Deck the halls with Bimble in NYC
by Perrie Hartz
Hot on the heels of our London Christmas Gift Guide, it’s New York City’s turn as writer and NYC local Perrie Hartz shares her top picks for Bimbleworthy businesses to enjoy the festive season at and to get your gifting on! Inspired by our London picks, Perrie’s whipped up a list of places that are not only ideal gift stops but also a whole lotta fun. If you’ve yet to make plans this weekend, use Perrie’s guide to get in your holiday shopping and also explore some of the city’s most charming neighborhoods this festive season. Who said holiday shopping can’t be fun? Incoming the Bimbleworthy Christmas Gift Guide New York City edition!
There is no denying that there is something truly magical about New York City during the holiday season. Bustling streets shine brighter with twinkling lights, store windows glow with extravagant decorations and festive displays, parks transform into ice skating rinks and quaint Christmas villages, and the awe-inducing Rockefeller Center tree sparkles in all its 80-foot, tinseled glory. But for a lot of New Yorkers, ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ can also be the most stressful…especially for those who still need to scratch some names off their holiday shopping list. After last year’s predominantly virtual holiday season, people are now feeling the urge to venture out to the shops again and enjoy that brisk winter air. This is great news for New York’s small and independent businesses, many of which have been struggling to stay afloat throughout the ongoing pandemic. Now is the perfect time to explore them, and perhaps take the opportunity to discover some hidden gems you didn’t even know about. So if you’ve been procrastinating that shopping list, check out these incredibly cool, mostly off-the-beaten-path NYC spots — all indie-owned — that offer some great gifting options as well as a genuinely enjoyable shopping experience.
For the bibliophile in your life, stop by one of the coolest neighborhood spots in Tribeca — The Mysterious Book Shop. This very much off-the-beaten-path indie bookstore and publisher specializes in all things Mystery, Thriller and Crime. While you’re here, you may want to pick up something for yourself too, because is there anything better than curling up next to the fireplace and reading a great mystery novel by the light of the Christmas tree?
In the same area is a chic little neighborhood shop called Stella Tribeca. This indie-owned hidden gem sells luxe linens, bedding, fragrances, home decor, and bath accessories, as well as a large selection of exquisite textiles. Here you can pick up gifts like sleek vases, sweet room accents, and other unique pieces from around the world that are all eco-friendly and ethically-sourced.
If you’re looking for the perfect hostess gift to bring to all of those holiday parties you’ve got marked on your calendar, the adorable Bedford Cheese Shop in Gramercy Park has got you covered, offering beautifully-curated charcuterie boards, cheese platters, and specialty grocery items. After you’ve procured your cheese of choice, take the short stroll up to Gramercy Park to see the stunning Christmas decorations (pictured above).
For all your sweet-toothed friends and family, head across the bridge to Brooklyn and check out Raaka Chocolate or Four and Twenty Blackbirds pie shop. Indie-owned Raaka — a spacious Red Hook chocolate factory — is committed to green practices and Fair Trade, and it makes some of the most delicious and uniquely flavored chocolate bars around. (Lapsang chai, cabernet sauvignon or cask-aged bourbon are to-die-for) While the factory is currently closed to visitors, the pop-up certainly makes for a delightful alternative, given its proximity to the one and only Rockefeller Christmas tree.
Where Raaka knows its chocolate, Four and Twenty Blackbirds certainly knows its pie. This indie- and family-owned/female-run bakery in Gowanus (as well as it’s pie counter in Prospect Heights) has garnered a bit of a cult following in the past few years. Take one bite of their famous salty honey pie, and you’ll see why. If you’re looking to buy any seasonal pies for Christmas dinner, make sure to place your order ahead of time.
Also in Brooklyn is the delightfully weird indie record store/antique shop/cafe hybrid Black Gold Records, located in a cozy storefront in leafy Carrol Gardens. Don’t let the dusty taxidermy and funky retro decor fool you, this cool, under-the-radar spot has a great selection of records and vinyls, as well as a variety of quirky antiques. Not to mention, some of the best pour-over and cold brew coffee around, as well as freshly made baked goods. Pick out a few vinyls for your music-loving friends and then slide into the seat at the window and enjoy a cup of coffee and a delicious seasonal scone.
While bouncing around the city from store to store is a fun way to explore new spots (and get quite a few steps in while you’re at it), sometimes all you really want is a one-stop-shop for everyone on your gift list. That is where NYC’s famous holiday markets come in handy. While the stalls in Union Square and Columbus Circle are great, the Bryant Park Winter Village has a little bit of extra holiday cheer this year. Not only is Bryant Park once again home to NYC’s only free ice skating rink, but the 2021 holiday market here has over 170 independent vendors, and this year’s Small Business Spotlight features four New York City minority-owned small businesses who get to showcase and sell their products in rent-free booths. It’s a great chance to support NYC’s local community while also scratching some names off your shopping list — just don’t forget to enjoy yourself as well! So grab a mug of hot chocolate or a yummy festive cocktail, and maybe even take a spin around the ice. After all, the holiday season is upon us in New York City, and there’s truly nothing quite like it.
Check out these spots and more great indie shops for gifting this year on my Bimble list.
If you have a story you’d like to share about a great little place or other bimbling experiences, get in touch with us at hello@bimble.com
