This holiday season, go beyond the ordinary and celebrate one-of-a-kind small businesses offering everything from eco-friendly toys to interactive experiences. It’s also a way to support New York City’s diverse community.
Whether it’s crafting custom sneakers, solving puzzles that celebrate diversity, or enjoying a magical day at a kids-only spa, this list has something for every little one on your list.
Cocoa Puzzles, Brooklyn’s first Black-owned children’s jigsaw company, offers a range of puzzles that celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity. Founded by mom Putrice Thomas, the shop carries vibrant jigsaws featuring children of color in imaginative, relatable scenes — like “Music is Love,” which shows kids bonding through music on a tropical island. To boot, the puzzles are made with recyclable materials and nontoxic ink, and come with story cards and positive affirmations.
For younger kids: “All Better Now,” a 54-piece puzzle featuring a little girl playing pretend, has been named one of The Best Preschool Products of 2024 by Parents Picks.
For older kids:
“Magical Musical Staircase” (100 pieces, $24.95)
“Sparkle” (200 pieces, $24.95)
“Whisper” (300 pieces, $26.95)
Shop online here. Learn more about the business here.
Grandma’s Place
Grandma’s Place in Harlem is all things you would hope to find under the care of an educator and grandmother: warmth, games, and a love of reading together. The cozy bookstore and toy shop was founded by 84-year-old former teacher Dawn Harris Martine, known as “Grandma Dawn.”
Every item in the store was chosen to reflect her passion for literacy and community. You’ll find puzzles that teach patience, books with diverse characters, and unique games like Harlem-opoly. The shop also offers dolls of all backgrounds. Learn more about the business here.
Shop online here or visit the store at 84 West 120th Street in Harlem.
Store hours are:
Tues- Thurs: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Fri- Sun: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Monday: CLOSED
Sneaker Girls Club
For the sneaker-loving or crafty kid in your life, Sneaker Girls Club (SGC) offers a creative, empowering take on footwear. Founded by Lauren Rawles, this Bushwick-born initiative helps young girls and women design custom sneakers while breaking into the male-dominated sneaker world.
By promoting female sneaker designers and fostering the confidence to design your own, SGC encourages kids to reimagine their kicks — and themselves.
For a unique, hands-on gift, you can set up a workshop for the children (and adults) in your life, or shop SGC’s brand to support the mission. Learn more about the business here.
Contact SGC about a workshop here or shop their online store here.
Bulletproof Comics
For the superhero fan or aspiring artist, a trip to Bulletproof Comics is a treat. This Brooklyn store has been delighting comic fans for nearly 30 years. Whether your child is new to comics or already a collector, the staff’s expert recommendations will help you (or them) find the perfect story.
Bonus: show this Epicenter NYC article in-store and get 10% off your purchase!
Visit the store at 2178 Nostrand Ave. in Brooklyn, or shop online here.
Store hours are:
Mon-Sat: 11-8 p.m.
Sun: 11- 6 p.m.
Pink Princess Nails
Treat your little one to a royal spa day at this charming kid-friendly salon. At Pink Princess Nails, they’ll feel like true royalty with adorable manicures and pedicures designed just for them. It’s a Bronx-based kids-only spa that offers children ages 3 to 12 a whimsical oasis with glittery makeovers, pink robes, and themed parties ranging from Barbie to Wednesday Addams. For Dominican founder Milagros López and her staff, Pink Princess Nails is more than just glam fun, it’s also a safe space where kids learn self-care and build confidence.
Bonus: the spa hosts free arts and crafts classes, turning every visit into a celebration of creativity and self-expression. Learn more about the business here.
Check out Pink Princess Nails’ services and packages here.
New Location: 754 Central Park Ave, Scarsdale
Hours:
Wed.-Sun 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
