8 Spots to Shop for Unique Gifts in Chelsea, NYC

Manhattan’s Chelsea district is known for several things, including its floral shops, its green spaces and its food. So where can you go in this district to find some amazing gifts either for yourself or to take back home to family and friends? Here are eight spots to shop for unique gifts in Chelsea. 

1. Moxy NYC Chelsea

Yes, first on this list is none other than a boutique hotel. This new offering from Marriott, however, offers more than just a hip place to stay. The lifestyle experiential hotel has collaborated with Putnam & Putnam to bring locals and travelers both a boutique shop that offers seasonal, fresh-cut flowers, curiosities and whimsical gifts. 

The location is the Putnam & Putnam brand’s very first retail location. The couple is known for their impeccable style — they’ve served as wedding florists for the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and provided arrangements for fashion shows for brands like Net-a-Porter. 

Stop in and buy a floral arrangement for yourself (something to liven up that dreary Airbnb); the new Putnam & Putnam book, called “Flower Color Guide”; or one of many unique gifts ranging from backpacks and fanny packs to dopp kits. 

105 West 28th Street

2. Mantiques Modern

Finally! An antique shop just for men! Mantiques Modern collects an array of masculine-style antiques and gifts that will look awesome in any room that has a slightly masculine, dark or rugged feel. You’ll find everything from vintage designer suitcases to interesting light features to clocks. Keep in mind; this is not a place to shop for gifts on a budget. This is where you go to splurge on your favorite person. 

146 West 22nd Street #1

3. Chelsea Market

While Chelsea Market may be better known as a foodie destination that’s churning out awesome dishes, baked goods and drinks from up-and-coming and well-known chefs alike (and you might even spot a famous foodie face there; the location is not infrequently supported by the Food Network roster of stars), you can also find some great gifts.

Pick up a cupcake or snack for yourself, and then peruse the shops that offer gifts that will last a bit longer in your suitcase or on the long flight home. 

There are some well known brands like Anthropologie posted at Chelsea Market, but there are some other unique, one-of-a-kind shops as well. Stop in Artists & Fleas for specially curated vintage items, or for local artwork. Try Imports from Marrakesh for Moroccan tile, carpets, teapots and more. Posman Books offers an array of cookbooks, stationery, travel guides and your favorite best sellers. 

75 9th Avenue

4. Malin+Goetz

If you’re not familiar with this brand, then ask any of your friends who’re into makeup and facial care and they’ll for sure recognize it. This worldwide apothecary brand can be found in luxury hotels and on the shelves of true skincare aficionados alike. 

The original store is in Chelsea, and you can find a wide array of gifts there, even if you’re not into creams and face washes. Pick up a candle, bottle of fragrance, soap dish, bath brush, pumice stone…You name it, if you use it in the bathroom, they’ve got it. 

177 7th Avenue

5. Pearl River Mart

This New York City institution has several locations, including one in Chelsea. Called “an eclectic emporium,” it offers Asian-inspired gifts of all types, ranging from fashion to home furnishings. Additionally, the shop is pretty budget friendly, so you can go here to pick up some cool gifts for your entire family, without breaking the bank. 

The mart also hosts its own gallery at its TriBeCa flagship store, which is free to visit and includes local artists that “build bridges, understanding and joy.” 

75 9th Avenue

6. Unique Gifts NYC

While the name might not be all that interesting, Unique Gifts NYC on West 19th Street offers a truly unique collection of handcrafted gifts and souvenirs, all created by local artists, designers and “creative deviants.” The art styles range from indie to modern to classic. Gifts you can find here include home decor, jewelry, wallets and toys. There’s something for everyone you know, all with its own style and nod to New York City. 

33 West 19th Street

7. Ann Sacks

If you know a home decor DIY-er that likes to do things with a touch of luxury, Ann Sacks is a stop you’ll definitely want to add to your gift shopping itinerary. Ann Sack offers a huge tile library, with tiles made from an array of materials — wood, ceramic, concrete, porcelain, stone. The list goes on and on. The pricing ranges just as much as the types of tiles do, so stop in and see what you can find that fits into your budget. Even for friends that like the odd piece of artwork, you’re sure to find a unique tile or two that will catch their interest as a statement piece, if not necessarily a piece of backsplash in the kitchen. 

37 East 18th Street

8. Story

If it’s unique you want, Story provides. This Chelsea beloved shop transforms completely every month or so, giving shoppers completely new experiences upon its reopening. The store has a lot of different contributors, both well known and not so much (Target and Cigna among them). Recently, the concept was overtaken by retail superstar Macy’s, but the concept is still the same, even though the location is different. 

Currently the theme is “color,” with contributions from MAC Cosmetics, Crayola and Levi’s. The gifts you can find here range wildly, from coffee mugs to phone cases to lipstick.

151 West 34th Street

By Holly Riddle