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.

Photo courtesy of rob o via Yelp

For Museum Inspiration

The Museum of Modern Art Design Store is as innovative and cool as the MoMa itself. From basic wooden blocks for infants to handmade elephant-shaped clocks, you'll never be bored when browsing for kiddos. Popular gift items include CubeBot, a wooden cube that be constructed into various robot shapes (pictured here; $15), and the Geoform Puzzle.

MoMa Design Store
44 West 53rd St., Midtown
81 Spring St., Soho