Sentimental Gifts At Any Value

Bryant Park Winter Village

As the holiday season nears closer, many folks, myself included, find themselves on the hunt for unique and meaningful gifts, hoping to steer away from the mainstream allure of giant retailers. Because let's be honest, we all feel guilty buying from Amazon, so I wanted to find different, unique places to shop. I decided to ask college students in New York City where they like to shop during the holidays.

I came across Jack, a sophomore at The New School, in Bryant Park. He shared with me his favorite place to shop for the holidays: “Academy Records on the Lower East Side. They have a bunch of discount records, and the best part is they have a whole wall of one-dollar records. Their selection is great, and the store has a really good vibe.” He said his grandma showed him the store, whom he shares his love of music with. He emphasized that records, even without a record player to play them on, make an unconventional yet delightful present. Records are a charming and nostalgic gift that hold sentimental value. He urged everyone seeking something special this holiday season to pay a visit to Academy Records.

I also got the chance to talk to a rising freshman at Pomona College, Joaquin Moen, about his favorite place to shop for the holidays. “My favorite place to buy gifts for the holiday season is District One. My dad, my brother, and I all share the same size, so we all share the same shoes, so the gifts benefit me as well! It’s a bit more expensive, but it’s definitely worth it.” He continued by talking about the great selection and the reasonable prices that District One offers:  “It’s a great place to get some shoes and show your friends and family how much they mean to you.”

This holiday season, let's embrace the joy of gift-giving by seeking out these unconventional and heartfelt options, supporting local businesses, and offering personal gifts to your loved ones.