Ahhh the holidays in NYC – what a great time to live here (if you can tune out all the tourists). The trick to being a local is to enjoy all the holiday stuff before or when tourists won’t be there. Seriously, I’ve even been to see Santa at Macy’s without waiting in line with NO HELP or VIP. I am not going to give away the secret sauce, so if you live here and want to know the tricks of the trade, you can email me directly 🙂 and if you tell – I will hunt you down and find you.
For now, I am just going to give you an insider’s guide to Bryant Park. It is my FAVORITE holiday market every year because not only is there over 125 shopping boutiques, there is the ice skating rink (open daily from 8am-10pm through March 1, 2015) AND the carousel that is open year-round! This is the one I actually go out of my way to shop and check out at least once with Maximo every year, but I also stop and shop at Union Square, Columbus Circle and Grand Central if I happen to be in the area.
First go and download the shopping map of Bryant Park, here. The key to shopping and surviving this markets when they’re busy is to get in and get out, so have a strategy.
Three Bluebirds (F6)
I fell in love with these eco-friendly reusable washcloths/towels and ended up buying them for everyone on my list! Everyone in Pittsburgh got them as early gifts last week and can confirm that these little things rock. Not only are they super cute and add to kitchen decor, they are washable (even just throw in the dishwasher!) after you use them and toss those dirty sponges and quit wasting paper towels. One of these is meant to last a full year! Cheap and practical should be on everyone’s list this year! $7 each or 6 for $6 each.
Aquanjel (G8)
Because we all have that mom that can use a little pampering and won’t do it for herself. I swear you can NEVER have too many bath products, and these are all made with oils and salts from the Dead Sea. From massage oils, to milky bath soaks, to lotions, to even organic teas, there are lots of little goodies for pampering here that are all relatively affordable. I picked up some lavender milky bath soak for myself, because, hey mom needs some love too! $35.
Mr. Ellie Pooh’s Fair Trade (G9)
These little gifts are super cute, kid-friendly and are all made in Ecuador – so you are helping the fair trade program with every purchase. Every single item in this booth is 2 for $25, so let the little hands help you pick out special stocking stuffers for everyone. Maximo loved picking out stone-carved animals and stone letter ornaments for his toddler buddies.
Lucy & Leo (J7)
If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind super cute toys, skincare and clothes for the littles in your life, you won’t want to miss this booth. Made from all organic products right here in the USA, these pieces are a super cute addition to any Christmas list.
I was a little obsessed with their cute little headbands, as well as the “monster spray.” Plus these rompers come in all sizes, so you can pick them up the mom who just had a baby, or even grab one for when they get a little older and wear in the summer months. We all know that new moms get an excess of clothing for newborns and not for later! Rompers $48.
Kubiya Games (L1)
This might have been my favorite booth. All these puzzles are made from sustainable rubber wood, and come with something for every age range. You can pick up an advanced tool for the adult in your life, or even little alphabet blocks for learning toddlers.
The kids in the booth were tirelessly trying these puzzles, and I loved how they were big fans of the old-school toys instead of electronics and other usual toys. These are a great unique gift to add to the list that isn’t just another plastic toy they’ll toss in a couple days out of boredom. This will keep them busy while you’re cooking Christmas dinner for years to come!
Infinity Lights (A1)
These lights are made out of recycled milk jugs. And I was drawn to them because you can mix and match the colors to match any decor in your child’s room or house. In fact, the biggest seller they have are all-white lights for holiday parties or even outdoor patios. You can let the kids have fun while they try to assemble them into different shapes as well, or buy even more pieces to create a larger one. The only thing you have to buy extra is the lightbulb! Small light $25, large light $35.
