Hi there! We're so glad you stumbled on this page. Listed here are a few of what we at The Brooklyn Teacup believe are Brooklyn's best local businesses—all of which happen to be owned by women. (Coincidence? We think not!)
For the second year in a row, Brooklyn Teacup founder Ariel Davis takes a moment to gush about some of her favorite spots to give you a taste of the exciting products and services they offer.
Wherever you are, we hope you consider supporting your local businesses this holiday season and beyond. Not only do these kinds of unique spots, products, and experiences give our neighborhoods character and inspire people to visit and make memories, they also make our communities feel like home.
Happy shopping, happy giving & we hope you have a happy and healthy holiday season!
.
- Banorah, Hanukkah Menorah, A.MANO Brooklyn, $280
A.MANO Brooklyn is a creatively curated home décor shop featuring works by local Brooklyn artists, makers, collectors, and designers. Whenever I go into A.MANO, I always walk out inspired or holding something I never knew I needed, whether it's a cheeky cocktail napkin set or a sculptural vase. You might find one-of-a-kind pieces from The Brooklyn Teacup there, too! @amanobrooklyn
- Ube Oreo or Nutella Babka, Babka Bailout, $20+
Babka Bailout got their start in 2020, selling freshly baked babkas in small batches to help a friend struggling during the pandemic. It's now a booming business committed to changing the world one babka at a time. Babka Bailout specializes in creating new flavors including cereal milk, ube, Nutella and savory za’atar feta and pesto. They now operate a retail location in Jersey City, but I first picked up a decadent and delightful ube oreo Babka from Michal's apartment before a family event soon after I moved to Park Slope in 2020. It was so heavenly. @babkabailout
- NYC Coffee Cup Squeaker Toy, Gone to the Dogs, $18
Shop well-made and kind-to-the-earth pet products like toys, apparel, leashes and a lot more from this delightful shop in Park Slope. In addition to being a retail location, Gone to the Dogs is a social enterprise dedicated to reimagining thoughtfully designed and ethically sourced dog goods crafted by inspiring makers around the world. Make your furry friends happy this holiday season with toys made from recycled, reclaimed or renewable materials. This spot just makes our upcycle-loving hearts happy. @gonetothedogs.co
- Christmas Cheese & Charcuterie Gift Basket, Bklyn Larder Cheese & Provisions, $140
Bklyn Larder Cheese & Provisions brings artisanal and ethically made foods to Brooklyn and is the ultimate neighborhood gem. Every time I stop in, I discover something tasty, new and exciting—from homemade prepared foods and hard-to-find grocery items to top-notch meats and cheeses, of course. If you can’t make it in, they’ll ship to you! @bklynlarder
It's a yarn store practically around the corner from our Park Slope Studio that’s more than a yarn store. They offer a place where you can meet fellow crafters and fiber enthusiasts, take up a new hobby and inhabit a new state of mind. Check out their events, browse their collection of ready-made knits, and swoon over their vast assortment of supplies. @stringthingstudio
- Vintage Blue & White Dish Sets, The Brooklyn Teacup, $75+
Dreaming of an effortlessly chic holiday table setting? Discover the magic in mixing and matching from our curated selection of handpicked vintage transferware plates, bowls, platters, side dishes and more. Create a one-of-a-kind table setting you’ll enjoy for making any occasion a special occasion. @thebrooklynteacup
- Shoshi Dreidel Earrings, Ariel Tidhar, $65
Make all eight nights extra glam and “gelt” ready for the compliments with these festive earrings made from high-quality acrylic! While you’re on the website, check out designer Ariel Tidhar’s impressive collection of small-batch modern Judaica pieces, home décor and accessories. @arieltidhar
- Barre, Pilates & reformer classes, Pilates Heights, starts at $49/2 weeks
If you're looking to shake up your exercise routine, escape to the wellness haven that is Pilates Heights. Now offering barre, Pilates and reformer workouts, you're going to love the instructors and ambiance at this boutique fitness studio in the heart of Brooklyn Heights. @pilatesheightsbk
- Beer + Cheese Tasting for Two, Talea Beer Co. $80
Enjoy an elevated, cozy beer experience this season at Talea. Now with two taprooms in Cobble Hill and Williamsburg, Brooklyn, these delightful spots are the perfect place to sip and savor the season—and maybe learn a thing or two about beer while you're at it! @taleabeer
- Semicolon Grip Socks, GripCity Socks, 2 pairs/$30
Give a little bit of heart and sole to your loved ones this season. The holidays can be tough for a lot of people, especially if they're struggling with mental health issues. These cozy socks are like cozy hugs for your feet with no-nonsense non-slip grip treads. Find out why GripCity socks are the best grips on the market and learn more about their mental health mission. @gripcitysocks
- Vintage shopping, Beacon’s Closet
If you’re looking for a vintage clothing shop that doesn’t threaten to completely overwhelm you, check out Beacon’s Closet, a treasure trove of modern and vintage finds. With recognizable brands and designer goods in clothing, footwear, accessories and décor at a wide range of price points, you’re bound to find something unique and special when you shop. Locations in Park Slope, Greenpoint, Bushwick and Greenwich Village. @beaconscloset
- Afternoon Tea, Brooklyn High Low, $48+/pp
If you book in advance and manage to snag a coveted reservation, you will not be disappointed with an afternoon spent at Brooklyn High Low. Treat yourself and a friend to a cozy and delicious afternoon at this quaint tea salon located on Vanderbilt Ave, everyone’s favorite street in Prospect Heights (and just a few blocks away from our Park Slope studio!) @brooklyhighlow
Looking for more recommendations?
Check out a few of last year's favorites, too!
- maman: the cookbook, maman, $30
This cookbook is so lovely it could also be a coffee table book. Not only does it reveal the recipes behind the beloved French café and bakery, maman, it also includes tips on everything from prep to table décor from their founder and creative director, Elisa Marshall. Stop by one of maman’s growing collection of cafes in Brooklyn to grab the book with coffee and pastry on the side (or my favorite, their lavender hot chocolate!) If you're lucky, you might even be able to snag a Brooklyn Teacup original ornament. @_mamannyc_
- Brooklyn Brownstone Tea Towels, Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store, $20
No matter the occasion, Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store has just the thing—or 10 things! I can count on this gift shop to carry a wide selection of goods from local artisans and craftspeople, too, like these brownstone graphic tea towels from Brooklyn artist Claudia Pearson. Don’t forget to pick up a witty, quirky, or just plain thoughtful card from their always-stellar selection before you go. @anniesblueribbongeneralstore
- Salted Caramel Apple Pie, Four & Twenty Blackbirds, $44
I have never tasted better apple pie than the one from Four & Twenty Blackbirds, so this one had to make it into my gift guide. Founded by sisters and pie makers Melissa Elsen and Emily Elsen in 2009, this neighborhood pie shop serves up handmade slices using seasonal and fresh ingredients sourced from local orchards. Pick up any one of their sensational pies before your next gathering—you can thank us later. @birdsblack
- Holiday Knit Sweater Ornament, Slope Girl Knits, $25
I saw Slope Girl Knits founder Emily Louick whip together an absurdly adorable, teeny-tiny hand-knit menorah sweater at a craft show a few years back and was mesmerized. I had to get one then and there! Make your ornament even more personalized by having Emily stitch your gift recipient's name(s) or a date on the front or back. @slopegirlknits
- Specialty Sugar Cubes, Teatime Organic, $15+
Make the holidays extra sweet with specialty sugar cubes handcrafted by confectionary queen Stella Carter in the shapes of bears, hearts, butterflies, puzzle pieces and more. Have you ever seen something so cute? Me neither. These adorable organic cubes come in a variety of all-natural colors and flavors. They make terrific stocking stuffers or add-ons for just about any tea or coffee-themed gift. Be sure to add an extra pack for yourself too! @teatimeorganicnyc
