Put down the socks and don’t even consider buying another gift card. Make 2016 the year that you deliver in the gift department, to your boyfriend, your aunt and even your estranged cousin. But rather than just returning to your usual haunts of Barneys/Opening Ceremony/Diptyque, make the act of buying a gift an actual experience.
Right now, New York is chock full of boutiques that have taken the average shopping experience to a whole different level. Here are three of our favorite must-visit shops for stellar gifts…
INTERMIX CREATIVE LAB
If you’re in the market for a stylish gift that no one else could possibly get their hands on, head to this holiday pop-up, where every item is customizable. Located just next to Intermix’s Meatpacking boutique at 810 Washington Street, shoppers can only stop by between 4-7 p.m. to personalize items such as Edie Parker clutches, Eugenia Kim toppers and 3×1 Jeans.
“In a market that’s over-saturated today, consumers are looking for pieces that are unique and personal…We want the experience of shopping to be as much fun as owning something no one else will have,” explained Intermix President Jyothi Rao. So if you want to buy yourself a custom leather jacket from The Mighty, along with one for your BFF, this is definitely the time to do so. Plus, most designers behind the participating labels will be on hand, offering expert advice and helping you select the most ideal gift for this season.
Though the pop-up officially opened Monday, kicking off with Fleur du Mal lingerie and Fallon chokers, it will remain open for the next five days. Here’s the planned scheduling for the remainder of the week:
Wednesday, 12/7: The Mighty Company: Leather Jackets
Thursday, 12/8: Ariel Gordon: Fine Jewelry
Friday, 12/9: Edie Parker: Acrylic Clutches
Saturday, 12/10: 3×1: Premium Denim
Sunday, 12/11: Eugenia Kim: Handmade Hats
TICTAIL MARKET
The name of the game at Tictail Market (90 Orchard Street) is exclusivity: nothing here can be purchased at any other shop in Manhattan. Further, each item comes from a small business, so your purchase will benefit an up-and-coming entrepreneur with major promise. Stock up on wild Mexican knitwear from PAY’S, playful prints for #girlbosses from ByIsabel, NYFW appropriate clothes from Swedish designer Ida Klamborn and plush cashmere scarves and hats from the Finnish knitwear brand, Santosh. If you want to read more about the company behind your purchase, simply head to the bio wall in the shop, where more info is located.
Tictail is so focused on exclusivity, the theme trickles down to the wrapping paper. This holiday season they have collaborated with four illustrators, Alec Doherty, BFGF, Hedof and Danielle Kroll, on exclusive designs. The proceeds from the purchases will benefit (RED) and customers will receive complimentary wrapping if they buy a sheet of this very chic paper in-store.
MAISON 10
All you really need to remember about Maison 10 is the number 10. The NoMad concept store (4 West 29th Street) only carries 10 items across 10 categories—for a total of 100 goods—for 10 weeks at a time. For each purchase, customers can choose one of 10 charities, which will receive a 10 percent donation from each purchase. Co-founders Tom Blackie, Henri Myers and Carsten Klein make sure to switch up the shop’s theme with every product refresh, and for this holiday season, that happens to be Celebration. “With all the madness in the world these days, we feel that we have so much to be celebratory for: family, friends, a great city to Iive in and a world that allows us to do and to strive be our best at whatever we want,” Myers explained to Observer via email.
So head to Maison 10 for a gift that comes with a great story and a philanthropic feeling. There’s really something here for everyone, from Fferrone Revolution Champagne Flutes that have been handcrafted in the Czech Republic to a natural and healthy Immunocologie Travel Set and a Worry Doll Bracelet that was handmade in Brooklyn by Hechizo. Considering every item gives back (to charities such as Opening Doors London, Home Start and Housing Works), this well-curated shop is a total win-win for holiday gifts.
