Five Unique Lower Manhattan Gift Stores To Help Knock Out Your Holiday Shopping

As far as holiday shopping goes, sometimes your loved ones make it easy on you. They do the legwork, tell you exactly where to go for the thing they’ve been dreaming of. Other times, it’s up to you to play the guessing game and decide what’s best for Cousin Louie. Who knows, maybe you know them all better than they know themselves. Or you’re one of those people who likes to load up on cool stuff, then gift to friends and strangers throughout the season — email me anytime, btw.

Whatever the case may be, Lower Manhattan is boundless with shopping options. And the following shops are loaded with merch that you might not otherwise think about when barreling your way through the hectic shopping season.

National Museum of the American Indian Store

The museum store is the premier stop for all of the authentic Native American merchandise you could ever want. From jewelry (Onandad Nation beadwork, anyone?) to pottery of all kinds, the shop has countless artisan crafts. (1 Bowling Green)

Philip Williams Poster Museum

What do animal lovers, cinephiles and foodies have in common? They can all find fantastic themed prints at the Poster Museum. The categories and subcategories of one-sheets are endless. Case in point: Earlier this month month we fawned over their collection of beautifully wacky Italian movie posters. (122 Chambers St.)

Bowne & Co

Bowne & Co. Stationers isn’t your average print shop. They’re part-museum, part-printing studio, and part-retailer that offers unique, customized treasures while paying homage to Lower Manhattan history. Get your history-loving mom or stationary-loving boyfriend a letter, print, photo or miniature model. (211 Water St.)

Fountain Pen Hospital

Once you buy your stationary from Bowne & Co., you’re going to need a suitable boligrafo. That’s where Fountain Pen Hospital comes in. Check out the finest writing instruments that New York has to offer. (10 Warren St.)

New York Transit Museum Store

Rep your favorite subway line with the Transit Museum’s MTA-themed toys, trains, jewelry, apparel and accessories. (2 Broadway)

And if none of these options suits you (impossible), peruse our “Shop Small” IGTV video series in which we recently highlighted six independent Lower Manhattan retailers.