Nipping off for a spot of christmas shopping in New York City is the ultimate break for shopaholics. If you’re planning to make for the Big Apple in time for a big Christmas spree, then you’d be well-advised to run your eyes over our handy guide to all things retail-fabulous in NYC first. There’s no need to worry about cramming odd-shaped parcels or delicates into your suitcase, either, when companies like BundleBox (current flavour of the month in these parts…) can ship all your new purchases home separately!
And just because we’re extra-helpful, at the bottom of the page you’ll find a really rather handy map of all our top Christmas shopping in New York recommendations.
Christmas Clothes Shopping
Start your Christmas shopping in style, whether you’re after edgy designer clothes, the finest retro gear or classic menswear…
Opening Ceremony Boutique, 35 Howard St: New York’s coolest boutique is the perfect place to pick up clothing for fans of eclectic and edgy designers.
Amarcord, 252 Lafayette Street & 223 Bedford Avenue: Recently earned praise from The Sartorialist for its beautiful presentation and selective stock. We have to agree – it’s a great place to browse for any retro-obsessives on your Christmas list.
Bergdorf Goodman Men’s, 745 5th Ave: This haven for menswear showcases everything from classic tailoring to edgier sportswear over three floors, and has a cool, clubby feel that’s a world away from Fifth Avenue.
Encore Resale, 1132 Madison Ave: TI writer Cynthia Rosenfeld recommends Encore Resale for those in love with designer bargains – it’s stocked the best new and almost-new designer women’s wear since the 1950s. (For more solid-gold recommendations from Cynthia, check out her article on Designer Consignment Stores in New York City.)
Stop For Lunch
Stop for lunch at Lombardi’s Pizza (32 Spring St), New York’s first and finest pizzeria – the wait for one of the red-and-white chequered tables will feel totally worth it when you tuck in to their classic thin-crust pizza.
Christmas Food and Drink Shopping
Whether you’re a cheese, chocolate or wine kind of person, we’ve got a top New York Christmas shopping recommendation for foodie treats:
Murray’s Cheese, 254 Bleecker Street: A huge array of cheeses (including artisan and seasonal ranges) and truly insightful members of staff make this shop irresistible to those with a Christmas cheeseboard to fill.
Mariebelle, 484 Broome Street: A New York institution, this chocolatier sells the perfect hand-crafted chocolate selections for loved ones and yummy hot chocolate in its own cafe.
De Vino, 30 Clinton St: As a self-styled wine boutique specialising in obscure and exclusive bottles, De Vino’s experts will work hard to find the perfect wines for your Christmas spread.
Stop for Afternoon Tea
Carlyle Hotel
The Carlyle Hotel (35 E 76th St) does New York’s best afternoon tea in its sumptuous Turkish lounge-style Gallery parlour. Pop in to refuel on tea and cakes with specially imported Devonshire cream.
Christmas Toyshops
Christmas shopping for kids in New York is made easy with the city’s wealth of toyshops – pick up anything from handcrafted items to the latest toy trends:
Dinosaur Hill, 306 E 9th Street: One of those gorgeous traditional kids’ stores you thought didn’t exist anymore – Dinosaur Hill sells one-of-a-kind handmade toys, clothes and gifts for infants and toddlers.
FAO Schwartz, 767 5th Ave: Kids’ Mecca FAO Schwartz sells everything from Christmas toy must-haves to traditional board games. This year, it’s the only place you can make your own Muppet puppet – a fab present for any child (or adult!) who loves the show.
Christmas Department Stores
Christmas window displays at NYC department stores Bloomingdales, Lord & Taylor, Saks, Macy’s, Barneys and Bergdorf Goodman are guaranteed to make even the Scroogiest of shoppers feel a little joyful.
If you pick just one to go inside, make it Macy’s (151 West 34th St) – its ten floors of home ware, designer clothes, jewellery, fragrances, beauty products will sort Christmas pressies for everyone on your list. It’s affordable, too, with an extensive sale going on in store right now.
Christmas Hotel
Gramercy Park Hotel (2 Lexington Avenue) is the perfect place to put your feet up, with each uniquely designed room offering plenty of space and storage for your parcels. Relax with a drink at one of the two bars, Rose and Jade, for a little extra treat after a hard day’s shopping!
Shopping Itinerary Map
(The above really only provides a sense of where the shops we’ve picked out are clustered; if you’re looking to hunt them down, check out the fully functional New York Christmas Shopping map we’ve put together.)
Oh, and happy shopping!
Tags: Christmas shopping New York City, Fashion, New York City, Shopping, style
