August 9, 2001

Pearl River Mart New York

Crazy dollar store (and more) bursting at the seams with inexpensive imports from China, including teas, clothing, home furnishings, snacks, and never-ending collections of sushi sets. Pick up all sorts of cheap trinkets for your friends back home.

  Downtown, Culture, Curiosities, Good for Gifts

January 19, 2007

MoMA Store New York

Goods that reflect what’s going on in the museum (except you might actually be able to afford something here). Look for pleasing kitchen and tableware, jewelry by design firms, cool art books, and a selection of Muji accessories. Sometimes the gift shop is more fun than the museum itself. (Maybe why that’s why there’s a second location in Soho.)

  Manhattan, Culture, Design Junkies, Good for Gifts

September 8, 2009

Blick Art Materials New York

Instead of crafty, it’s chic. Lofty two-floor art shop has brushes, bristles, paints, and frames — in case you’re feeling inspired.

  Downtown, Home & Garden, Artsy

May 11, 2007

ABC Carpet & Home New York

An explosion of home design treasures. Hundreds of chandeliers, piles of pillows, stacks of rugs — all beautifully displayed in vignettes that you can browse. Minimalists: Brace yourselves.

  Gramercy-Flatiron, Gear, Design Junkies, Good for Gifts

May 26, 2006

Barneys New York New York

Wall Street wives and well-heeled downtowners go here to shop for the classics. For a little more funk, the Soho Co-Op has the best of the best emerging designers (don’t expect to spend less, though).

  Manhattan, Fashion, Designer Clothing, Good for Gifts