Best gift shops: DUMBO

By Time Out editors Wed Nov 16 2011

100 best gift shops

Modern: Anthology

Modern: Anthology

Trunk

  • Price band: 3/4

What’s better than one designer opening a well-curated shop in Dumbo? A five-designer collective pushing locally made home goods, furniture, apparel and accessories. The stark white space looks more like an art gallery than a retailer and sells everything from Mel en Stel fingerless gloves ($75) and Charm NYC reversible wool caps ($68) to Radka Design oxidized silver orb necklaces ($96).

  1. 68 Jay St at Front St
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Modern:Anthology

  • Price band: 4/4
  • Critics choice

Proving manly apartments need not be synonymous with empty fridges and bare walls, owners John Marsala and Becka Citron have filled this rustic, wood-floored shop with rugged furniture and one-of-a-kind home decor that would lend polish to any bachelor pad. The duo was the creative force behind the DIY Network’s Man Caves series and has designed rooms for Snoop Dogg, Rainn Wilson and Guy Fieri. Their keen eye comes in handy when sourcing vintage pieces—like early-20th-century carpenter’s benches, repurposed as tables ($1,800-$2,950), and oversize brown leather Chesterfield sofas ($2,500-$4,200)—from local estate sales, antique markets and trade shows. While the shop has no shortage of indulgent splurges—including a stuffed-and-mounted fox head ($525), pillows crafted from vintage British bus-route signs ($120–$175), and plaid bedding that looks and feels like men’s shirting ($295–$445)—you’ll also find an array of glassware, reclaimed wood mirrors and vintage army blankets for less than $200.

  1. 68 Jay St between Front and Water Sts
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Stewart/Stand Design Store

  • Price band: 2/4

Though the store is named for owner Theo Stewart-Stand’s line of stainless steel wallets and bags, the stock here is actually dominated by fun and unexpected kitchen accessories and gift items. Wood counters wrap around the store and hold affordable treasures with a design bent, like OCD cutting boards ($27) and Vineau ceramic carafes ($48). But some items may be too good to give away as a housewarming present, including a set of brightly colored nesting bowls ($52) and adorable matryoshka salt-and-pepper mills ($34). Like the mod space, clean-lined goods such as hyperthin, private-label woven stainless-steel wallets ($55–$150) and interlocking cuff links ($85) should please your crew of devoted design snobs and minimalists.

  1. 141A Front St at Pearl St
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