an NYC Pizza Slice mug ($18) and a New York Forever pillow ($42) designed by the shop. (It’s a kid’s room favorite!) 

Online: lockwoodshop.com

For Lovers of NYC’s Unofficial Bird

Love them? Love to hate them? Regardless, New York wouldn’t be New York without these omnipresent feathered friends. The Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching: Getting to Know the World’s Most Misunderstood Bird, written by renowned bird lover Rosemary Mosco, is a funny and fascinating look at the bird. 

$15

Online: bookshop.org

For a Foodie Deck That Does Good

The limited-edition Gourmand 52 deck, a new initiative being supported by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, aims to support ROAR (Restaurants Organizing, Advocating & Rebuilding) and the New York restaurant industry. Designed by three University of Pennsylvania students, the decks feature original, hand-drawn illustrations of New York City’s most iconic restaurant dishes, including Joe’s Pizza, Estela and Gramercy Tavern with 15% of proceeds directly benefiting ROAR. We think this may just be this year’s most perfect holiday stocking stuffers for foodies.

$27

Online: gourmandcommunity.com

For the Puzzle Master

New York magazine has issued a spiral-bound collection of 50 recently published crosswords from master puzzle creator Cathy Allis. The collection also features a puzzle created by beloved American composer Stephen Sondheim, who was actually the magazine’s puzzle writer for its first issue in 1968. 

$14

Online: amazon.com

For a Stylish & Small Diaper “Bag”

Fanny backs are so…back, especially when they come with a built-in waterproof pocket that holds wipes and a built-in detachable changing pad. Kibou, a New York City-based company, which is short for ‘Keep it By You’ donates 1% of every sale to mothers and children affected by incarceration via Hour Children. PS-These can be worn as a fanny pack or crossbody if you prefer.

$89 (vegan leather); $79 (nylon canvas)

Online: kiboubag

For Sweet Treats & Recipes From a Chic Spot

NYC cafe and bakery Maman is known for its delicious baked goods and effortlessly-chic atmosphere. This Cookies & Cookbook Box contains six of Maman’s famous Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookies, alongside the brand new cookbook, Maman: The Cookbook, All Day Recipes to Warm Your Heart.  Owners Elisa Marshall and Benjamin Sormonte share the recipes of some of Maman’s best-selling baked goods and dishes alongside some brand new ones, and even give you tips on how to bring that Maman flair to your entertaining and decor. 

$70

Online: mamannyc.com