Sometimes life in Brooklyn is centered around survival. Coffee, food, and apartment repairs are seemingly inseparable from our daily routines. So this holiday season, don’t rule out life’s essential products when seeking to make that perfect gesture!
Coffee
Free coffee and bagels are the perfect pick-me-up for a wayward traveler: Most people who live, work, or play along Myrtle are already familiar with the excellent coffee choices nearby. Nearly any Brooklynite would instantly recognize and appreciate a gift from Brewklyn Grind Coffee Roasters , Connecticut Muffin, Pecks or Red Lantern Bicycles Cafe . Easy to carry. Easy to use. Gift cards from local businesses turn the average stocking stuffer into a thoughtful gesture.
Essential Oils & Luxurious Lotions
Often overlooked during the shopping season, pharmacies offer a plethora of affordable must-haves. From essential oils to luxurious lotions and lip gloss, our pharmacies on Myrtle are sure to have the perfect little something for those stockings. Check out a list of our pharmacies here.
All Season Blankets
Blankets are an ideal item to add to any home. Add an extra layer of warmth to a loved one’s bedroom or a throw for their living room couch. Several of our independent boutiques carry a warm selection of blankets and throws for winter snuggling: cashmere blankets, as well as Indian embroidered throws are available at 21 Tara, artisan woven blankets are sold at the Fort Greene artist hub, Jill Lindsey and our eco-friendly one-stop shop, Green in Bklyn, has a vibrant selection of Indian kantha quilts using recycled materials and locally designed baby blankets.
Footwear
Boots & Shoes that will hold up in NYC’s weather conditions are always an essential. Protection for your feet is a must and it doesn’t hurt if they are fashionable too. Leisure Life NYC has a limited selection of Clark Wallabies and high top sneakers and Jill Lindsey carries vintage boots, leather dress shoes, and slip on sneakers.
Bicycle Gear
Myrtle is home to two well-established bike shops. For an affordable gift, drop in for ultra bright tail lights, head lights and bicycle bells. (All legal requirements in NYC). Urban Cycles in Clinton Hill has an excellent selection of new bicycles, urban fixies, and micro mini scooters. Red Lantern Bicycles in Fort Greene specializes in useful and functional bicycles and is the premier XtraCycle dealer on the entire east coast. They sell more XtraCycle (ultimate cargo bikes) and accessories than any other shop around.
Tools & Hardware
Get the right tool for the job from your local Myrtle Ave. hardware store. Few can survive apartment life for long without essentials like screwdriver sets, drill bits and wrenches. Clinton Hill True Value Hardware and Pratt Hardware (521B Myrtle Avenue) have an excellent selection for our fellow DIY enthusiasts.
Toys
As soon as people have kids, toys become a big part of their home and life. Why not make the gift one made of renewable resources that will last generations? Green in Bklyn is an earth-friendly gem with toys made in the USA. Find fun options made from sustainable wood & recycled paper including blocks, magic wands, doll houses, board books, games, pencils, coloring books and hand puppets!
Wine & Spirits
While not essential to everyone most Americans appreciate the occasional drink, and if the quantity of stores is any measure, so does Myrtle Avenue! Myrtle is home to Corkscrew Wines Brooklyn, Gnarly Vines, Klevor Liquors, Philip’s Liquor, Pratt Wine & Liquor, and Tipsy. Not to mention the many craft beer selections from the strip’s many bodegas.
With such wide-ranging retail diversity on Myrtle, it’s easy to shop local this holiday season. Even one purchase from a local business makes a big difference to the home-grown entrepreneurs who play a vital role in the active street life we’ve all come to love.
Shop till you jingle!
