Unique NYC Shops for Buying Birthday Gifts

Always buying a birthday gifts your kid's classmates, friends or cousins? Shop at one of our 11 favorite unique stores to find something different than the norm and in your budget.

By Rachel Sokol August 13, 2014

Feel like you’re always buying a birthday gift for one of your kid’s classmates, friends or cousins? Be sure to show up to the party with something different than the norm and still in your budget by stocking up on presents at some of NYC’s unique gift shops – no trips to giant, tourist-filled, toy stores required! Here are 11 Manhattan and Brooklyn gems to browse for really special birthday gifts including cool kid’s jewelry, funky temporary tattoos and vintage toys.

Everything but the Kitchen Sink

This downtown shop is small but mighty and truly has something for everyone: Slinky's, bike bells, swirly mobiles, stickers, 3D puzzles of the human body, G.I. Joe's, fossils, insect paperweights and more. There's also a section of non-traditional, Victorian-themed cards. Popular gift items include seashells, model dinosaurs, classic pranks (Hello, whoopie cushion!), mini army men and compasses.

House of Cards and Curiosities
23 Eighth Ave., West Village

What is your favorite local shop for buying kid’s birthday gifts?

-Rachel Sokol