Does the idea of going to the mall give you panic attack? Don’t like the impersonal experience of shopping on Amazon.com? Fret no more, we have found some of the best alternative places for local holiday shopping that will trump anything from a department store. So get your lists and wallets ready and let’s find the best Brooklyn bargains!
NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER
440 Gallery, 440 Sixth Avenue, Park Slope
At the gallery’s Holiday Art Sale, 13 artists will offer paintings, drawings, photographs and mixed media at affordable prices, ranging from $4.40 to $440. Artwork can be taken at the time of purchase and all major credit cards are accepted. The sale will be open on Thursday and Friday, November 29-30 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on December 1-2 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.. For more information, call 718-499-3844.
This night bazaar is anything but bizarre, with some of the boroughs best and most creative vendors, chefs, musicians, artisans and more gathering in one giant space in Williamsburg from 6 p.m. to midnight over four weekends from November 24 to December 22. Inspired by night markets across Asia, not only is there food, but there are also arcade games, live music, and even soccer and petanque. For the schedule of performers and vendors, visit www.bkbazaar.com.
Etsy.com and Etsy Holiday Handmade Cavalcade
Etsy.com lets you find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts handmade by people worldwide, perfect for everyone in the family without leaving home – from kid’s hooded bath towels, puppets and theaters, party dresses, maternity clothes, prints, sculptures, swimwear and even holiday cards. If you’d prefer to shop in person, then there is the Etsy Holiday Handmade Cavalcade on December 1-2, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at The Space at 50 North 3rd Street in Williamsburg. http://www.handmadecavalcade.com/index.html
Greenpointers Holiday Market, 69 West Street, Greenpoint
This special holiday market will happen on Saturday, December 8, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. with food, gifts, and crafts at The Source, which carries urban, organic handmade furniture which would make a great addition to any home.
Vegan Holiday Shop-Up, 12 Grattan Street, Bushwick
On Saturdays December 8, 15, and 22 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Pine Box Rock Shop will host the Vegan Holiday Shop-Up. There will be some of the best vegan foodstuffs around, plus gifts, for those on your list or for you! Admission is free. For more information, visit veganshopup.wordpress.com/2012/11/13/vegan-holiday-shop-ups
South Slope Holiday Craft Fair, P.S. 10, 511 Seventh Avenue, South Park Slope
This holiday craft fair will take place on Saturday, December 15, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Besides offering jewelry, ceramics and apparel, the fair will feature the famous Kimchi Taco Truck, a raffle and fun activities for kids, such as portraits, face painting and free art workshops with the Brooklyn Craft Workshop. All proceeds will benefit P.S. 10’s students. For more information, visit www.southslopecraftfair.com or email [email protected].
3rd Ward, 195 Morgan Avenue, Greenpoint
The Sixth Annual Handmade Holiday Craft Fair will take place on Saturday, December 15 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Hundreds of local artists and artisans will have their wares for sale. Admission is free. More details and other events are listed at www.3rdward.com.
Brooklyn Lyceum Holiday Market, 227 Fourth Avenue, Park Slope
Now in its fifth year, the Brooklyn Lyceum Holiday Market will be open on Saturday, December 15, and Sunday, December 16, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Local vendors will be offering arts and crafts, t-shirts, artisanal wares and of course, food. www.lyceummarkets.com.
Brooklyn Craft Central Holiday Market, 622 DeGraw Street, Carroll Gardens
Also in its fifth year, this holiday market will be open on two weekends: December 15-16 and December 22-23 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Local designers will be on hand selling the best of their food and wares. Each weekend features different vendors, so don’t miss it! Music will be provided by Norman’s Sound and Vision, from Williamsburg. www.bkcraftcentral.com.
YEAR-ROUND
Made In NYC, with the Pratt Center, www.madeinnyc.org
The site Made In NYC serves as a savvy aggregator of locally owned businesses and manufacturers all over the city. The founders aimed to make it easier for shoppers to find products made in the area, while at the same time, giving businesses a space to showcase their items. Literally anything you can think of is listed: from construction materials to food products and apparel manufacturers to costume jewelers. These include leather and fur clothing, footwear, knit and baked goods, sure to please everyone on your shopping list.
Brooklyn Flea Gifted Holiday Market, One Hanson Place, Fort Greene
One of the borough’s largest flea markets, the Brooklyn Flea, was created in 2008 by Brownstoner.com founder Jonathan Butler. It features hundreds of the city’s best vendors of antique and repurposed furniture, vintage clothing, antiques, a curated section of jewelry, art, crafts by local artisans and designers, plus fresh food. Although the normal location closes just before Thanksgiving, the Gifted Holiday Market is open for five weekends from November 23-24 to December 22-23 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with all of your favorite vendors on three floors.
P.S. 321 Flea, 180 Seventh Avenue, Park Slope
This flea market, featuring over 50 vendors, is open year-round on Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting. At this under-the-radar market, shoppers can find crafts as well as an eclectic selection of vintage goods including table cloths, dishes, jewelry, clothes, records and furniture. For more information, call 917-371-0005.
Artists & Fleas, 70 North 7th Street, Williamsburg
This indoor market is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. It serves as a space for people to shop, as well as vendors to sell their wares. Over 60 local and regional vendors participate, offering unique items like feather headpieces, wicker baskets, 1930s art deco jewelry, silkscreened organic t-shirts, clocks, lamps and stereos.
Brooklyn Museum gift shop, 200 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights
The gift shop at the Brooklyn Museum is a great place to find that perfect present. They offer elegant home wares, such as vases and decanters, posters and prints, fun stationery and an expansive selection of children’s books and toys that are on the educational side. Of course, there are the obligatory tee shirts, mugs and magnets. You can also shop online at www.shop.brooklynmuseum.org, or by phone at 718-501-6259.
Brooklyn Children’s Museum gift shop, 145 Brooklyn Avenue, Crown Heights
The Brooklyn Children’s museum gift shop, better known as the KidShop has some of the coolest toys around. Think realistic looking sushi that makes an appropriate sound when “cut,” a huge selection of play foods and MagnaMobiles. Besides fun Brooklyn-centric apparel, the KidShop also carries classic toys, such as the Slinky Dog. For more information, call 718-735-4400.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden gift shop, 990 Washington Avenue, Prospect Heights
The Botanic Garden’s gift shop is a great place to find something for the greenthumb or nature enthusiast on your list, from gardening books and tools, to stationary and educational items for kids. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., the shop is also available online at shop.bbg.org or by phone at 718-622-0963.
Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store, 365 State Street, Boerum Hill
Fusing the simple convenience of a general store with a modern twist, Annie’s Blue Ribbon has plenty of eclectic items that make great stocking stuffers and are sure to make everyone on your list happy. Think candles, mini-emergency kits, bubble bath, arts supplies, office tools, Magic 8 Balls, and more. You can also shop online at www.blueribbongeneralstore.net. For more info, call 718-522-9848.
Brooklyn Superhero Supply Company, 372 Fifth Avenue, Park Slope
Do you have a superhero in your life? Why not buy them a new gold cape for the holidays? The Brooklyn Superhero Supply Company carries fun gag gifts such as $11 gallons of immortality, x-ray glasses, $18 strong vacuum suction cups and $22 particle guns. It is also home to a youth writing program, 826NYC. Shop online anytime at www.superherosupplies.com.
Reporting contributed by Heather J. Chin.