Schooled in the Art of Gift Giving

Is your gift the one that’s always being traded away at the holiday White Elephant gift exchange? If that’s something you’re proud of, then keep doing what you’re doing. But if you’re determined to have the gift that everyone wants, then here’s your first lesson: change where you shop. Don’t go to those giant, commercial gift stores. You’ll just end up with the same old, same old. You need to go local. And I mean Williamsburg local, to Brooklynski.

Two years ago, husband and wife duo Douglas Friedmutter and Basia Grocholski, opened their well-edited gift shop in Greenpoint. Basia has a background in graphic design - specifically in building brands, and Douglas has a background in business. After building brands for other companies, Basia and Douglas decided they wanted a brand of their own. Drawing on their Polish backgrounds, they named the shop Brooklynski, meaning “Of Brooklyn.” The shop first opened in Greenpoint, but has since moved to Graham Avenue in Williamsburg. 

Brooklynski has some gifts you may have come across before–the Agelio Batle graphite pencils, Archipelago candles and home fragrances, and Snow & Graham Stationary. Then, there’s a selection of gift-worthy books including czech artist Miroslav Sasek’s This is London, The Art of the Slow Cooker, and The Printmaking Bible. Frankly, in my opinion, you can’t go wrong with any of these items, especially if you need a nice gift for someone you don’t know well. But the real gems in the store are those that are true to the store’s name–the variety of accessories from Brooklyn designers. Basia and Douglas are loyal to their Brooklyn neighbors and sell a lot of local designer’s products on consignment.

First up, the Good Ship fold up tote bags from a local textile designer, Julie Maclean. Made of vintage or recycled fabrics, each bag is a limited edition that is perfect for your eco-friendly friend. 

For the ladies, pick up a fascinator or hat made by Diana. And for that man in your life check out the silk screen ties from The Fair School or the glass cufflinks and belt buckles from Scarlett Hot Glass.

Finally, for the little ones in your life, how can you resist the Manuella Doodle Dolls? They’re more worldly rather than local, but equally unique.

Photo Credits: Jason LaFrenais

Feeling confident now about your gift-giving abilities? If you still feel a little shaky, just drop on in and the lovely staff will help you pick out the perfect gift.

Class dismissed.

Brooklynski
351 Graham Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11222
718-389-0901
http://www.brooklynski.com