Gift giving is a hard business. It requires appeasing a vast array of personalities and tastes, which is why we’ve come up with New York solutions to avoiding the annual last-minute scramble for presents. Give everyone on your list what you know they already love. The friend that adores crafting? Pick her up something at the Grand Central Holiday Market, an epicenter for artisanal goodies. Or that coworker who is obsessed with CrossFit? Something from the Reebok FitHub will surely satisfy. Read on for our guide to the best gift shopping in New York City.
1.) For the Spa-Lover
For the stressed, tired or even perpetually energetic, a massage is undeniably a dream of a gift to receive. Luckily, Massage Envy has locations throughout NYC that offer everything from aromatherapy massages to exfoliating facials. Considering how anxiety-inducing this time of year is, it may be worth doing some extra (relaxing) research and booking an appointment for yourself too.
Massage Envy, 525 West 42nd Street. massageenvy.com/clinics/NY/Midtown-West.aspx
2.) For the Holiday-Obsessed
The Chelsea boutique Story is an explosion of creativity. The shop has changed themes (ranging from wellness to tech) dozens of times, but this time of year it always comes back to their annual theme of: Home for the Holidays. From cozy knit hats to darling stationery, there’s a gift certain to delight.
Story, 144 10th Avenue. thisisstory.com
3.) For the Fitness Aficionado
Located right in the heart of Union Square, the Reebok FitHub is far more than just a fitness shop. Beyond the basics (and their selection of performance wear is far from basic), the shop offers classes and collections specifically created for certain fitness regimes: from CrossFit tees to weight lifting shoes, and more.
Reebok FitHub, 1 Union Square West. reebok.com/fithub
4.) For the Artisanal Inclined
Each year, over 40 vendors come to present and sell their wares in Grand Central Terminal’s vast Holiday Market. Expect to find handmade home goods, gorgeous children’s clothing and toys, and the coziest knit scarves.
Grand Central Holiday Market, 89 East 42nd Street. grandcentralterminal.com
5.) For the Culture Vulture
If someone on your list thinks more about the Seven Kingdoms in Game of Thrones than of reality, the HBO Shop is the perfect place to scoop up themed pub glasses or a Sasa Sigil wine glass. The store also carries full box sets of their TV shows. The gift of binge-watching, anyone?
HBO Shop, 1100 Avenue of the Americas. store.hbo.com
6.) For the Fashionista
For nearly a quarter century, A Second Chance has been the place to go to find vintage Chanel treasures and Louis Vuitton handbags in pristine condition. The store has a vast array of designer costume jewelry and rare Balenciaga jackets. Sifting through the racks is like rifling through fashion history.
A Second Chance, Upper East Side: 1111 Lexington Avenue. Downtown SoHo: 155 Prince Street. ASCResale.com
