The Best Places To Shop Local- The We Heart Astoria Gift Guide

{WHA’ers: There’s nothing I’m more passionate about than supporting local businesses. This post is an updated version of last year’s guide. I hope this helps you with all those last minute presents and sneaky santa gifts that need attention! Happy holidays! -Mackenzi}

KrisTees (2401 23rd Avenue Astoria)– A contemporary women’s boutique right in the heart of Astoria. If you’re looking for upscale clothing with a downtown edge, look no further than KrisTees. A great choice for those looking for a fantastic new piece to wear to that special Holiday party, a luxurious gift, or just something totally special. Things to covet: KrisTee’s own Hell Gate Bridge Tote Bags, painted enamel bracelets, and silk and wool hand painted scarves.

Loveday 31 (3306 31st Ave. Astoria) – One of the Astoria’s first shopping hot spots, Ivona Bilicic’s Loveday 31 is the perfect place to stock up on gifts for all your fashionista friends. Choose from a perfectly edited selection of vintage frocks, jewelry, jackets, coats, and shoes. Don’t miss their to-die-for belt section, too.

The Little Soap Shop (2207 36th St. Astoria)– This tiny Astoria shop bursts at the seams with handmade, organic and all natural bath and body products, perfect for filling stockings or gift giving for hard-to-shop-for co-workers. The Little Soap Shop uses only fine quality ingredients that create handmade, hand cut and hand wrapped goodies that are sure to please.

Belief (29-20B 23rd. Ave. Astoria) – Astoria’s newest retailer, Belief, is a wonderland of skate shop goodies. Lining the walls of this modern boutique are skateboard decks and accessories, sneakers, sweatshirts and other locally made objects of desire. If you’re looking for that hard-to-find guy gift, put Belief at the top of your list. Belief even offers skateboarding lessons at the brand new Astoria Skate Park- the perfect gift for hard-to-shop for teens and tweens!

Creator’s Co-Op (26-16 23rd Ave. Astoria) – This just-opened cooperative features an impressive collection of indie, handmade, and local works of art, clothing, and more. Handpicked and never dull, the items here might just be the thing you need for that hard-to-please person on your list. Things to covet: pin cushion rings, chic children’s clothing by Baby Noir, and hand-strung glass necklaces.

SITE (35-11 34th Ave. Astoria) – The shop in Astoria for truly unique gifts. This charming boutique features a curated mix of handmade, vintage and well-designed items for everyone on your list. Look for Melissa and Doug kid’s toys, Tokyo Milk bath & body products, SITE exclusive Queens and Brooklyn pillows, totes, & onesies, and a wide variety of great gifts under $20. SITE also has a great selection of holiday cards, ornaments and decorations, too.

Astoria Market (2919 24th Ave. Astoria)- A totally unique shopping experience awaits you at Astoria Market, located in the beloved Bohemian Beer Garden. Shop from dozens of local crafters at this Brooklyn Flea style market. Pick up soaps, jewelry, pillows, cards, art and more every Sunday from 12-5. A great one-stop shopping spot!

The Museum of the Moving Image Gift Shop (36-01 35th Ave., Astoria)- This fantastic museum gift shop is filled with unique cinematic gifts, books and trinkets that your friends and loved ones are sure to love.  PS- they also have a selection of video game gifts and Muppet merch this season to go with their big Jim Henson exhibition.

Long Island City Kleaners (L.I.C.K) (45-08 Broadway., Astoria)-  LICK specializes in exclusive kicks, hats, apparel and accessories for men and women. Look out for their selection of Good Wood and Mishka accessories.

Jewels of Buddha (31-90 37th St., Astoria)- Find unexpected, new-agey goods at this Astoria shop. They also have a fair share of wool hats, clothing and jewelry.