I’m a last-minute shopper. Every year before Christmas, I promise to make lists, check them twice, and purchase everything while I still feel nice. Unfortunately, life is busy, and I often scramble at the last minute to find the perfect gifts for family and friends. I avoid Amazon when I can. Luckily, there are so many quirky, unique, and filled with character little gift boutique shops that it’s easy to do. I’m only listing a few of my favorites in Brooklyn since that’s my borough. A Google search will bring up hundreds; if you can, you should do a boutique day. I guarantee you will have more fun than at Target. The following Brooklyn Gift Shops are all tried and true in my book.
Georgie’s Five & Dime
@ georgies_bk
557 Rogers Ave Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Brooklyn
Georgie’s is “a general store offering sustainable essentials, imaginative toys, gifts for friends, family, baby (two-legged or four) and yourself.” I stumbled upon this place by accident while walking to my podiatrist once. The doctor’s visit wasn’t particularly memorable, but Georgie’s was. The colorful sign was located on busy Flatbush and drew me into the hidden world. The owner greeted me, was very kind, and is involved in the Lefferts Garden community.
The shop offers a wide array of everything you could want. You can get a fold-able BBQ Grill, badass, snarky cards, reusable cotton pads, and something for your cat. There’s a large focus on sustainable goods, and the shop offers a wide range of items like toothpaste tablets, shampoos and conditioner bars, and even a mini fruit and veggie grower. George’s also has a delivery option if you are stuck at work or home.
EXIT 9 Gift Emporium
@shopexit9
127 Smith St Boerum Hill, Brooklyn
Exit 9 is a”comfy, long-standing offshoot of Brooklyn store offering an eclectic selection of gifts & novelties.” This is another gift emporium I accidentally found, but this time during a rain storm. I was out with a friend at a bookstore. We weren’t ready to go home yet, but the bookstore was closing for an event. It was pouring, so parks were out of the option. Luckily we found this adorable boutique that had us giggling and gushing over everything in it. They’ve got sassy hoodies and t-shirts, many of which are crafted in NYC. If buying gifts crafted in the city is important to you, many gifts are made here. There is also an assortment of jams and spreads for the cultivated pallet.
One of my favorite aspects is the curated gift boxes. Not just for the holidays, Exit 9 offers a gift box for any situation or person. Do you need a book for someone in a new home or who loves feminism? They have you covered. Need a boozy box or a spicy box? Look no further. There is also a great collection of games and toys for children and adults alike. My personal favorite is the little gnomes in mushroom cars. I’m five.
Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store
@anniesblueriddongeneralstore
232 5th Ave Park Slope/Gowanus, Brooklyn
Annie’s is a “modern gift shop showcasing quirky knickknacks, toys, pet items, housewares & decor.”
I’ve never walked out of this store empty-handed. It’s that good. I saw online they have a Cholula hot sauce ornament, and I am considering buying it. (Let’s be real. It is only a matter of days before it graces my Christmas wreath). If that’s not your speed, maybe a disco ball hanging plant or a make-your-own candle kit. If you are one of the people who somehow have a wood fire and need to carry logs, they have a bag for that too. Beyond that, Annie’s has stickers, knickknacks, sassy slogan bags, and games. I hope that past general stores were half as cool as Annie’s.
Franklin’s Makers
@franklinsmakers
708 Franklin Ave Crown Heights, Brooklyn
This little gem is very close to where I live. It is incredible. Everything inside is made by Brooklyn Artisans, many of them living nearby. You often run into the artists at the shop as many volunteers run it. This is less of a cute gift store and more an elegant, one-of-a-kind, art store. They have handmade hats, gloves, and clothing. An array of paintings, artwork, and beautiful, lovingly handcrafted items. You are sure to find something here for that particular person. I’ve stopped here multiple times on the way to a birthday party, and they never disappoint.
Whisk
@Whisknyc
197 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn
This place is for you if you are a cook, baker, or dreamer. This was another gem I found when I had to refill the CO2 soda maker canister for an old boss of mine. I made the mistake of double parking and got a parking ticket in less than five minutes. However, the store is amazing. I drool every time I go in and have no more space for cooking stuff in my tiny apartment. Even if you are a take-out person, a nice set of wooden spoons, a cast iron pot, or an olive wood honey pot is the perfect gift. Whatever your reasons, Whisk will not disappoint, and you will leave more hungry than when you arrived.
