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.  

The former home of the National Biscuit Company is a hot spot for foodies and shopping addicts alike. Primarily known for its wide-range of eateries, Chelsea Market is hands-down one of New York’s most notable food halls boasting more than 55 vendors (including Los Tacos No 1, Amy's Bread, and Miznon).  Whether you’ve got a hankering for a steaming-hot cup of seafood bisque, perfectly aged cheese or a strong and smooth shot of espresso, Chelsea Market has you covered. Aside from finger-lickin’ fare and sweet merchandise, the attraction offers historical charms such as the market’s iconic fountain, which was crafted using discarded drill bits and exposed pipe from the former Nabisco factory.

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 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. 

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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. 

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).

You’d never guess the owner of this totally Asian toys and tchotchkes mecca is actually a Jewish dude named Israel Levarek. He sold his 20-year-old Batman figurine collection in 1999 to one year later open this store, which houses dizzying displays of memorabilia—half of which is from Japan. The shop was designed to mimic similar stores in the Land of the Rising Sun, with bright lights, crammed arrangements and goods displayed in plastic bins. Jazz up your pad with three-foot-tall collectible plastic bears modeled after pop-culture icons like Mickey Mouse, Iron Man and SpongeBob ($300–$400), or a smaller version for as little as $50. Snuggle up with quirky bubblegum-pink Gloomy Bear stuffed animals ($8–$35), squishable versions of graphic artist Mori Chack’s iconic Japanese character, whose bloody paws are a result of attacking its owner in the name of animal rights. Nostalgic dudes will flip when they see the wall of clear cases housing hundreds of Godzilla figurines ($15–$200), as well as kaiju models of various Japanese monsters ($30–$120). And yes, there’s something for girly girls, too: Pretty Blythe dolls with oversize heads (picture Barbie with a tennis-ball-size face) were taken off the market in the ’50s for scaring children, but the toys were brought back in the ’90s ($150–$250) and are sold with voguish outfit separates, such as Jackie O–like colorful sunglasses ($20) and belted tube dresses ($20–$30).

This sprawling vintage emporium shills just about anything you’d want in your closet: ultrasoft ’80s logo tees, flannel shirts, Chucks in every color, deadstock denim, vests, ties and special-occasion dresses. Slip into the back room for rarer (and pricier) vintage, including va-va-voom lingerie, frilly 1940s–1960s prom dresses and handsome letterman jackets. Across the street, the recently opened Stella Dallas Living offers vintage fabrics and textiles, including curtains ($20–$100), blankets ($80–$300) and 1980s bedsheets adorned with Star Wars and Peanuts characters.

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.  

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...

This ever-changing marketplace in Soho offers a constantly evolving lineup of wares from artists and merchants. It's a great place to find a one-of-a-kind gift and to experience some amazing creativity. The marketplace has recently reopened for a series of weekend holiday pop-ups. Current seasonal merchants include Aliens of Brooklyn, Eat Records and Roots by Bella.

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.)

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).

We all know and love the High Line for its great views and perfect opportunity to sport some shades and sunbathe above Tenth Avenue. But below this elevated park are shops that offer everything from vegan skincare to trendy seasonal duds. Whether you’re searching for what to wear to the next festival, or looking for your next beach read, this shopping destination has some of the coolest boutiques around.RECOMMENDED: Full High Line in NYC guide

Boasting 18 miles of books, the Strand has a mammoth collection of more than 2 million discount volumes, and the store is made all the more daunting by its chaotic, towering shelves and surly staff. Reviewer discounts are in the basement, while rare volumes lurk upstairs. If you spend enough time here you can find just about anything, from that out-of-print Victorian book on manners to the kitschiest of sci-fi pulp.

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.

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.

There’s something for everyone, from label-loving fashionistas to discerning foodies, at this waterfront shopping and dining mecca in Battery Park City. In addition to housing corporate offices, Brookfield Place has a myriad of luxury stores, including Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci and Tory Burch. If you’re hungry for delicious cuisine, you’ll find a variety of options for every budget, whether you’re seeking a fancy sit-down dinner or a quick bite on the go. Meat eaters have plenty to chew on, including steakhouse staples Del Frisco’s and P.J. Clarke’s, mouthwatering BBQ from Mighty Quinn’s or Italian-inspired eats at Parm. Le District Marketplace serves up French fare, while Dig, Chopt Salads and Black Seed Bagel offer less expensive options you can nosh on between your window shopping.

Walking into this Flatiron spot feels as if you’ve just stumbled upon the best stall at the flea market. Worn-wood shelves support stack upon stack of assorted rainbow-colored dishes ($1–$17), mismatched vintage china ($5–$23), toile teapots ($15–$39) and other kitschy kitchenwares. The amazingly cheap price tags make it worth battling the often-pressing crowds to stock up on assorted flatware ($1–$6 each) and glassware, including oversize stemless martini glasses ($6), elegant champagne flutes ($8) and Italian-style painted wineglasses ($5). If you’re in need of a serious discount, plunder the sale section in the back for never-before-used castoffs from restaurant and hotel suppliers. But there are plenty of affordable, freshly minted kitchen goods too. Local-specific buys include platters printed with the Brooklyn skyline ($17–$25) and Floor Plan dinnerware (from $8 for a five-square-inch “studio” to $33 for a 12-by-16-inch “penthouse”).

Get your plastic ready because you’re about to overload your closet with casual-cool duds at this shop. But, don’t worry, this splurge will hardly make a dent in your bank account. Why? Because Primark—the trendy, dirt-cheap, UK fashion brand—now has a store in New York! (Er, well, the Staten Island Mall.) The massive outlet (55,100-square-feet, with 41 fitting rooms) has all your wardrobe essentials, including apparel, shoes and accessories for both men and women. You can even nab home goods and beauty products, too. Best of all? You can leave with multiple bags filled-to-the-brim with new clothes without feeling any shopper’s remorse. (Seriously, you can get a pair of shoes for $12.)