Go Love NY Gift Guide
Some of my favorite gift ideas in the Rivertowns and Hudson Valley.
Welcome to the first ever GLNY gift guide!
I spotted an Ellsworth Kelly jigsaw puzzle while my friend Jenny and I were strolling through the MoMA gift shop, and knew it was the perfect gift for my sister. I loooove a good museum gift shop. Don’t you? I often find some of my most favorite things at museums and am constantly sending suggestions with links to friends. Jenny suggested creating a gift guide of my favorite Hudson Valley and Westchester related gifts, so here it is! But also included are a few non-local very “Robin” items that I just can’t not tell you about.
L'impatience Ceramics
Everything that comes out of L'Impatience Studio is extraordinary. That being said, their website is not the most up-to-date, so if you find yourself in Kingston, definitely stop by their studio in the Fuller Building. Owners Jerome and Benedicte have simply nailed modern minimalist bowls, plates and vases. Thank me later.
Ellsworth Kelly Puzzle
In honor of Ellsworth Kelly’s 100th birthday, MoMA has produced this aforementioned puzzle of one of this Spencertown, NY resident’s spectrum work. I can’t decide if it looks way too hard or would actually be easy once the pieces are sorted into color piles. Hint, hint, family.
Tracey Tanner Pouch
In today’s cashless world, after discovering Tracey Tanner, I have made the official switch from wallet to pouch. This Brooklyn-based designer makes high-quality leather pouches in awesome colors. My red pouch brings me joy every time I pull it out of my bag. :-) Tracey will be at these markets or you can always shop from her website.
In2Green Blanket
This is my go-to host gift when visiting friends for an overnight stay, especially if it's a new home. The female-founded textile company is based in Yonkers, with a retail gift and home goods store in Hastings-on-Hudson. The blankets and throws are made from T-shirt fabrics that have been up-cycled and converted into yarn, and then woven in modern and minimalistic designs. Pro tip: Their warehouse sale is this Friday and Saturday, December 1-2. Look out for me!
LDBA Watercolor Set
I first learned about LDBA at this year’s Field + Supply. You can build your own custom watercolor palette in a mini travel or larger-sized tin. Aside from absolutely gorgeous colors, LDBA is also handmade pure natural pigment, with nothing toxic.
Marie Moss
This former fashion editor turned jewelry designer – and purveyor of all things vintage – is based out of Rye and Nantucket. I’ve long been a fan of her charms. She is able to curate something so chic and super personal. You can find a small selection of her designs at Dabney Lee in Rye, but I suggest DMing Marie on instagram and she’ll work with you on something bespoke.
Monthly Cheese Subscription
Who doesn’t love the gift of cheese? A subscription means you are always prepared to invite a couple of friends over for cocktails! You can sign up for 1 to 12 months, choose meatless or meat’ crackers, jams and other surprises are always included. Locals only – pick up at Bloomy Cheese in Dobbs Ferry.
Monthly Seafood Subscription
Treat a seafood fan to fresh fish and shellfish in this monthly subscription. Sasha’s Seafood “Sea-S-A” is like a CSA for fish, and each package features two different seafoods in a bundle of four to six portions. Subscriptions run January through May, and you can pick however many months you’d like. I won a monthly subscription at the recent Rivertowns for Reproductive Rights auction and can’t wait to pick up my first batch after the holidays, when I’m sure I’ll need an Omega-3 boost. I’ve tried a lot of fish mongers in the area, and everything from Sasha is always the freshest. Locals only – pick up is at TaSH Farmers Market in Tarrytown.
Fashy Hot Water Bottle
Fashy, a German brand, makes the absolute best hot water bottle. No, this one does not fall under the “buy local” theme, but I had to include it because, ever since I lived in London, it’s been my signature gift. (Hello, book club Secret Santa!) It’s offered on Amazon with “assorted fleece cover” – meaning you never know what color you will get. I have bought many over the years, and have never been disappointed. Always soft, lasts forever and keeps our heating bills down!
Food + Design Market
I am looking forward to this one day Food + Design Market curated by Edible Manhattan and my talented friends over at Hudco! Over 50 regional vendors will be showcasing specialty food, drinks, home goods, and design objects. December 9, 145 Palisades Street, Dobbs Ferry.
Picture Book
Picture book is my favorite local Independent book shop. Even though it’s a relatively small selection, it’s so well curated! I always find the hottest new cookbook, the novel that everyone is talking about and the prettiest art books. Right now I have my eye on Scandinavia From Scratch in the hopes to recreate treats from my recent trip to Copenhagen.
BranchWater Gin
On my way home from a Hudson trip last year, I stumbled upon Montgomery Place Orchard Market and discovered BranchWater Gin. Distilled in Red Hook, this bottle will definitely up your G&T or Negroni game.
Consider giving the gift of Substack!
These are accounts I highly recommend:
Dinner a Love Story - Former Rivertownian who has effortless ideas for getting dinner on the table, whether for a family with young kids or two empty nesters. I always feel as if she is talking directly to me.
Pizza Every Friday (a.k.a The Farmshare Newsletter ) A Hudson Valley cook who always has just the right recipe to use up what is in my fridge. I am looking forward to her newest endeavor all about pizza!
Elizabeth’s Newsletter from Italy - Most of you know I travel to Italy a lot and often look to me for advice. Chances are anything I recommend comes from my sister, Elizabeth, who has lived in Rome and Umbria for 30+ years. Follow her for all things Italy.
Yolo Intel - No matter where I travel, I usually start off with a quick search to see what Yolanda Edwards has to say. And then I will cross reference several times as I get more recommendations from friends and family.
Let me know your favorite local gifts!
Happy Shopping!
Love the hot water bottle idea! I think my kids would be very into those :)
Great list. Thank you!!!