Pink Olive
Neighborhood: East Village
Type of Place: Gift Shops
Description:
Girlie girls (and those who love them) will adore the East Village boutique Pink Olive, owned by Grace Kang, a former fashion consultant and buyer for Barney’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Kang’s eye for detail and tasteful, affordable luxuries make it one of downtown’s top spots for securing thoughtful, sensible gifts for new parents, secretaries, co-workers, little sisters, moms, grandmothers, and more.
Though the retail space is tiny, it outdoes itself in charm, devoting small vignettes in the shop to groups of related goods, such as infant clothing and nursery items, books and personal accessories. Small, independent designers, many of whom are local, produce much of Pink Olive’s inventory, which also includes a vast selection of handcrafted gifts, letterpress cards, and home goods. Part of the fun is making little discoveries along the way, meandering through the boutique’s wonderful cornucopia of treasures. We were as equally impressed by its selection of original framed photographs and illustrations (perfect for children’s rooms and nurseries) as we were with the store’s display of gift-worthy knits, unique toys and whimsical stationary, such as the illustrated wooden postcards by Night Owl Paper Goods, $6.25.
Kang’s team of buyers get high points for melding hip and unusual with practical and affordable. One example are the one-of-a kind cake stands by Knack that are made from repurposed vintage plates—totally functional even in the smallest apartments and a steal at just $24. Bloom tote bags in stylish floral patterns and bright colors make grocery shopping and daily errands fun and fanciful; at just $10 you can easily pick out two—one for you and one for a friend. Vermont artist Beth Mueller’s cheerful ceramics, which are priced from $28, are also a must.
Parents of small children will find a wealth of useful goods at Pink Olive, from soft, cozy knitwear and cotton essentials to footwear and socks, plus a small selection of hand crafted mobiles, nursery lamps, and toys. We love the doodle pads that double as placemats; “Doodles at Lunch” and “Doodles at Dinner” cost just $15 for 36. Super snuggly nap blankets, $15, complete with a cute stuffed animal on one corner, also score big points with toddlers. (While the East Village store concentrates on the eclectic; Brooklyn residents love Pink Olive’s Park Slope location, which is brimming over with essentials for new parents.)
Kids will adore Pink Olive’s collection of plush animals and vintage-style toys, priced from $8. We love the hand-sewn sock monkeys ($32) by Fresh Art, a local nonprofit group that provides assistance to artists with special needs. Pink Olive is proud to partner with Fresh Art and 80 percent of every sale goes directly to charity.
The DIY set will enjoy Pink Olive’s smart collection of craft and cookbooks with titles on knitting and sewing, wedding planning, decorating, and design. Children of all ages will not be disappointed, as Kang dedicates equal space to popular picture and activity books, priced from $10.
If you’re feeling more self-indulgent, Pink Olive is a great stop for a quick and fragrant pick me up. Long-burning soy candles by Lucia, $28, perfect for long winter nights, are available in a selection of luscious scents like ginger/fig and pomegranate/current. Pair one with a fragrant bar soap in lavender or cedar wood ($10) and create an instant at-home spa. If you want to follow those with an elegant sleep mask, the “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” design is a sure hit, $36.
Shopping for a wedding, shower, anniversary, or child’s gift was never this easy. Recipients will think you hunted for hours and Pink Olive will wrap and/or have your gifts sent anywhere. Those who are too perplexed by the myriad of choices can purchase gift cards in set denominations, which also come in handy when shopping at the Pink Olive website. So relax. You can still show up with the best gift without breaking your budget (or a sweat). - Joann Jovinelly
Pink Olive
439 E. Ninth Street
New York, NY 10009
(212) 780-0036
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