It may seem like you have an alarmingly short time to get your holiday shopping done. But not to worry — Dumbo has your back! With a neighborhood full of well-stocked, unique boutiques near the 98 Front Dumbo condos, we say: Stay off the internet and get thee to some of the best shopping in all of Brooklyn. We’re talking about the likes of Front General Store, Brooklyn Flea, AHA Front, Jacques Torres Chocolate, and Modern Anthology. In a single weekend of shopping, you’ll be able to find the perfect gifts for every special person in your life.
A wide selection of just about everything can be had at Front General Store. Browse through accessories and clothing staples to find stocking stuffers, pick up jewelry for that special someone, or select just the right candles and incense — two gifts that are always appreciated. Or you can gift yourself, and your guests, a little something special this year by stocking up on kitchen and bath goods for your holiday parties and out-of-town visitors. And why not grab a cozy new set of slippers or socks (always needed) to give? Front General Store even has an excellent array of stationery and desk tools, perfect for creating unique holiday cards for everyday use.
For something a bit further afield, Brooklyn Flea’s Saturday and Sunday market ranks on a number of prominent lists as a must-visit shopping site. Every weekend of the year, hundreds of vendors flock to the market to hawk furniture, antiques, all manner of crafts, as well as an eclectic mix of jewelry, vintage clothing, and other collectibles from local artisans and designers. While you’re there, indulge in delicious, fresh foods, or take home a few treats for your next gathering. Come see for yourself why The New York Times calls it, “One of the great urban experiences in New York,” and why Travel + Leisure, Country Living, Budget Travel, and Fodor’s all call this one of the best markets in the entire world!
Like Brooklyn Flea, AHA Front brings together artisans and designers (more than 1000), but this group of sellers comes from over 45 countries to create a carefully curated store chock-full of high-quality goods and arts. Their 2,000-square-foot Dumbo location is “an experimental playground that serves as a living, shoppable showcase.” Inside, you’ll find items displayed in their “natural habitat,” including “rare fashion” and “lifestyle pieces” that are the hallmarks of their cadre of independent artisans and designers. AHA also hosts a number of pop-up shops during the year, so check out their site for more info and details.
For a gift that can’t miss, consider sending your sweet some sweets. Jacques Torres Chocolate’s original location presents a grand selection of the shop’s finest handmade chocolate treats, from truffles and cookies to bonbons and ice cream sandwiches, that are the perfect gift for the chocolate lover in your life. While you’re there, you can sample to your delight, stock up on your favorites, and buy a cup of delectably comforting hot chocolate to warm you on the walk home.
While Modern Anthology is an experiential and interior design studio, they’ve also put together a shop to showcase items they’ve found and been inspired by during their creative journey. Show pride for your neighborhood with a Dumbo pennant by Oxford Pennant, or gift a Kinto travel tumbler, always a hit, to that friend on the go. A full line of grooming products offers luxurious options to treat both the body and one’s senses, while the clothing line offers smart and stylish choices to complement a friend’s wardrobe.
Holiday shopping in Dumbo is easy and fun. Just outside the Dumbo condominiums of 98 Front, you can nab any number of wonderfully creative gifts to dazzle your loved ones. This holiday season, skip the lines and the stress at the big-box stores and find joy in the boutiques located right in your own neighborhood. Dumbo is your destination for the perfect gift.