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Shopping for Handmade in New York City

11/15/09 - By Leni

[UPDATED: December 1, 2012]

There are many benefits to buying handmade goods this holiday season. It makes for more meaningful giving, it supports local craftsmen and is overall better for the environment. The accumulating effects of mass production are a major cause of global warming. If buying with a conscious is high on your list of things to do this holiday season, where do you find high quality handmade goods? The internet is crawling with items that claim to be unique and handmade but it is almost impossible to discern the junk from the gems. Here is the 411 on where to get unique handmade goods in NYC.

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Where to buy handmade:

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Enchanted Toys – CLOSED 1179 Lexington Ave at 80th Street in NYC
This toyshop sells only handmade and natural toys that encourage imaginative play.

Acorn — 323 Atlantic Ave Brooklyn, NY 11201 · 718.522.3760
Acorn stocks wooden toys, Waldorf dolls, some furniture, and unique clothing and artwork by New York designers and artists from around the world.

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Tedde.com – is a NY based teddy bear company with a unique spin on the classic teddy bear. Each bear they sell is a unique handmade creation by a designer, often from repurposed materials.
 
 
Stinky Minky - makes pj’s for toddlers out of vintage pattern flannel. You can buy their goods at this year’s Union Square Holiday Market.
 
 
Poloppo.com is a Brooklyn based custom t-shirt company that makes a t-shirt kit that kids can mail in their own art and have it printed on shirts of their choosing. This is perfect for the picky tween.
 
 
Madame Alexander Dolls Unfortunately, this historic venue closed in 2012
Their factory on 131st street has a doll hospital, heritage gallery, gift shop, and even holds tours and birthday parties for kids. You can buy the dolls online or from Mary Arnold among other local retailers.
 
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Etsy.com – This online marketplace for artisans selling their handmade goods has a "Shop Local" feature that allows you to find photographs, jewelry, and artistic handmade goodies of all kinds that are created in your neck of the woods.
 
 
During the holiday season markets pop up around the city selling handmade goods as well as vintage finds. These are great places to find a one of a kind present for your special little one. There are holiday bazzaars at Union Square, Columbus Circle, and Grand Central Station.
 
 
 
Helpful Handmade Links:
 
Made Here Baby is a book of American made baby items.
 
Made In NYC is the leading directory of products manufactured in New York City.
 

 

Places featured in this article: