These unique shops are great for one stop shopping for unique jewlery, sweet homegoods, books, clothing, or antiques. The excellent curation in these stores will leave you with a sigh of relief in checking that "I had no idea what to get them" person off your list.
1. Thistle & Clover
brooklynflea.com
221 Dekalb Ave., (718) 855-5577
Located in the center of Fort Greene, Thistle & Clover is favorite among the ladies looking for unique gifts for friends and loved ones. The gifts you'll find here are also mostly for women: pocketbooks, jewlery by local designers, dresses and other clothing, candles, soaps, and homegoods.
2. Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store
365 State St., (718) 522-9848
There is something for everyone at the gift and novelty store located in Boerum Hill. There are pet-related gifts, Brooklyn-related, soaps and lotions, baby stuff, candles, candy, art, home, and kitchen gifts. Annie's also has excellent customer service - last year they rushed me a last minute present overnight and even e-mailed me to make sure it had arrived on time.
3. Sprout Home
Sprout Home
44 Grand St., (718) 388-4440
Sprout is an excellent gardening store that's worth a visit whether you're looking for gifts or just something beautiful for yourself. Indoors there are flowers, vases, candles, books, and a wide variety of homegoods. Outdoors you'll find the garden - located in Williamsburg, this is the perfect place to look for a gift for your green-thumbed friend. If you're indecisive, just get them a gift certificate.
4. A + G Merch
apartmenttherapy.com
111 N. 6th St., (718) 388-1779
For your design buffs, look no further than A+G Merch in Williamsburg, which features off the wall home accessories like lamps, mugs, placemats, and rugs. These are great, less expensive gift options than some of the other inciting things in the store - like their furniture.
5. Word Bookstore
sparrowhall.com
126 Franklin St., (718) 383-0096
For your literary minded friend, pick up a buzz worthy novel or choose from Word's vast selection of cookbooks, journals, or nonfiction titles - located in Greenpoint. There's also a great children's section if you're looking for the under 10 set. Pack it in a Word tote and you've already got it giftwrapped.
6. Old Hollywood
99 Franklin St., (718) 389-0837
Just around the corner from Word you'll find Old Hollywood, a jewlery boutique featuring the work of young Brooklyn designers. Whether you're looking to spend $20 or $300 bucks there's something here for you. These pieces are one of a kind - great for that special, stylish lady in your life.
7. The Golden Calf
319 Wythe Ave., (718) 302-8800
Located in South Williamsburg, The Golden Calf specializes in furniture and gorgeous home accessories. From a Chicken piggy bank to a Steel and Wood purse mirror, you'll find gifts your friends never knew they needed - all expertly crafted. On top of it, the store is beautiful and makes for a lovely shopping experience.
8. Sterling Place
Sterling Place
352 7th Ave., (718) 499-4800 - Park Slope
363 Atlantic Ave., (718) 797-5667 - Boerum Hill
With two locations, Sterling Place has been catering to gift seekers since 1998. There are unique antique gifts like model airplanes and wacky sculptures, or if you're looking for something more expensive, several pieces of antique furniture. Perfect for the vintage obsessed friend.