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The 22 Best Places to Shop for Gifts, No Matter What City You're In

These gifts stores easily cover everyone on your list, whatever the holiday or occasion.

By Amy Elliott
Best Places to Shop for Gifts
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We’ll assume you’re familiar with the gift-shopping meccas that are HomeGoods, Pier 1, and Cost Plus World Market. And that you already know you can stuff everyone’s stocking and then some with items from the Dollar Tree. Savvy last-minute shoppers know they can assemble a gift basket filled with fancy edibles from Ocean State Job Lot, and that, in a pinch, a box of Russell Stover chocolates from the drugstore can get the job done, too.

Beyond these options, though, this list covers the best places to shop for unique gifts in top U.S. metro areas. It’s worth consulting if you a) want to support local businesses; b) want to find a gift that’s unique and/or very specific; c) take pleasure in the sight of well-curated, beautifully merchandised displays; or d) have someone really hard to shop for on your list.

Remember that the best gifts are often hiding in the gift shop of your favorite museum, or the aisles of local craft fairs and holiday markets. Until then, start here — each store has a website, too, so most of the time, you can get your hands on these cool products no matter where you live. Just leave plenty of time for shipping.

New York City: MoMA Design Store

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A perennial favorite for design-forward everything, the recently renovated and reimagined museum has filled its companion store with lots of exciting new options for the holiday season and beyond. In addition to classic MoMa fare like the sky umbrella, Pantone accessories, and littala glassware, find cotton tote bags in electric primary colors with artist quotes, colorbocked Chilewich placemats, Alvar Aalto cookie cutters — and there’s even a rainbow magnetic train thingy for Junior.

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New York City: Catbird

Somewhere between its 2004 inception and the present day, Catbird became the destination for cool-girl fine jewelry and engagement rings. But insiders know that Catbird also carries enchanting finds across tons of other gifting categories including Astier du Villate incense, John Derian trinket trays, the chicest stationery items, plus beauty novelties like Odeme nail polish, Wild Honey Apothecary face masks, and “Bodega Bouquet”-scented artisanal lip balm.

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New York City: Flying Tiger

This Danish chain has multiple locations in Manhattan, plus one in downtown Brooklyn, and is kind of like Ikea's Kid and Marketplace sections on steroids (with even cheaper prices). It’s stocking stuffer central (think: erasers, sparkly pocket-sized notebooks, and tiny wooden toys). Also find an array of under-the-tree ideas for kitchen goddesses (gadgets, ice-cube molds, quirky-chic canisters) and everyone else (folksy Scandinavian ornaments, picture frames, makeup bags, and more). Bonus: You'll also find party and entertaining supplies galore, from taper candles in every color to paper napkins printed with vibrant seasonal motifs.

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Los Angeles: Burro

In addition to the flagship on Abbott Kinney, Burro also has locations in Malibu, Westlake Village, and Santa Monica, all offering ideas for everyone from new moms to new boyfriends. Itoya notebooks, and Auntie Oti throws have one-size-fits-all appeal, and there are lots of options for kiddos (think: Tea Collection apparel, Maileg stuffed animals, heart-shaped crayons). Meanwhile, a distinctively SoCal slant is often the common denominator (see: avocado soap). Wonderfully witty and beautifully illustrated greeting cards round out the selection.

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Los Angeles: Poketo

With four L.A.-area locations including Poketo Project Space at ROW DTLA, a concept space with rotating pop-ups by different brands, artists, designers, and makers, Poketo has options aplenty for arty types, yes, but the goods are also great for anyone who loves bold colors and graphic décor elements with a modern, playful edge. Printed tea towels, bamboo coasters, brass mobiles, lucite bookends, and something called a “cheese puff puzzle” ensure your gift will be memorable upon receipt — and probably forever.

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Los Angeles: Yolk

A quick survey of this Silver Lake boutique (and its sister location in DTLA) reveals plentiful gift ideas for recipients of all sizes, from Oeuf baby clothes to Marimekko melamine trays, Baggu bags, plus jewelry from Ink & Alloy — a very affordable line from the founder of Paddywax candles, which are also sold in the boutique (we prefer the gender-neutral Boy Smells line).

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Chicago: Foursided

So, technically, it’s a framing shop, but locals also come here for unexpected gifts like personalized flashcards, framed puzzle pieces in the silhouette of your home state, boxed note cards, plus wedding party thank-yous, Voluspa candles, and seasonal novelties, including party supplies. With three Chicago-area locations, it’s also a great spot to pick up Chicago-themed maps and prints, children’s books, ornaments and enamel pins.

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Chicago: Neighborly

A tasteful hub for all things handmade and fair trade, including Wit & Whistle paper goods, Palate Polish nail polishes, and Soap Distillery’s mango lassi-scented soap, this is also a source for Baggu bags, kinetic mobiles sculptures, hanging air plants, and letterpress prints. Midcentury modern seems to be the preferred aesthetic including a so-named coconut soy wax candle and merino wool pillows by Danish textile artist, Tina Ratzer. Also cool: small-batch beard and moustache wax for the hubs.

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Chicago: Embellish

Handmade artisan jewelry gifts for every budget are the draw, but alongside creations by local designers Allison Mooney, Stellar 26, and Rapt in Maille, you’ll find hand-poured soy wax candles, Latico Leathers accessories, Hobo handbags, and cashmere hats. Also: Hair scrunchies are back and you can get them here.

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Texas: Neighborhood Goods

Located in Plano, TX about 20 miles’ drive from Dallas, this super modern department store concept stocks a constantly-rotating selection of thoughtfully made and beautifully packaged items like Brightland olive oil, Good Science Beauty skincare, L’or de Seraphine candles, Skagen watches, and Rothy’s ballet flats. Unique special events make this store a must-visit even if you’re not on the hunt for gifts and just want to sip cool cocktails, meet cool makers, or arrange some flowers. Bonus: Onsite eatery Prim and Proper offers food, drinks, and coffee throughout the day.

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Texas: Stanley Korshak

Pop in for Spanx and the season’s prettiest designer’s party dresses, leave with a year’s worth of gifts for everyone from Grandpa to your super-picky 16-year-old daughter (and her long-suffering favorite teacher). Founded in 1986, this independent specialty department store is a Dallas institution and it’s pretty posh, but you’ll also find locally-made Kate Weiser chocolates and other gourmet goodies for under $50 alongside fancy Smythson small leather goods, Assouline coffee table books, Niven Morgan candles, and Molton Brown toiletries.

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Texas: Blue Elephant

Based in the heart of Austin, this boutique has a cult following because of its focus on all things locally made, appealingly bohemian, frequently irreverent, and genuinely, authentically cool. Play it safe with bath fizzies, a tin of Smith’s Rosebud salve, or Mario Bedescu skincare or go with something much, much sassier. An array of Austin- and Texas-themed gifts are also on offer, as are a number of solid gift ideas for guys (e.g., dad mugs, beard maintenance kits, and more).

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Portland, OR: Craft Wonderland

A brick-and-mortar outpost of the city’s most beloved twice-yearly arts and crafts market brings Portlanders and tourists alike a perennial supply of enticing locally-made gifts and handicrafts. Shoppable in two locations—downtown Portland and the Alberta Arts Districts — the store is indeed a wonderland of sorts, offering everything from Lalita Art & Design butterfly-printed totes to handmade soy candles from Nature’s Lindle. PDX fare is of course abundant, ensuring an ample selection of far-from-lame souvenirs if you’re bringing home gifts — for others and yourself — as a memento of your trip.

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Portland, OR: Pendleton

This Portland-based heritage brand has been specializing in super high-quality woolens — and a certain outdoorsy chic — since 1863. With several brick-and-mortar locations throughout the city. Pendleton’s iconic blankets and throws, which come in signature plaids and stripes, plus a series of Native American-inspired prints, are a sure thing for any anyone who could use some warmth and style in their home (or at a soccer game, a tailgating party, etc.). Failing that, other giftables include notebooks, socks, and coffee mugs; all display the most photogenic Pendleton patterns and motifs, some of which hail from a rad collection inspired by the National Parks.

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Seattle: Venue

Located in the city’s Ballard neighborhood, this boutique is about locally made and artisan crafted everything. Onesies printed with the Seattle skyline, farmer’s market totes, trucker hats, soy candles, vegan leather accessories, ceramic mugs, planters and kokeshi dolls, and possibly the prettiest illustrated greeting cards in town are just a few of the reasons to make it a must-shop destination for holiday gifts, Mother’s Day and more.

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Seattle: Capers

A West Seattle go-to since the 1980s, it’s technically a home store, albeit with a wide selection of accessories and doodads to beautify your space and up your hostess game. Such items — Le Jacquard Français aprons and tea towels, alpaca throws, charcuterie boards, locally-made ceramics, Tatine scented candles, plus artisan-made jewelry twinkling with chunky gemstones — also happen to make great gifts for everyone from the minimalist apartment dweller to the committed hoarder of objects and accents, the lovelier the better.

Seattle: Fancy

Seattleites know this Belltown beauty best for its handmade, and custom fine jewelry selection, but locals also recommend it for more affordable silver and gemstone earrings, Ferm Living housewares, Hello Lucky stationery, recycled leather pouches, Claire Cowie figurines, tulip-shaped porcelain votives, and other unexpected, artist-created gift ideas for the design-savvy crowd. Bonus: dogs welcome, and seemingly, encouraged.

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San Francisco: General Store

Everything in this extremely chic Outer Sunset emporium has a serene, gracious air, making it the perfect place to find gifts for just about everyone, from your bohemian sister (Mermaid Hair Oil, fringey Salihah Moore earrings made of Czech glass and Japanese beads, bromeliad tote bags) to your hard-to-shop-for best friend who values aesthetics above practicality (a 2020 lunar calendar art print, Kati Von Lehman ceramics, matte metal barrettes from in Paris, and Postalco key holders made of moss agate or lapis lazuli).

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San Francisco: Hudson Grace

Find beautifully curated and presented gifts, mainly for the home, in the way of Claus Porto candles, a rainbow of hand-dyed, soft linen napkins, cheeseboards, Italian ceramic Christmas gnome statuary, elegant teak salad servers, fancy peppermills, and coffee table books. Bonus: the store’s signature packaging in crisp white and tangerine ensures your gift is well-received before it’s even opened.

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San Francisco: Rare Device

The name of this beloved Nopa boutique has a certain techie ring to it but that’s not its thing (the name comes from a line in Samuel Taylor Colerdige’s Kubla Khan poem). What is: approachably stylish and unusual gifts and curios for friends, family, even yourself. Its modern and whimsical wares hail from all over the world, including kooky Studio Arhoj ceramic art from Denmark, spinning wooden tops from Japan, and a salsa bowl by Mujeres del Barro Rojo in Oaxaca, Mexico. The store is also home to a gallery space that regularly hosts events and art shows.

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