NEW YORK CITY GIFT GUIDE 🚖✨

There are countless other coffee shops (ahhh, Urban Backyard), scoop shops (ahem, OddFellows and Davey's Ice Cream), and NYC-based businesses that I wasn't able to squeeze into this tiny collage… like Popup Florist for flowers and Susan Alexandra for cool '90s-esque beaded bags, among many others.

📍 NEW YORK OR NOWHERE

Like any other NYC lover, I am most definitely missing my favorite city. Of course, my heart aches to be back but under the current circumstances, spending time apart is for the best. But make no mistake, New York is not dead. Far from it. This crazy/thrilling/serendipitous city will emerge on the other side of this pandemic stronger than ever. I long for the day (cue *happy dance*) when we're reunited once again.  

While the holidays may look a bit different this year, thankfully you can still support all your favorite NYC businesses from afar. Think: your favorite neighborhood coffee shop that feels like "home," that really cool stationery or indie bookshop in the East Village, your go-to spot for an everything bagel or black & white cookie, the list goes on… 

While I won't be venturing to NYC for all my beloved holiday traditions, I have compiled a holiday gift guide featuring a mix of small and local businesses (and one very talented illustrator!) that I'm sending all my love to.

one. // The Met Button Souvenir Charm (at Catbird)

Catbird, a jewelry studio and storefront where you can pick up the prettiest finger jewels and unique trinkets, has the perfect charm for the art lover in your life. Behold, a heartfelt 14k yellow gold pendant modeled after the Met's now retired metal admission button (aka, the best souvenir to take home from your stint in the Big Apple). It comes on a red cord, but it can also be slipped onto a chain for a look that's distinctly your own.  

two. // Demylee X CWPE 2020 Limited Edition Cashmere Sweater (at CW Pencil Enterprise)

What's crazy-soft and guaranteed to make random passersby smile? I'll wait. CW has once again teamed up with Demylee New York to design a limited edition cashmere "No. 2" pencil sweater. Between the classic crew-neck style and the embroidery at the chest, this collab is one for the books. (This one's a bit of a splurge $$$, so I'll definitely just be admiring it for now. 😅) 

three. // Shop Things Sticker Pack (at CW Pencil Enterprise)

Eep! The most magical pencil store on Orchard Street has a "Shop Things Sticker Pack" and I for one am obsessed. With walls lined with pencils (!) and, at one point, a hidden sticker room (!!!), CW Pencil Enterprise is a true NYC gem. Featuring a set of eight illustrated stickers, you may recognize shop staples like a yellow Eames chair, a test book (for customer's scribbles), and their iconic yellow shopping bag (think: pre-plastic bag ban). 

four. // The NYC Tee in Crème (at Industry Standard)

Designed in New York, made in Los Angeles, this female-founded and owned direct-to-consumer brand has been one of my favorites since they first launched back in 2014. Pair this heart embroidered NYC Tee (made from organic cotton) with a pair of the label's high-waisted jeans👖 for an effortless uniform.   

five. // Cass Lilien Pencil Charm (at CW Pencil Enterprise)

For the pencil devotee on your list who already has everything, this heirloom-inspired charm by Lower East Side-based jewelry designer, Cass Lilien, is the bee's knees. Choose between solid sterling silver or 14ct gold. It looks cute dangling from a navy bow and even cuter attached to a charm bracelet or necklace.  

six. // Deli Coffee Ornament (at Catbird)

Strictly for the coffee snob who takes their coffee black and only in a blue deli or bodega paper cup. This plush felt ornament would look marvelous on any holiday tree. Fun Fact: The iconic 1963 design by Leslie Buck was created in a Grecian style and features an amphora (or ancient container).  

seven. // NYC Taxi Ornament (at Catbird)

Catbird says it best, "This year, let New York come to you. Next year, fingers crossed, please please please come to New York." This keepsake glass ornament will have you dreaming up your next NYC adventure. First stop? Catbird's Bedford Ave. shop. 😉

eight. // Black & White Gift Box (at William Greenberg)

I may be a tad biased, but no one does a black & white cookie like William Greenberg. (And yes, I have sampled other bakeries so don't @ me). I have the very best memories of popping by their counter in the Plaza food court or their UES location to pick up one of their giant cake-like B&W cookies coated in dark chocolate and vanilla icing.  

nine. // Venus Tong NYC Christmas Postcards, Set of 10 (at Etsy)

I recently stumbled across Venus Tong on Instagram and her NYC illustrations + quotes are such a delight. I've featured one of her New York Xmas Postcards above, but her prints of well-known NYC spots (everything from Vesuvio Bakery to Freemans Alley) are just as magical.✨ 

ten. // Taxi Cab Tote Bag (at Levain Bakery)

Can't travel to NYC? Get Santa to bring the magic of Levain Bakery to YOU. First order of business: Add a box of Levain's signature cookie assortment to your cart (no explanation needed here). Next, be sure to snag one of their adorable taxi cab (or bicycle!) totes—perfect for schlepping your cookie love around town. 🍪  

eleven. // Maman Ceramic To-Go Cup (at Maman)

Oh, how I wish I could teleport to Maman's “Miracle on Centre St” Cookie Pop-Up. If you've ever stepped foot in one of Maman's French-inspired cafés, then you know it's a pretty special place. The rustic décor and cozy, hygge atmosphere—not to mention their nutty chocolate chip cookies—are reason enough to linger a bit. {Keep your hands toasty this winter with a ceramic to-go cup featuring Maman's signature floral design.}