We’re excited to share a first installment of our “For Keapers by Keapers” guide, focused on great independent places to buy gifts in person, just in time for the holidays.
As one Keaper put it in our 2024 Keaper Survey: “If you subscribe to Keap that’s actually an extremely high signal of someone I’d get along with! More than my running club or coffee shop regulars.”
Below are some fantastic recommendations by fellow Keapers of thoughtful places to shop. We hope you find your new favorite store here! These listings are spread across the United States, so we suggest saving these to your maps app for your future travels.
East Coast
The WonderMart — Brooklyn, NY
Recommended by Ruby
“WonderMart is such a great neighborhood gift shop with all sorts of artisan gifts, from candles to handcrafted purses and stationery. The woman (and her adorable dog) that owns it is so lovely every time I'm in there. The store is dog-friendly! Look for the tree with a custom knit sweater on India street!”
The Locavore Variety Store — New York, NY
Recommended by Natalie
“The brainchild of Caroline Weaver, The Locavore Variety Store is the neatest little shop featuring and selling select products from a number of (often) locally made (and exclusively) small businesses. So cool and they also have a directory of shops in NYC!”
Chicory Naturalist — Kingston, NY
Recommended by Carolyn
“Chicory embodies local spirit! The books, gear, games, and gifts all enact the mission of connecting people to their natural surroundings. There are the little things — from a commitment to staying open during the week (for the locals) to having a public bathroom — and the big ones, like how owner Chris Baker helps lead the waterfront business group, hosts local makers & curators & artists in pop-ups, and will help you identify any mushroom you find in the wild. I could go on and on — I love it so much I started working there myself! (note: I'm the Assistant Manager at Chicory :) )”
rennes — Philadelphia, PA
Recommended by Lea
“Small independent clothing store with a great selection in Old City!”
Momma's Grocery + Wine — Cambridge, MA
Recommended by Sherrye
“Natural wines and softserve—sprinkles are a take home for sure”
Mem Tea Imports — Cambridge, MA
Recommended by Sherrye“
Feels cosy. Try and buy nice teas.”
Brookline Booksmith — Brookline, MA
Recommended by Allison
“It is a large independently owned book and gift shop that really contributes a community feel to Brookline's Coolidge Corner neighborhood.”
Bailey Road — Montpelier, VT
Recommended by Lisa
“This woman-owned independent boutique is thoughtfully curated to enhance self love through clothing, home goods and sensory experiences.”
Moxie Mercantile — Charlotte, NC
Recommended by Constance
“They have unique and high-end home goods and clothes/jewelry, the staff is welcoming and helpful, and they partner with other local brands and creators to support small businesses.”
Edge of Urge — Wilmington, NC
Recommended by Tamar
“Sweet owners, great selection.”
West Coast
The Yo Store — Portland, OR
Recommended by Shefaali
“Great mix of goods from local and non-local small brands, items at different price points.”
Earthen Shop — San Francisco, CA
Recommended by Vicki
“They have the most incredible gift baskets and handmade ceramics. Keap candles would be a perfect addition in any gift basket!”
Black Bird Bookstore and Café — San Francisco, CA
Recommended by Vicki
“It's a cozy little bookstore and cafe with a curated selection of good books!”
In-Between
Hazel — Chicago, IL
Recommended by Kaylee
“Decades (?! How?!) of the BEST curated gifts, cards, jewelry, home goods, random toys, chocolate, etc. (and apparel!) run by the sweetest people around.”
Looking Forward
We weren’t able yet to include all the helpful submissions we received, but we will be back with a more structured and comprehensive guide in future. If you haven’t yet, you can still share your favorite stores (no limit on submissions!) and receive $10 in candle credit so we can make this guide into an incredible resource!
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