Last night, I was in desperate need of a good dose of retail therapy. You know the kind—nothing I actually needed to buy, and honestly, nothing I even thought I wanted to buy. I just needed to peruse, wander, and find a little inspiration.
So, I did what any self-respecting New Yorker with an afternoon free does: I started walking down my favorite street in all of NYC, Columbus Avenue.
My first stop? Bluemercury, where I convinced myself I needed a new lipstick. (Which, if we're being entirely honest, completely explains why my makeup drawer currently runneth over with glosses! This little obsession started early in my career when work trips meant buying myself a celebratory lipstick at airport duty-free—not the smartest financial move, sure, but a fantastic way to figure out which shades actually suited me, and hey... Chanel tax-free!)
I digress. Last night, the makeup counters left me entirely uninspired. No Hourglass, no Merit, no Dior could spark joy.
As I continued walking with the plan to just window-shop my way through the evening, the sky decided to open up into a light drizzle. And that’s when I popped into The Sunshinery—arguably the best home gift shop chain you can find across the island.
Tucked Away Like a Warm Hug
Tucked right around the corner and nestled against the classic brownstones, walking into The Sunshinery felt like being welcomed with a warm hug or a steaming cup of tea. With the autumn drizzle picking up outside, the windows styled with fall-themed gifts were absolute perfection.
Lipstick? No. Watercolors? You bet. (Spoiler alert: I couldn't resist walking out with a gorgeous new set of Emily Lex watercolors to feed my inner artist-adjacent soul!)
It is truly rare for me to find a store where I wouldn't change a single thing, but The Sunshinery is one of those unicorns. The buyer and assortment are unmatched:
The Best Brands: Truly unique pieces that feel elevated without leaning into fast-decor territory.
Papeterie & Paper Goods: Designer-made greeting cards straight from LA.
The Full Lifestyle Edit: Everything from baby gifts and ready-to-wear pieces to artisanal candles, frames, crafts, and pet accessories. (They even offer community classes!)
The Details: Impeccable seasonal visual merchandising and—the holy grail of gifting—they actually offer gift-wrapping (meaning you finally don't have to scramble to remember where to buy decent wrapping paper).
Gnocchi-Approved: A Haven for Furry Friends
As you guys know, all things in our house and life completely revolve around our first baby, Gnocchi. So naturally, I fell even harder for The Sunshinery when I realized it is completely Gnocchi-approved! The store is so welcoming with lots of love for pups, and they even have a fantastic little section dedicated to pet toys. It’s safe to say Gnocchi would approve of this retail therapy stop just as much as I do.
My Sunshinery "Favorite Things" Edit
If you know my gift-giving style, you know I love things that have personality, charm, and longevity. This store practically curates its shelves around my favorite things:
The Duck Umbrella: An absolute rainy-day essential.
Rifle Paper Co. Embroidered Journals: Because stationery will always hold a piece of my heart.
Emily Lex Watercolors & Custom Frames: Perfect for creative souls (or those of us who just like to look like we are artist-adjacent).
Neighborhood Pride: Gorgeous city-themed and specific Upper West Side pieces.
Statement Linens & Decor: Furbish and catstudio pillows, alongside witty kitchen towels—all things I currently own, love, and gift on repeat.
Whether you’re in desperate need of retail therapy, hunting for a foolproof gift, treating yourself to a little something special, or just mapping out where to shop during your next visit to New York City, The Sunshinery is an absolute must-add to your itinerary.
Have you stumbled upon any hidden retail gems in the city lately? Let me know below!
