Shop Small Downtown: Lower Manhattan’s Gift Guide Has Something for Everyone

When it comes to shopping around the holidays, sometimes your friends and family give you a break — telling you exactly where to go for the gift they’ve been dreaming of. Other times, it’s up to you to play the guessing game. Or perhaps you’re one of these types who enjoys loading up on all sorts of cool stuff, and then gifting to your loved ones and colleagues for the remainder of the year. (You can reach us at [email protected], by the way.) 

Whatever the case may be, Lower Manhattan’s shopping options are boundless. The following items are from some great small businesses in the neighborhood that provide a little seasonal cheer each in their own way. So, if you need inspiration on what to buy Cousin Morty, then you should definitely peruse this guide. We’ve also included ideas for activities you can do together, too!

Voyager’s Golden Record Espresso 

Caffeine addicts and fans of smooth coffee drinks at Voyager Espresso (110 William Street) will love a bag of shop’s house blend Golden Record espresso, which is carefully crafted and roasted so at-home baristas can start their day with a perfect cup. Bags start at $10 for 6 oz., and run up to $45 for 36 oz. You can also sign up for a subscription to keep the coffee brewing for as long as you like. 

The Best Mystery Stories of the Year 

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your true crime podcast-obsessed loved one, head to the Mysterious Bookshop (58 Warren Street). Among thousands of compelling titles, we recommend their annual Best Mysteries Stories of the Year anthology. Compiled and edited by celebrated mystery author Sara Paretsky, this year’s twenty-story $28.65 collection includes stories by Colson Whitehead, Joyce Carol Oates, Annie Reed and Michael Connolly. 

Da Mar Prosecco and Gatto Grosso 

To truly (and quite literally) get into the holiday spirit, head to Simply Wine (55 Liberty Street) for a couple of bottles of bubbly. The Da Mar Prosecco runs $18 and pairs perfectly with a variety of spirits and mixers for sparkling wine cocktails. For something heftier, the Gatto Grosso ($25 for a liter) is an earthy, mineral-heavy field blend with notes of raspberry and blueberry. It can be served chilled or warm, and pairs well with cheese boards, pastas and other red-wine friendly dishes.

Japanese Snack Assortment 

Shinjuku Japanese Deli (127 John Street) is a neighborhood go-to for tasty produce, drinks and other treats from Japan. Compile an assortment of specialty snacks for the Japanophile in your life. Options include gummies, cookies, waffles, candies and Koala-shaped chocolate bites, with prices starting at $1.50.

Minerals and Crystals 

Give your loved ones the gift of good vibes with a selection of minerals and crystals from Tansey Tang Cultured Pearls (93 Nassau Street). The shop has a large selection of crystals, minerals and other geological specimens from all over the world, which offer everything from holistic healing powers to extra-funky aesthetics. Pick a few crystals a la carte starting at $3,, or ask the shop to custom-transform your choices into necklaces, rings and other wearable jewelry. 

Tití Me Preguntó Hat 

Downtown chainlet 787 Coffee (66 Pearl Street, 30 Broad Street) is a neighborhood go-to thanks to their delectable coffee sourced from one Puerto Rican farm. Your loved ones can rep their tasty brews with a Tití Me Preguntó hat, available for purchase for $35. The 787 crew made the hat to honor Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny, who has won multiple Grammy awards and earned the distinction of being the top artist streamed on Spotify in 2022. 

Leonidas Chocolates 

Manon Cafe (120 Broadway) is the place to drop in for a piping hot cup of cocoa on a chilly winter’s day — and for $29 you can take a few bites of sweet Belgian chocolate to share.

Jellycat Bunny, Magna-Tiles and Solar Robots 

Two Kids and a Dog (275 Greenwich Street) is the toy store to solve all your gift-giving dilemas. Bashful Beige Bunny ($39.99) is a popular fellow with scrummy-soft Jellycat fur and lovely long floppy ears — with just one cuddle, you’ll never want to let go. Separately, for STEM lovers, the shop offers a wide selection of Magna-Tiles (starting at $49) and solar robot-building kits ($24.99) to inspire future engineers.  

Black and Gold Mini-Dress

Among a curated selection of one-of-a-kind garments at specialty women’s boutique Designer Promise (93 Nassau Street) is this elegant black and gold mini-dress. Dresses start at $69, and there are plenty to choose from.

Dila-o Rkatsiteli Mtsvane Georgia 2021, Viñas del Cambrico Rufete Miranda 2016 

Pandemic or no pandemic, now that going out will require a coat or two or six, you can still sip rich wines from the warm comfort of your own home. Pop into Royal Wine Merchants (13 S William Street) and grab these selections from the Mtsvane and Rufete varietals (starting at $12) to jazz up any Netflix-and-chill night.

CrossFit Five-Class Package, $135.00 

Counterattack the gravy assault on your body with an intense and exciting five-pack of CrossFit classes at Oculus Fitness (151 William Street). Rest assured this box is a friendly one that just wants to get your body moving and working off those holiday calories.  

Hot Pink Vegan Leather Shoulder Bag

GoldenBar (185 Greenwich St, Westfield World Trade Center) has a unique collection of handbags for that special someone. One striking option is the Hot Pink Vegan Leather Shoulder Bag ($98). Featuring a classic design with a pop of color, this cruelty-free bag is crafted from smooth vegan leather that emulates a natural and high-end leather feel. 

One-Month Unlimited Boxing Classes 

H.I.I.T. the Deck NYC (10 Fulton Street) offers a high-intensity boxing-inspired workout to help you “knockout your mental and physical goals.” Classes are available for newcomers, pros and everything in between and offers a combination of boxing along with training circuits to get a solid workout. Box and lift all you want all month long for $260.

NYC Mementos 

With items starting at $3.99, I Love NY Gifts (110 Greenwich Street) is a trove of stocking stuffers or thinking-of-you-gifts that won’t break the bank. From subway map pens and toy taxis, to snow globes and T-shirts this shop offers an opportunity to succumb to your NYC pride or remind someone afar that they need to come visit.  

The Kiss Statuette, from Gustav Klimt: Gold In Motion 

While museum visits might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the immersive Gustav Klimt: Gold In Motion exhibit will appeal to even the toughest critic. From the critically acclaimed team behind Paris’s Atelier des Lumières, Hall des Lumières (49 Chambers St) is New York’s first permanent digital art center. The current exhibit (tickets start at $25) plays off marble brass and stained glass, using cutting-edge mapping technology and an elegant soundtrack highlighting art you’ve seen before but in a whole new way. Be prepared for a sumptuous display of Klimt’s work, including a 50-foot projection of his most famous work The Kiss (captured in the statuette pictured above from their gift shop).

A Souvenir from the One World Observatory

While walking the city in the wintertime can be magical, a visit to view it all from above at One World Observatory (117 West Street) — the highest observatory space in the Western Hemisphere — is breathtaking. The all-inclusive tickets (starting at $58) provide access to 360° views, priority elevator access, flexible arrival times and a $15 credit to spend on food or souvenirs to remember your trip (like the building statue pictured above). 

An Afternoon at the Statue of Liberty

A visit to the Statue of Liberty (accessible via Castle Clinton Monument) is the quintessential New York experience and a gift that will live on in memories well beyond the holiday season. After a long pandemic-era closure, the crown of the Statue of Liberty has recently reopened and visitors will have access to Liberty Island including the grounds, museum and statue as well as access to Ellis Island where they can tour the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Admission for a half-day visit with crown access is $24.30.

Enamel Pins, Stationary and Screenprint 

The South Street Seaport Museum (12 Fulton Street) is a living museum that preserves and interprets the history of New York as a great port city. Visiting the museum is free with advance reservations and features an extensive collection of art, artifacts and maritime reference materials as well as a fleet of historic vessels. Their working 19th-century print shop, Bowne & Co (211 Water Street) is a destination in itself offering small thoughtful items that include letterpress prints, stationary and art supplies (items start at $6).

Eternite Square

Bloom (225 Murray Street) is a master of creating breathtaking floral arrangements for every occasion with simple vases starting at $100. And, while their fragrant bouquets are stunning, it’s their Eternite Square arrangement (,$625) that offers a gift to truly impress. The modern 9×9 glass vase features 25 perfectly preserved roses that will defy time. The arrangement lasts without water for years and signifies eternal love. 

Tags: gift guide, holiday 2022, shop small