Cheap and Free NYC Holiday Markets, Christmas Shopping, and Event Guide!

NYC Holiday Shopping Guide

Pearl River Mart: This Chinatown Institution sells Asian-inspired gifts. 477 Broadway bet. Grand and Broome Streets (http://www.pearlrivermart.com/)

Uncommongoods.com: This quirky website sells unique gifts and other handmade items such as wooden neckties, bowls made from records, Scrabble cufflinks, and apple tree to be kits. (http://www.uncommongoods.com)

Urban Outfitters: This retailer is famed for weird items like mustache band-aids, bacon-flavored dental floss, pizza Christmas ornaments, and Spam-flavored mints as well as nostalgic items like Atari game systems, Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots, and Polaroid cameras. (http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/)
(Link to UO NYC locations: http://www.bing.com/local/default.aspx?what=Urban+Outfitters++locations&where=New+York%2c+New+York&s_cid=ansPhBkYp01&mkt=en-us&ac=false&q=Urban+Outfitters+nyc+locations&qpvt=Urban+Outfitters+nyc+locations&FORM=LARE)
Our Name is Mud: This online retailer focuses on ceramic accessories for the home and garden. They carry Christmas ornaments, figurines, plates, picture frames, and office accessories, most with cute sayings like, “The Best Part of Cooking is Getting Marinated,” and “Are you going to eat that? The dog wants to know.” http://www.ournameismud.com/

Evolution: If you’re looking for creepy, crawly, gift ideas like fossils, scorpion or worm lollipops, or anatomical models, then you can “skulk” over to this Soho store. They also carry jewelry and framed butterflies. Lost a beloved pet? Take advantage of their taxidermy services! 120 Spring bet. Greene and Mercer, http://theevolutionstore.com/

Scholastic Store: Need something for the kid in your life? Look no further than this store attached to the publishing company’s SoHo headquarters. Still not sure what to get? The store is divided by age group-hint baby items are toward the back-but if you’re still not sure about what to purchase, simply ask one of the affable sales clerks in the red aprons, and they’ll be happy to recommend this season’s most popular items! In addition to books, the store also carries puzzles, science kits, stuffed animals, puppets, and arts-and-crafts items.

Spafinder.com: Give the gift of relaxation with one of Spafinder’s gift certificates that can be redeemed at spas around the world! The perfect gift for your mom, sister, grandma, niece, cousin, aunt, mom-to-be, new mom and girlfriend in your life! Or consider giving it one of the men in your life such as your boyfriend, husband, or brother for a sports massage, some “manscaping,” or a men’s manicure!

The Library Shop: Tucked away at the main branch of the NY Public Library (that’s the one with the lions), the Library Shop carries items such as books, vintage toys and stuffed animals, unique NYC gift items like Empire State Building and Chrysler Building salt and pepper shakers, a Brooklyn Bridge shower curtain, and an Icons of NYC cupcake kit, bookmarks, calendars, and stationary.

Kate’s Paperie: This local stationery store has elevated itself to new heights by carrying gift wrap, journals, scrapbooks, calendars, greeting cards, books, Christmas ornaments, business card holders, toys and arts and crafts kits. (locations http://www.katespaperie.com/about_kates/category/our_stores)

Shopping for a jock, triathlete, or granola-head? Look no further TriSports.com and Eastern Mountain Sports (611 Broadway (@ Houston St.) for all of your athletic gift needs like socks, shoes, sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, and lip balm.

Housing Works Bookstore: Have a bibliophile on your shopping list? Then head over Housing Works Bookstore STAT! This non-profit bookstore donates all of its profits to assist homeless people with HIV and AIDS living in NYC, and is almost entirely staffed by volunteers. In addition to books, the store also carries DVDs, gift sets, journals, CDs, records, and games. Almost everything is marked at 50 percent off the cover price, so you have the bonus of getting your holiday shopping done, saving money, and giving to a good cause. Need a break from shopping? Unwind with a drink or snack from the store’s café. Cheap Chick Cheap Tip: Save 1o percent off everything during the month of December.

Economy Candy: “Treat” (pun intended!) the sweet tooth in your life to candy from this LES mainstay. Take your pick from nostalgic items such as Chuckles, bubble gum cigarettes and Fun Dip or classics like Jelly Bellys, licorice, and M&M’s, as well as special Christmas and Kosher items.

Strand Bookstore: Famous for its “eight miles of books,” like Housing Works, the Strand offers books at discounted rates (not always 50% off tho and you don’t get that warm, fuzzy feeling of helping out a good cause) but by sheer size alone they have a bit more variety than Housing Works, and so are still worth a stop on the holiday shopping rounds! Check out this holiday gift guide from the Strand for gift ideas! http://www.strandbooks.com/holiday-gift-guide-2011

krrb.com: (pronounced curb…) is a website that hooks you up locally with your neighbors to trade, buy, or sell items through the site.

Porto Rico Tea Importing Company: For the caffeine addict in your life! Go to their little store in the West Village and scoop up teas in flavors like blackberry and apricot and coffees such as Pumpkin Spice, 201 Bleecker Street!

Thinkgeek.com: Everything you need for the nerd in your life including a Star Trek Enterprise pizza cutter, Zombie magnetic poetry, and canned unicorn meat.

October 27–January 8, 2012
Holiday Markets
I’ve always been able to find great gifts at the holiday gift markets! Check out the outdoor holiday markets at Columbus Circle, Union Square, and Bryant Park! For indoor shopping, head to Grand Central! All of the markets carry special gifts, including clothing, accessories, ornaments, food and crafts.

November 18-December 24,2011
Wired magazine Pop-up Store
The tech magazine hosts their own holiday outpost in midtown. Times Square, 42nd and Broadway, Wed.-Sun. Noon-7 p.m.

December 1, 2011 - January 2, 2012
Historic Shopping Days at the Mount Vernon House Museum
From Mount Vernon, "Stocking stuffers, jewelry, wooden toys, home items and more! 25%off select items (excluding books) in the museum store during Historic Shopping Days only. Museum Members receive an additional 10% off with their membership card," Mount Vernon House Museum, 421 East 61st Street between First and York Avenues.

December 7-11, 2011
NY Creates Holiday Craft Festival
Weekdays 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Weekend 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Brooklyn Historical Society is hosting the NY Creates Holiday Craft Festival! This event is free and open to the public. There will be a variety of items such as ceramics, jewelry, apparel, plush toys, organic cosmetics, glass works, photo art and home goods at affordable prices. Many of these items were created by Brooklyn artists. BHS’s museum is open with free admission during craft festival hours. For more information visit http://www.nycreates.com/. Weekdays 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Weekend 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. or later. This event will take place in BHS’s Othmer Library. Refreshments will be served. RSVP required. All events are held at BHS and are free with museum admission ($6 adults, $4 students/teachers/seniors, free for children under 12) unless otherwise noted.

December 10, 2011
Holiday Book Bazaar
Aperture Books is hosting their first holiday book bazaar. In addition to Aperture, the following publishers will host booths during this daylong event:ARTBOOK DAP, Capricious Conveyor Arts, The Ice Plant, Je Suis une Bande de Jeunes, Magnum, and Pau Wau Publications

There will be special programming throughout the day, including: books signings with Kathy Ryan, photo editor of the New York Times Magazine, and photographer Alex Webb; a book raffle; a book donation 'giving tree'; and much more! Holiday refreshments will also be available. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 547 West 27th Street, 4th floor, free!

3rd Ward Homemade Holiday Craft Fair
This craft fair spans two floors with gift items including jewelry, bags, housewares, paper goods, toys, clothing, winter essentials, culinary treats, and much more! The Jazz band, Chia’s Dance Party will provide festive tunes, and Mieka Pauley will sing! Plus you can sip on cheap seasonal cocktails from Red Jacket Orchards! 12p.m. to 6 p.m., 195 Morgan Ave, Brooklyn, free! RSVP at 3rdward.com/rsvp. The first 300 guests will receive limited-edition 3rd Ward tote bags filled with swag from our vendors. Come early and get one!

December 10 and 11, 2011
Bust magazine Holiday Craftacular and Food Fair
This indie female power magazine is sponsoring its annual craft and food fair! More than 200 vendors will be on-hand selling handmade jewelry, specialty foods, cards, handbags, posters, toys, clothing, and more! Plus there will be food, demos, DJs, and more! Saturday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sunday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., 82 Mercer St. between Broome and Spring. Cost: $3, plus there will be will be free goody bags for the first 300 arrivals each day and a special appearance by Jay McCarroll, first season winner of Project Runway, who will be selling items such as handcrafted bags and scarves on Saturday!

Word Bookstore's Holiday Open House
Authors will recommend their favorite books and help with the holiday gift wrapping! Peter Pan donuts and cider will be provided, plus there will be raffles for priza packages, and donations for gift wrapping will benefit the Greenpoint Food Pantry, and you can purchase $10 gift cards for local readers in need! The full line-up of authors is here: http://www.wordbrooklyn.com/event/3rd-annual-holiday-open-house

December 10th and 11th and December 17th and 18th
First-ever Loreley Holiday Market
Sip mulled wine and other hot drinks as you shop! 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Loreley Restaurant and Biergarten, 7 Rivington Street, free!

December 10th and 17th, 2011
Scandavian Christmas Market
The Scandavian East Coast Museum is sponsoring a Christmas Market this year! Holiday music will be performed by Brass Trio on the 10th, and the Christ Church After School Center will present Santa Lucia, and holiday music on the 17th! Scandinavian Christmas gifts and other items will be on sale as well. 10 a.m to 3 p.m., Nordic Delicacies, 6909 3rd Avenue in Bay Ridge, free!

December 11, 2011
Green Holiday Fesyival
At his environmentally-friendly holiday festival there will be green-minded food and gift vendors, information about non-profit groups, and live entertainment! 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., The Altman Building, 135 W. 18th Street, tkts are $20 and can be bought here: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/addtocart.html

December 15-17, 2011
Brooklyn Night Bazaar Holiday Edition
Liked the Brooklyn Night Bazaar shopping back in October? Here’s your chance to hit it for your holiday shopping wants and needs! Plus performances by live bands! Dekalb Market, 149 Kent Avenue, Williamsburg, free admission f, $10-$22 for bands!

December 15-31st, 2011
Artists and Fleas Market
Williamsburg mainstay Artists and Fleas comes to the Chelsea Market for last-minute shoppers! 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Chelsea Market, 75 9th Avenue (Between 15th and 16th Streets), free!

December 17, 2011
Greenpointers Holiday Market
Check out local crafts and gift ideas! 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Lutheran Church of the Messiah, 129 Russell Street, Brooklyn.

December 17-18, 2011
Brooklyn Lyceum Holiday Marketplace
There will be more than 60 vendors peddling unique crafts and gifts at this third annual event. Be sure to sip a cherry lime ricky or an egg Cream as you shop! 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 4th Ave and President St.

Yelp's Giftacular Holiday Market
“To encourage NYers to shop local for the holidays, Yelp has organized their FIRST EVER handpicked Holiday market chock full of pop-up shops curated by top-rated retailers, crafters, local designers and more. If shopping ain't enough, enjoy some holiday spirit with hot cocoa and cider, performances, gift-wrapping, live bands, photo booths, an array of non-alcoholic bevvies, snacks, samples, spa treatments, DJs, and more. For more information, visit: www.yelp.com/events/new-york-yelps-giftacular-holiday-market.”

Brooklyn Craft Central Holiday Market
More than 65+ designers will showcase their wares, plus treats from local food trucks, and booze to help the shopping along! Littlefield, 622 DeGraw Street, Brooklyn, Free!

Museum gift shops Holiday Shopping Guide:
http://www.nycgo.com/articles/exhibitions-mark-the-spot-museum-stores

NYC Holiday Shopping Guide:
http://www.nycgo.com/slideshows/holiday-shopping-in-nyc-2011/?a=1&b=1&cid=tw_shopping

Eco-friendly Gift Ideas
http://offmanhattan.com/2011/11/27/eco-friendly-gift-ideas/