There’s no need to travel outside of Harlem to discover the perfect gift this holiday season. With scores of local entrepreneurs, small businesses, artists and artisans, there’s no better place to shop! Although this season is unlike any other prior, gift giving is still a tradition we can uphold to stay in good spirits. Show love to our community while making a loved one smile.
Photo: Antoine Debrill
KEY GUIDE: Men = M Women = W Kids = K Home = H Pets = P
Harlem Haberdashery 245 Lenox Ave, 646 707 0070, www.harlemhaberdashery.com Just stepping inside of Harlem Haberdashery is an experience worth savoring. The retail expression of 5001 Flavors almost exclusively features unique designs; and inventory ranges from unique Ts to more bespoke accessories, like the fast selling two-tone scarf, which can dress up any look. M, W
Flamekeepers Hat Club 273 W 121st St, 212 531 3542, www.flamekeepershatclub.com The chapeau is a fine expression of style and cool, and at Flamekeepers, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for the modern man (or woman) in your orbit! Stop here to impress those for whom good taste is a must. M, W
The Brownstone 24 E 125th St, 212-996-7980, www.thebrownstonewoman.com The Brownstone dresses women for the important moments in her life with ethnically-inspired fashions like leather trimmed shawls or funky jewelry that are sure to be conversation starters. There are also one-of-a-kind gifts for home and special holiday cards, too. W, H
The SPAaaht 775 St. Nicholas Avenue, 1 917-498-2814, https://thespaaaht.square.site/ Give a loved one the “best massage in Harlem” at the SPAaaht, or even a handicap or footical. Wellness advocate La Juana Smith-Huebner creates aahmazing spa experiences. Services by appointment only. W,M
Hrlm Girl https://hrlmgirlapparel.com/ Have a friend who is proud to be born and raised in Harlem? Help them represent Harlem with apparel from Hrlm Girl. From masks to hoodies to tees saying “Made in Harlem”, give the gift of Harlem pride this season. W,M
Junny https://junny.nyc/ Junny’s 100% cotton masks prints are lovingly made in Harlem by Junny or her head seamstress. All masks are made with 2 layers of 100% cotton material, most designs have filter pocket. Keep a loved one safe and fashionable all season long. W.M
Harlem Chocolate Factory 2363 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. ,https://harlemchocolatefactory.com/ Who wouldn’t love a chocolate bonbon in their holiday stocking? The Harlem Chocolate Factory is an artisan chocolate company based in Harlem where we convey the cultural experiences of Harlem through chocolate. W,M,K
Harlem Underground 20 E 125th St, 212 987 9385, www.harlemunderground.com A Harlem staple for almost 20 years, Harlem Underground has a bevy of hats, t-shirts, jackets and sweatshirts that are sure to please even those hard to please teens. From black superheroes to jazz legends, HU is a mainstay because of its contemporary and quirky products. K, M, W
Imani Lia Designs https://www.imanilia.com/ For Holiday 2020 I have created speciality items for the whole family. Printable fashion books for kids, glam accessories for the whole family and limited edition clothing items that will have you feeling your best no matter if you’re working from home or in the office. M,W,K
Frederick Benjamin https://shop.frederickbenjamin.com/collections Men’s grooming brand for men of color, developed a regimen of products to help every man sculpt his best self, no matter his style. Give the gift of grooming, looking good and feeling good. M
Reynoir https://society6.com/createperiodfestival Baby, it’s cold outside. Gift a winter puffer coat, hoodie or mug by a visual artist and abstract painter. M,W
Ruth Nathan’s ruthnathans.com Ruth Nathan’s creates joy by helping you express your need for distinctive looks with bow ties, face masks, and more. M,W
GIFTS FOR KIDS Ground the children in your life with unique, culturally-diverse gifts that can’t be found anywhere else.
A2Z Children’s Boutique 2220 Frederick Douglass Blvd, 212 932 2220, www.a2zchildrensboutique.com Make the children in your life exceedingly cool with unique and fashion-forward finds at A2Z, whether it be a straw fedora for boys or faux fur vest for girls. There’s also baby gifts, shoes, and accessories. From newborn to size 14. K
Grandma’s Place 84 W 120th St, https://www.grandmasplaceinharlem.com/ It is a toy and children’s book lovers’ dream come true in this enchanting, old-fashioned store. Dolls, stuffed animals and action figures, wooden puzzles, games, books, puppets, activities and more, all hand selected and curated by Grandma herself, a 40+ year experienced retired Teacher of the Year award winner. K
Schomburg Center Gift Shop 515 Lenox Ave, 917 275 6975, www.nypl.org/locations/schomburg The Schomburg gift shop features all sorts of sweet chotskies for children drawing from an extensive selection of books through young adult reading levels, to culturally reflective dolls, posters, pins and buttons. K, M, W, H
GIFTS FOR HOME Whether it’s for your own home during the holidays, your best Martha Stewart/B.Smith-esque bud or hostess gift, the following shops have you covered:
NiLu 191 Lenox Ave, 646 984 4926, www.shopnilu.com There’s literally something for everyone at Nilu, but we’ll focus on home. Find everything from framed original photography or collages from local artists, culturally reflective dinner wear, funky pillows and candles, or even disco ball ornaments for your trees. Proprietor Katrina Parris Pinn’s taste is unparalleled and your home finds here will be coveted by one and all. H, M, W, K, P
Wines by Mozel 2254 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd , https://www.winesbymozel.com Tis the season to toast with family and friends. Purchase Wines by Mozel’s curated Black-owned wine box with a box Rose wines, white wines, or a mixture. H
Serengeti Teas & Spices 2292 Frederick Douglass Blvd, 212 866 7100, www.serengetiteasandspices.com At the forefront of African tea gastronomy, Serengeti crafts unique botanical blends, sea salts and the loveliest tea sets in glass or cast iron. A Zen moment isn’t far away. H
Harlem Candle Company https://www.harlemcandlecompany.com/ Your home can be filled with beautiful scents that celebrate the Harlem Renaissance. Harlem Candle Company crafts candles, fragrances, diffusers and sprays that tell a story while taking you on an olfactory journey. Enhance your space while creating a sense, literally, of comfort and luxury. H
Soular Powered etsy.com/shop/soularpowered Share season’s greetings with African American holidays cards to wish everyone love, peace and joy. H
Ma Smith’s Dessert Cafe 2380 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd, masmithdessertcafe.com Sweet things come small packages, and Ma Smith’s Dessert Cafe would know. Pick up cakes and cobblers, individually wrapped cupcakes for serving small groups or gift giving. You’ve got to try the sweet potato cheesecake! H
Ponty Bistro
pontybistroharlem.com
Upscale French & African cuisine.
Settepani
settepani.com
Gift baskets, artisanal panettone (genovese, nutella, mandorlato), stollen, fruit cake, cookie platers, gingerbread brownstones and ginger bread cookies, truffles, pies, tart and complete meal for 5-7 with wine.
Sylvia’s Restaurant
sylviasrestaurant.com
Sylvia Woods is the Queen of Soul Food. Need we say more?
Renaissance Harlem renaissance-harlem.com/ Three-star menu serving delicious Pan African- Franco fusion dishes sprinkled with Mediterranean influences.
Ruby’s Vintage/Sexy Taco rubysvintageharlem.com/ Perfect place to entertain guests; enjoy a romantic date; or dine solo.
FOR PETS Our four-legged friends are like family, and certainly deserve some TLC during the frenzied holidays, too. Make ’em howl with delight as they’re pampered and primped for prime time.
Ho! Ho! Ho! from us at EXPERIENCE HARLEM —Harlem doesn’t have a St. Nicholas Avenue for nothing, you know.