Black Friday. Cyber Monday. And that’s just the beginning. From now until, well, just about the end of the year, it’s going to be a shopfest, whether you like it or not, because just about everyone has to get something for someone.
Sure, we can go through the list of apps that’ll help – Amazon Price Checker (iPhone, Android), The Find (which even lets you know when something you want is about to go on sale, and there’s an app) you know – those apps that are on everyone’s list. But we’re New Yorkers and we’re not looking for the same old, same old, and we’re going off list. We’re New Yorkers. And we like to think outside of the box, and inside of the community.
With that in mind, here are 10 New York companies that’ll help you find something special for that special person on your list, and even if you’re looking for stand-out corporate gifts.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE NYC STARTUPS THAT WILL MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING A BREEZE
Etsy
Crafts and products come from artisans from all over the world, but Etsy is headquartered right in Brooklyn, and it’s the place to go to find things that are a bit off the beaten path – and support entrepreneurs everywhere!
Quirky
Here are goodies and gadgets designed by ordinary people who know how the other half live, and decided to change things. What you’ll find is out of the ordinary things, cool stocking stuffers and maybe even some customer/client appreciation gifts that bring a smile (and maybe even solve a pain point).
Gilt on the go
Everyone’s got at least one fashionista on his or her list, so this is just the ticket for you. And him or her.
Bespoke Post
Yeah, fruit of the month sounds great, but that’s pretty clichés, n’est-pas? Time to trade up to a monthly box of awesome for that guy on your list. It’s a gift that keeps on giving…very cool stuff. Every single month!
Birchbox
You know the drill. Monthly deliveries of personalized beauty, grooming, and lifestyle samples, tailored to one’s profile, all delivered in a neat little birch box. What’s not to love? And you get your cult brands, up-and-coming lines, and everything in between, for everyone on your list. And everyone in between.
BarkBox
Did someone almost forget the dog? Or a favorite dog lover? BarkBox is a monthly subscription service for everyone’s best four-legged friend, and the company donates 10% of their profits for dogs in need.
Solidoodle
You don’t have a 3D printer at home? Seriously? NY-based Solidoodle makes affordable – and NY-sized apartment-friendly – printers, if you’re looking for a bit of a splurge on someone special. Or feel like crafting your own gifts.
Speakaboos
Kids love stories and here’s the perfect gift for the Connected Kid. They’re interactive stories (one of the team members comes from Blues Clues) and you can purchase one-offs, or a subscription. A great way to ingratiate yourself to a busy parent – who will owe you big time!
GlamSquad
What woman doesn’t love to be pampered – or is so busy, they barely have time for the most basic indulgences, like hair and makeup. If that’s the case, GlamSquad is just the ticket. Or in this case, gift card.
Manicube
Another perfect gift for the busy executive or harried startup faux founder (let’s face it: when it’s early days, we all have a stake in the company, so let’s just call it what it is). Manicube will send a manicurist right to the office and whip those nails back into shape. They also offer pedicures, and will clip and clean men’s nails as well.
Bonus!
Spafinders
This one’s for you, after all the stress of shopping and clicking and – it wears a soul down, so here are some New York City Spas that might help take the pressure of the holidays off. OK, a spa visit makes a great gift, too, but, every body needs a bit of indulging every now and then – including yours.