Right now people want you to buy stuff. This holiday party-studded final stretch of December is an American bacchanal of boozing and buying, and with Brooklyn so defined by its creative class and service economy there are tons of local businesses that crave your gift dollars. Including us. Read More »

With all the holiday craft fairs and precious handmade items of every stripe on offer, it’s easy to overlook Brooklyn’s bevvy of dollar stores for Christmas shopping–do not make this mistake. We found cool items in pretty much every store we went into, and it’s not all kitschy junk, though there’s plenty of weird stuff to be discovered. Dollar stores excel at inexpensive dishware and glassware, and often yield surprising delights you wouldn’t find anywhere else. They’re also great for stocking stuffers, little Hanukkah gifts, Secret Santa exchanges (like the one at our No Office Holiday Party tonight!) and Christmas lights and tree decorations on the cheap. You just have to be okay with the Made in China stamp if you plan to shop here for your kids. Here are some of our favorite finds, all under $10.
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It may be unsurprising to learn that there are a number of designers producing shoes in Brooklyn, where we handmake everything from salt water taffy to soap, who are countering the trend toward industrialization. These shoemakers are part of what Keiko Hirosue of k* Shoes says is, “like a knitting circle, a shoe circle” of entrepreneurs who specialize in the art of making feet look good and feel even better. Read More »

UPDATE: There are 6 samplers left, available only at Vine Wine in Williamsburg. Email us at sampler@brooklynbased.net to purchase before picking up.

This week, we put the finishing touches on an awesome, limited edition gift box... Read More »