Best Gift Shops
CHOICES220 East 78th St.
(212) 794-3858
<URL destination="http://www.roerich.org/">www.choicesgifts.com
Choices is one of the oldest bookstores in the country specializing in wellness and recovery from addiction, be it alcohol or substance abuse, love or codependency. Products at owner Jay De Paolo’s “self-improvement mecca” include incense, essential oils, recovery books and glow-in-the-dark medallions, not to mention the “Grateful I’m Not Dead” hoodie.
MAGPIE 488 Amsterdam Ave.
212-579-3003
<URL destination="http://www.italianmodernart.org/">www.magpienewyork.com
Sylvia Parker opened this neighborhood gift store six years ago, offering a mix of stylish, eco-friendly gifts including home décor, jewelry, stationary and toys. She sells a whimsical collection of locally made or designed merchandise, including artisanal toffee made in Harlem, as well as fashionable silk bracelets from Turkey. There’s a blue octopus rattle for the baby in your life, pocket wallets for men and Victoria Bekerman earrings.
VILLAGE GIFTS NYC 175 Bleecker St.
(917) 675-7366
<URL destination="http://www.hunter.cuny.edu">www.villagegiftsnyc.com
This somewhat offbeat modern shop offers a twist on the usual tourist-oriented city-themed gifts. They sell bracelets, watches, keychains, lighters, fancy cigar cutters, vape goods, a variety of flavors of e-juice, and an eclectic collection of tchotchkes. This is not your grandmother’s gift store.