Caroline’s Sunnyside Holiday Gift Guide
By Caroline Spitzer, @Chromatic.Caroline
It goes without saying that shopping locally is one of the best things you can do this holiday season. You won’t have the stress of waiting for packages, or supply chain issues. Better yet, you’ll be supporting your community businesses so they can continue to thrive the rest of the year! It was incredibly difficult to narrow down this gift guide - as we really do have a beautiful community of businesses, artists, bars and restaurants. While gift cards are available at most places in the neighborhood - this guide is for those wanting to find something extra special.
If you have the time, rather than scrolling through Amazon - walk around Sunnyside and discover all the great stores we have! You’ll surely find something for everyone on your list!
Food & Beverage
Bariurs
40-07 Queens Blvd
For coffee drinkers, you can’t go wrong with beans from Bariurs. The oldest operating business in Sunnyside, Mike Nersesian’s parents began roasting beans in Sunnyside in 1966. Buy the beans whole, or they can grind to any preference. My personal favorite are the Mocha Java beans.
Philomenas’s
41-16 Queens Blvd
Dave at Philomena’s has put together a selection of his favorite Italian products in his “Mercato.” From cookies, to pasta, to jams - Dave has put together a very thoughtful collection of items that any food lover would appreciate! Pizza gift cards also available!
Photo: Philomena’s
Whisk Pastry
Pickup in Sunnyside, address provided when ordering.
The perfect gift for a sweet tooth, Whisk Pastry offers a variety of pastries incorporating FIlipino flavors. Michael at Whisk Pastry has a special Holiday Menu available for pre-order throughout December. A great gift to bring to a party, or your holiday celebrations.
Build Your Own Six Pack from Sweet Avenue
40-05 Queens Blvd
Sweet Avenue, a newer addition to Queens Boulevard is a one stop shop for crowlers, bottles and cans. Browse the stocked cases of local beers, ciders, and canned cocktails, or order online for pickup. If you’re looking for something extra local, be sure to grab something from Sunnyside’s own Alewife Brewing. Build or own a six pack for a creative gift for a beer drinker.
Photo: Sweet Avenue
Big Shane's Ice Cream
Shipped Direct
Who doesn’t love ice cream?! Nobody has more passion and love for ice cream than Shane Kenny. You may know Big Shane from his days as a bartender at Ida’s Nearabout. Looking for a fun gift to send to family or friends far away- Big Shane’s now ships ice cream pint packs nationwide! Pints and individual cups can be purchased locally at Butcher Block. (The Banoffee Pie is out of this world!)
Photo: Caroline Spitzer
Bron’s Cakes
48-04 41st Street
With classes for kids and adults - purchasing a cake decorating class from Bron’s Cakes is great for those wanting to gift an experience. Classes can be booked directly on their website. They also do private cake decorating parties if you’re looking to share the experience with a group.
Local & Handmade
Bliss Vintage & Handmade
41-03 46th Street
It is guaranteed that Bliss has something for everyone on your list. It’s a whole world of magic tucked into that storefront, and I promise you’ll find something new every time you pop in! Looking for that gift for someone who loves Sunnyside as much as you do? She’s got you covered, Sunnyside tanks and socks available.
Photo: Violet’s Volition
Gurrado Woodworks
Online
Local Woodworker Michael Gurrado has a number of custom made wooden items available for purchase this Holiday Season. Popular at local craft and holiday markets, Michael creates his one of a kind pieces right here in Sunnyside. Contact directly for product availability and custom commissions.
Photo: Gurrado Woodworks
Stray Vintage
48-09 Skillman Ave
Another one stop shop for many on your list, Stray Vintage on Skillman avenue is a curated collection of housewares, furniture, art, and vinyl! Similar to Bliss- you’ll always find something new each time you pop in the store! Be sure to flip through the bins of hand printed artwork.
Photo: Stray Vintage
Ora La Casa de Las Flores
42-08 43rd Ave
A perfect gift for someone who appreciates self care. Ora by Tangni is a botanical skincare line available for purchase at Ora La Casa de Las Flores. While you’re there, you can also pick up beautiful fresh or dried arrangements, or a new plant- guaranteed to brighten someone’s space.
Photo: Ora by Tangni
Reverie Wicks
Offers free local delivery
Sunnyside candle company Reverie Wicks has a variety of scents from holiday themed like Christmas Cheer and Holiday Harmony to more year round scents like Pacific Pine and Wild Woods. These candles are extra special with a wooden wick - creating the cozy sound of a burning fireplace. Choose local pickup at check out to save on shipping costs.
Photo: Reverie Wicks
Gifts for Sunnyside
Are you looking for places you can give back this holiday season? These are three organizations that support our community - the donation of money or time is greatly appreciated.
Mosaic Community Center Food Pantry
(Choose Covid 19 food distribution from the dropdown menu.)