Holiday shopping. Either you love it or you hate it; rarely is there middle ground when it comes to the pressures or joys—however you see it– -that holiday shopping creates. Regardless of where you land on the gift-giving spectrum, we think it’s the perfect time to put your values into action and support local businesses. And—it’s one of our greatest joys: supporting small businesses as they expand and grow. So, to help you make your shopping list easier, here are five of our favorite 2017 NYC businesses with some really great gifts for even the most hard-to-buy-for people in your life. (In no particular order…they are all our favorites)
The Jam Stand: You’d almost think they are identical twins. Brooklyn-based, best friends, Sabrina and Jessica, are jam fanatics. They list the main ingredients in their jams as invention and fun. From Blueberry Bourbon to Fig Tamarind and Drunken Monkey Jam—sugar-coated bananas with rum and lime— The Jam Stand offers a very special and sweet, made-in-Brooklyn gift.
Legally Addictive Foods: When you call yourself “addictive” it better be for good reason. Ines Marino, our Director of Small Business Lending, testifies to the accuracy of this distinction. They don’t call them Crack Cookies for nothing. There’s the infamous Original Gangster—a toffee coated cracker covered in chocolate with sea salt—that landed itself on Good Morning America. Or for your more traditional cookie lover, there’s the Peppermint Crunch Crack cookie. Made right here in NYC, this is a great gift for your company’s holiday potluck!
Sweet Water Dance and Yoga: One of the finest and loveliest yoga studios in the Bronx is the Sweet Water Dance and Yoga studio. Vinyasa, Boot Camp Conditioning, Salsa and….Pole Dancing. For the active member of your family, a $99, 10 class card is the perfect present. Trust us—it’s a very special space in the South Bronx!
Clean Plate Co: Speaking of holiday potlucks, Clean Plate Company, may be the best gift you give your colleagues or family this season. Born and raised in New York City, foodie extraordinaire, Chimere Ward brings her Caribbean and Southern upbringing alive in her cooking. Think Savory Crab Bread Pudding, Vegetarian Tortilla Soup with yucca and Basil-Chevre Cheesecake. And if you’re looking to supplement your own cooking, Clean Plate Co also offers packaged foods like Pimento Mac and Cheese and Spicy Smoky Black Eyed Peas for sale at Whole Foods in Harlem.
Mama O’s Premium Kimchi: And then there’s that loved one, the adventure-lover who never stops traveling and prides themselves in trying new things. Look no further. Mama O’s Premium Kimchi offers experiences in a box: Homemade Kimchi Kits. The half-gallon size is perfect for small spaces and includes everything you need minus the vegetables. Try it in Original, Super Spicy and Vegan. You can find them in Whole Foods across the country or order online.
We love being part of the local business movement. We hope this list of local businesses inspires you to think and act locally this holiday season. Happy, happy holidays from all of us at Spring Bank!
