New York shopping: Critics' picks

The best holiday markets are right here in NYC—full of both the holiday spirit and the most unique gifts out there. While fancy Christmas window displays may entice you, NYC's holiday markets often include ice skating, twinkling lights, great food vendors, and fun holiday activities. Shopping for the perfect gift doesn’t have to be stressful; make it fun at these holiday markets, from the Urbanspace Union Square Holiday Market to the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park and more. We'll continue updating this guide throughout the holiday season, so stay tuned for new additions. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Christmas in New York Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining. 

After graduating from NYU in 2006, Milwaukee native Kate Goldwater opened this funky shop, featuring a curated selection of vintage and thrift clothing ($5–$25) and accessories ($3–$30) that are easy on the eyes and the wallet. Most pieces inside are $30 or less and her finds are perfectly on-trend, which means you’ll find plenty of ’80s and ’90s pieces right now.  

Russ & Daughters has been serving top lox, herring, fish eggs, sweets and, of course, bagels, since 1914. It has since expanded, adding, in more recent years, a sit-down cafe nearby, and a large retail factory in Brooklyn. 

As big fans of this treasure trove of modern and vintage finds, we’re ecstatic that Brooklyn mainstay Beacon’s Closet (which has stores in Williamsburg and Park Slope) opened up shop in Manhattan. The simple space is adorned with three large chandeliers crafted from buttons by engineer Doug Newton and features one wall covered in dark, floral wallpaper. Although it’s half the size of the nearly 5,000-square-foot Williamsburg location, the Manhattan storefront boasts plentiful racks packed with retired closet duds consigned by locals, many of whom are trendy college kids from nearby schools. You’ll likely come across designer goods such as a Christian Dior cropped blazer ($25) or a Marc Jacobs men’s corduroy jacket ($30), although castaways from chains like H&M and Charlotte Russe are also in the mix. The store is abundant in one-of-a-kind accessories, including funky United Nude orange-and-red checkered booties ($50), but also stocks simpler shoes such as guys’ Gourmet red suede sneakers ($18). Drop by and exchange your own gently worn, in-season clothes for 35 percent of the resale value in cash, or 55 percent of store credit for your next purchase.

The iconic open-air Chelsea flea, brought back from the dead by the team behind  Smorgasburg and Brooklyn Flea, showcases 40 veteran vendors selling mostly historic collectibles. If you love eclectic costume jewelry, quirky furniture, midcentury art and ceramics, records, antiques and art, and more, you’ll spend hours combing for treasure here. Plus, you'll now be able to grab a rewarding snack on the way out from various Smorgasburg food vendors that will soon be revealed. 

Suitsupply creates excellent custom suits at a reasonable price point. (Custom-made suits start at $773.) Of the five New York locations, you should absolutely make an effort to visit the Soho flagship location which features multiple floors (including a semi-private area for custom-suit consultations) and a stunning rooftop. On a recent visit, I sat down with one of the in-store style experts, Tristan, to create a custom suit. He led me through a process that was strikingly similar to the experience you would have for a considerably higher cost. First, we flipped through multiple fabric books to settle on the choice of fabric. There are an impressive amount of choices available, including over 700 sourced from Italian mills, that range from wool and cotton to alpaca, cashmere and silk. After describing the type of blue I was looking for, Tristan showed a collection of options and helped me narrow it down to a lovely shade in a lightweight fabric. After that, we went through a number of customizable options including type of button, pocket styles, type of waistband, style of lining, type of lapel and more. He also floated the idea of doing a three-piece suit which was a welcome piece of direction I wouldn’t have done if I was just choosing a suit on my own. After a round of extensive measurements, I left and returned a few weeks later for my final fitting. The finished suit had a fantastic fit. (It’s now one of my favorite suits I own.) The only adjustment needed was a...

Dig and ye shall find: The booty at this crazy-packed vintage store includes 1960s–1990s options for both guys and girls, plus a considerable costume jewelry and funky housewares selection. Not only is it chock full of great finds but it's really fun to look at. We went on a recent Saturday and found so much amid its racks, including a barely used sleek Michael Kors purse for $50 and a pair of never-worn, black velvet combat boots for $25. Even cooler, I found out that they take donations and you get 25% off your next purchase. Time Out Tip: The store spans two floors at 496 Driggs Avenue and 197 North 9th Street, so plan accordingly and bring some friends (and reusable bags) for a hunt to remember.

The first floor of this respected thrift shop is devoted to jewelry cases, vintage furniture, and such curios as an old cash register and used sewing machine (both in working order). Head to the clean basement room to scour the racks for coats, skirts and jeans, priced to move at $35; or plop down on a cushioned bench to try on the shoes, organized on red bookshelves. The well-edited stock is in impeccable condition and sourced solely by donation—Cure donates all its proceeds to the Diabetes Research Institute. Check back twice a year for the shop’s whatever-you-can-fit-in-this-bag-that-costs-just-$15 sales.  

In 2003, Artists & Fleas first opened in Williamsburg, but thanks to owners Amy Abrams and Ronen Glimer, you can shop awesome vendors in Manhattan's Chelsea Market. Just like the original location, this version of Artists & Fleas features goods that run the gamut from art and design to fashion and vintage. There are more than 30 independent designers hawking their goods everyday, so stop by to check out our personal favorites such as menswear brand Curated Basics, baubles from Brooklyn Charm and ready-to-wear designs by Avalove.  

Back in 1934, Louis Zabar, a Ukrainian immigrant, opened a smoked-fish shop with his wife, Lillian. Four generations later, and the Zabar's name is still going strong in the Upper West Side—so much so that the shop's marquee nearly overtakes the area of Broadway between 80th and 81st Streets. The two-story, 20,000 square-foot Zabar's of today functions as part deli, part cafe and part gourmet grocery store, all of it a mecca of prepared kosher foods. Inside, crowds gather around counters dedicated solely to smoked fish while lines form in the back, drawn by the fragrant smell of coffee beans roasted and packaged to order. The second floor is home to all manner of kitchenware, plus all the Zabar's gear that's sure to give some clout to your closet. But for the on-the-go New Yorker, the cafe on the corner still draws a crowd for its trademark bagels, made with malt barley flour according to a signature house recipe, as well as jammy hamantaschen, raisin and chocolate-stuffed rugelach and hefty potato knishes.  As you wait in the queue—there always is one—you can take a look back at Zabar's over the years as old-timey signage hangs above the counter and mismatched and slightly slanted frames on the walls bear reviews from long past. In the back corner, you can find pictures of Saul Zabar, who recently passed in 2025, doing what he loved: personally tasting and cupping each coffee bean that walked through the door.

Here’s where the magic happens: At Jacques Torres’s Hudson Street retail location, kids can peer through the glass wall to the chocolate factory’s floor, where cocoa and sugar are processed into chocolate. (Of course, you can buy it here, too.)

While the giant signs that adorn this department store with the label of “The World’s Largest Store” are not true anymore, there’s no doubt that the flagship Macy’s is massive (with a big history to boot). For over a century, New Yorkers and visitors from the world over have been visiting Macy’s at its iconic location at 34th Street and Broadway. Though originally founded as a dry goods emporium in the 19th century, today shoppers flock to the store's 2.2 million square feet—which takes up a whole city block—to buy clothes, accessories and home goods.As one of the few major brick-and-mortar shops specializing in mid-priced fashion left in New York in this age of online retail and luxury brand–palooza, Macy’s carries a large amount of designer names you recognize that won’t cost you premium prices—especially during the deeply discounted sales offered periodically throughout the year. The 63,000-square-foot shoe department is the biggest on the planet and carries everything from dress shoes and delicate stilettos to work boots and slippers. Last-minute gift shoppers might be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options of perfumes, ties, scarves, watches and more, but great deals await those with patience.   Pro-tip: Look for the cool wooden escalators, which feel like stepping back in time.

This flower shop in the heart of the Flower District has many blooms to choose from at affordable prices. Some of the best sellers start at just $50, while some of the more expensive bouquets are still on the cheaper side at $70. This shop has different kinds of flowers for all different types of occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers and dates in NYC.

This pair of vintage shops hawks affordable furniture, dishes, books, art, clothing and accessories—if you have the time to look. Sift through more than 5,000 square feet of merch to uncover treasures.

Highly curated wares and contemporary brands make their way to this Soho vintage destination, whose creative director then culls looks for each season's collection. The prices reflect the caliber of design, with articles ranging from Victorian and punk classics to Gilded Age and enviable Chanel chains.

If the thought of packing your belongings in a mundane suitcase gives you the shudders, then this cheery boutique is for you. Big Bag was once a West Village staple before it moved to its current location in 2009, and it’s since gained a following for its colorful, fashion-forward selection. Paisley wallpaper and glass globe light fixtures adorn the front of the store, where everyday purses and wallets from popular brands such as Rebecca Minkoff, MZ Wallace and Hobo International predominate. Jet-setters should beeline to the back, where they’ll find limited-edition Missoni for Bric’s medium trolleys ($830) splashed with the Italian label’s signature zigzag print and whimsical Orla Kiely car-print small trolley suitcases ($295), toiletry bags ($145) and large rolling duffels ($275). For overnight stays, opt for Hervé Chapelier signature nylon totes ($168) and Jack Gomme waterproof bags ($178) made from lightweight Japanese rain-jacket material. 

You’ll be transported to Paris once you step inside this opulent bath-and-body shop. Rich burgundy carpets, gilded wallpaper, a gloriously huge chandelier and a mahogany desk that serves as the checkout area set the stage for the luxurious fragrances ($50–$300), candles ($20–$400), lotions, and soaps from brands like Diptyque and Annick Goutal. Curiosity cabinets house many of the store’s exclusives—the West Village outpost is the only location in the country to sell several items, including candles by Les Secrets Ladurée Paris.  

The specialty toy shop carries unusual, hard-to-find playthings, like a flat-car racing set. Also head here if you're looking for Madame Alexander dolls, Jellycat animals, Legos and other kid (and grown-up) classics.

Inspired by her great-grandfather Boris Dreiding, who founded Zurich’s Osswald Parfumerie in 1921, owner Tanja Dreiding Wallace decided to open a stateside location of the family-run business in August 2012. The massive all-white space looks like the inside of a luxury spaceship, with recessed-wood shelves and brushed-copper tables displaying Swiss skin-care products from Valmont ($76–$510) and Alpeor ($45–$245), as well as vanguard scents from luxury perfume brands such as Huitième Art and MDCI—many exclusive to the NYC boutique. The friendly and knowledgeable staff gives you wide berth to wander the spacious store, allowing you to spritz to your heart’s content. But when you’re ready, they’re happy to walk you through distinct fragrances such Parfumerie Générale’s swoonworthy Tubéreuse Couture scent (100ml $179), featuring a rich white floral base, and Carner Barcelona’s Tardes (50ml $130), a serene blend of Egyptian geranium, Bulgarian rose and cedarwood.

This NYC thrift shop has opened another location, which meshes perfectly with the Village aesthetic by offering on-trend, funky finds. The store features both vintage and new apparel, shoes, accessories and home goods, and it's organized with spaced-out, clearly labeled racks. The women’s section is filled with prom dresses, lingerie, blazers, designer bags and tops. On a recent visit, we discovered Salvatore Ferragamo loafers with silver buckles ($25), Kate Spade red kitten heels ($30) and thin rusty-gold bangles with Egyptian-like patterns ($4 each). While the gents’ section is smaller than the ladies’, there are designer duds to be had. Snag William Rast jeans ($25), J.Press tan lace-up loafers ($30) and a Jos. A. Bank beige houndstooth blazer ($25). The housewares selection has kitschy blue cat-shaped salt and pepper shakers ($3 each) and standard Keurig coffeemakers ($75). Roll through the streets of New York on your new Razor scooter ($30) or lie in bed writing your innermost thoughts in a Twilight journal featuring photos of the characters on the cover (four for $10). Before you head out the door, grab the Backstreet Boys’ "We’ve Got It Going On" CD single ($4), a Lucky Brand iPad case ($25) or the Office DVD board game ($8).

Since opening in Soho in 1993, Ina Bernstein’s minichain of designer consignment shops has expanded to six locations throughout NYC, including spots on the Upper East Side, in Nolita, Noho and now Chelsea. The spacious store is painted stark white to let the covetable preworn pieces—including Prada wool coats ($375–$625), a pair of Miu Miu leather boots ($250) and a Louis Vuitton leather mini logo purse ($595)—stand out on its well-edited racks and organized shelves. If you’re saddled with name-brand threads, make an appointment to unload your gently worn castoffs for up to 40 percent of the overall resale value. Keep an eye out for INA’s own eponymous house label of unisex basics that complement the higher-end merchandise, such as comfy cashmere beanies ($90), arm socks ($85) and fingerless gloves ($75).

Lori Leven, owner of sister tattoo parlors New York Adorned (one located in the LES and the other in Williamsburg), has expanded her brand to include a new jewelry haven: Love, Adorned. The third spin-off chainlet houses a treasure trove of baubles, home goods and trinkets. Stark white walls, glass and wood display cases, and a warehouselike lofted ceiling play backdrop to the store’s offbeat mix of goods. Tunes from the likes of Ray Charles bellow through the speakers as you peruse offerings such as Collina Strada tough-girl leather harnesses that resemble chic shrunken vests ($400) and Lou Zeldis sterling-silver mountain rings with Afghan lapis stones ($140). A kitschy selection of Santa Fe Stoneworks patterned pocketknives ($90) and rainbow vintage ashtrays ($40–$80) spruce up a bulky wooden table, while super-pricey Lindsay Thornburg billowy, handmade cloaks ($960–$1,300) hang from the walls. Though splurges such as Jeeyun Ha dainty gold-chain necklaces accented with feathers ($380) are scene-stealers, cheap thrills like Alyssa Ettinger porcelain milk bottles ($40–$70) make us equally giddy.

It's cool to donate your old duds and furniture to Housing Works, so the shelter-oriented charity's thrift stores are among the city's best. The prices aren't the lowest, but the stock is quality. If you're lucky, you can score designer pieces (in clothes and furnishings) you'd never be able to afford new. You just have to do a little rummaging.

The Boerum Hill outpost of this Brooklyn chainlet boasts a diverse array of kicks—approximately 150 brands are represented for both ladies, gents and kids. The selection includes basics such as cork-heeled Worishofer sandals ($60-$70), TOMS slip-ons ($44-$54) and Sperry men’s saddle oxfords ($100). The shop also offers more outlandish styles, such as vibrant-hued plastic flats ($30-$55) from Brazilian company Melissa.