Podcast Summary

Podcast: All Of It with Alison Stewart
Episode: Go Local: Brooklyn
Date: December 8, 2025
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest Expert: Caroline Weaver (Author, The Locavore Guide to Shopping NYC)

Episode Overview

This episode spotlights the vibrant ecosystem of local, independent shops and community initiatives across Brooklyn, as part of the show’s “Go Local” holiday gift guide series. Alison Stewart and guest Caroline Weaver, a passionate local business advocate and shop owner, discuss the best places to shop for thoughtful gifts across all categories—plants, crafts, kids, books, fashion, and even pets—while highlighting the value of keeping money within the community during the holiday season. Listener calls and texts supplement the recommendations with personal favorites, adding first-hand warmth and neighborhood insight.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The State of Gift Shopping in 2025

• Consumer Trend Shifts:
  Caroline notes a change in shopping habits, with holiday shoppers starting earlier and spending more strategically in the wake of ongoing economic anxiety (notably, tariff discussions).

  "Our sales this time of the year are up 60% over last year, which is a startling number. I think shoppers are being more strategic. They're being more organized. They are starting earlier, which...is all music to my ears as a shopkeeper." (Caroline, 02:39)

2. Nature Lovers — Standout Spots

• Tula House (Greenpoint)
  A plant shop for everyone, featuring expert-level flora, unique pots, plant rehab services, and nature-inspired home goods.

  "They even have drains in their floor so they can just like water everything. They offer plant rehabilitation services...great for people who know a lot about plants, but also for people who know nothing." (Caroline, 03:37–04:29)

• Also highlighted: Vibrant branding, plant-friendly tools, and pest solutions. (04:40–05:10)

• Upstate Stock (Williamsburg)
  Specializes in locally-made knitwear, candles, and provisions. Ideal for curated gift baskets with cozy, New York-made goods.

  "It's a great place to put together your own gift basket...they have amazing health and beauty products, lots of pantry things, and all of the wonderful knitwear they manufacture." (Caroline, 06:18)

3. Listener Calls: Favorites Across the Borough

• Awesome Brooklyn (Flatbush)
  Eclectic, all-ages gift store with candles, records, books, and a welcoming backyard—a one-stop shop for reluctant shoppers.

  "I saw stuff for my kids. I saw stuff for my mom. I saw stuff for my homies...an incredible backyard. It's just like a great space to shop." (Earl, 06:56)

• Charmed (Bay Ridge)
  Charming boutique for jewelry, handbags, candles, pajamas, owned by three friends for 13 years and recently expanded.

• Community Bookstore & Terrace Books (Park Slope & Windsor Terrace)
  Beloved independent bookstores, praised for their curated selections and knowledgeable staff.

4. For Creatives

• Photodom (Bushwick)
  A haven for film photography buffs and newcomers, offering rentals, development, studio space, and their own affordable film line.

  "He creates a really great access point for people who are new to film photography...it's a really cool gift for somebody who loves film photography and you don't have to know anything about it yourself." (Caroline, 09:46–10:51) "It's very much a community hub for the film photography community." (Caroline, 11:14)

• Brooklyn Craft Company (Greenpoint)
  Offers crafting supplies, kits, and classes for both adults and kids—great for gifting experiences or DIY projects.

  "They have an incredible selection of kits. So if you know someone who wants to get into cross-stitching or crocheting, there's something for you there. They also offer lots of classes." (Caroline, 13:09)

  Why Shop Local vs. Big Box?

  Caroline breaks down price transparency and genuine value:

  "When you're shopping at a big store, you're also paying for their marketing budget...those prices are inflated...whereas at Brooklyn Craft Co., that $20 craft kit costs a lot more to make, and you're getting better quality." (Caroline, 14:29)

5. Book & Music Store Recommendations

• Vinyl and Thread (DUMBO): Record store and avant-garde boutique in a garage on J Street.
• Community Bookstore, Terrace Books, and More: See above under listener calls.

6. Kids & Teens

• Little Green (Park Slope):
  Curated toys for 'the next generation of cool kids,' emphasizing sustainability.
• Pizzazz (Cobble Hill):
  "A very serious toy store." Wide range; excellent for stocking stuffers.
• Jo Mart (Avenue R, Flatlands):
  Classic Brooklyn handmade chocolate, a staple for family gatherings.

  "One year I didn't bring [the dark chocolate almond bark] and I never heard the end of it." (Judy, 20:50)

• Seed in Bed-Stuy:
  Trendy concept store/cafe/greenhouse for the elusive “cool teen”—brands like Telfar and Carhartt collabs.

  "They even have a Jean Michel Basquiat Funko toy...Go in there blind, ask for help. They will know how to steer you." (Caroline, 22:24)

• Tangerine (Williamsburg):
  Fashion-forward boutique with a wide price range, founded by two local women.

  "Independent retail is so often thinking about their entire audience...not just that one customer to spend the most money." (Caroline, 25:00)

7. Other Listener & Host Shout-outs

• Teamwrk (Brooklyn): Black-owned running club, offers subscriptions and community engagement.
• Peace & Riot & Mommy and Poppy (Bed-Stuy): Local favorite for gifts and toys.
• Tools for Working Wood (Gowanus):
  A unique, historically-informed woodworking shop making tools in-house.

  "He manufactures many of these tools on site...they are shockingly well priced considering they are handmade in Brooklyn." (Caroline, 26:43)

8. Small Gifts and Unique Finds

• WonderMart (Greenpoint):
  Small shop with locally-made ceramics and unique gifts under $75.
• Leroy’s Place (Park Slope):
  Whimsical, art-forward gifts including plush 'pocket slugs' and hand-painted faux VHS tapes.

  "They have this plush thing called a pocket slug that is truly a work of art...they call the faux dega—it looks like a bodega but it's all food-related items." (Caroline, 28:58–29:40)

• Mr. Friendly (Bed-Stuy):
  Modern pet shop with locally made leashes and quirky branding.
• Gone to the Dogs:
  Felted, fair-trade toys and stylish pet beds.
• Art of Play (Brooklyn Heights):
  Premier shop for unique playing cards and stylish games.
• Analog Stationer (Prospect Heights):
  Tiny but perfectly curated stationery store—ideal for stocking stuffers.

9. Unusual Gems

• Bikeport (near Navy Yard):
  Custom cargo bikes, bookshop, records—described as the "most unusual store in Brooklyn."

  "...they make custom made cargo bikes, but they also have a bookshop and they sell old records." (Hank, 32:44)

10. General Local Shopping Philosophy

• Broader Message:
  Caroline and Alison both repeatedly highlight the tangible impact of buying local: fostering community, supporting entrepreneurship, finding curated and unique items, and directly supporting neighbors rather than impersonal big box chains.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Consumer Trend Shift:

  "Shoppers have started earlier. In my store alone, our sales this time of the year are up 60% over last year, which is a startling number. I think shoppers are being more strategic."
  – Caroline, (02:39)

• Tula House’s Accessibility:

  "It's really a plant store for everybody, which is a rare thing, I think."
  – Caroline, (05:15)

• Photodom Community:

  "It's very much a community hub for the film photography community."
  – Caroline, (11:14)

• Difference between Local and Big Box:

  "These big stores can offer these huge Black Friday sales...because they bake that into their margins to begin with. In some ways you're kind of being tricked into thinking you're getting a good deal. You're probably paying what you should have been paying in the first place."
  – Caroline, (14:29)

• Chocolate Traditions at Jo Mart:

  "My go to purchase that I have to bring anytime we have a family function is dark chocolate almond bark. One year I didn't bring it and I never heard the end of it."
  – Judy, caller, (20:50)

• On intimidating “cool teen” shops:

  "Even the coolest stores are staffed with usually very friendly people who are there to help you. They can tell you how to impress your teen."
  – Caroline, (22:34)

• On independent retail philosophy:

  "They know that if they're selling you a beautiful under $10 Japanese sponge...that when you are ready to spend $400 on a dress, that will be the first place you go. They’re so often thinking about their entire audience."
  – Caroline, (25:00)

• Describing Leroy’s Place:

  "They have this really one of...their most popular products is this plush thing called a pocket slug...They even have a whole shelf of hand painted wooden VHS tapes."
  – Caroline, (28:58, 29:41)

Timestamps of Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment / Topic | |------------|---------------------------------------------------| | 00:58 | Intro to Brooklyn shopping and Go Local series | | 02:39 | 2025 shopping trends & consumer behavior | | 03:37 | Tula House: plant shop feature | | 05:44 | Upstate Stock: cozy NY-made knitwear & goods | | 06:52 | Listener: Awesome Brooklyn gift shop | | 07:43 | Listener: Charmed (Bay Ridge boutique) | | 08:56 | Community Bookstore & Terrace Books | | 09:46 | Photodom: film photography hub | | 13:09 | Brooklyn Craft Company: crafts & classes | | 14:29 | Local vs. Big Box: the retail difference | | 15:27 | Vinyl and Thread: record/avatar store | | 18:21 | Little Green: cool, sustainable toys | | 18:59 | Pizzazz: classic Cobble Hill toy store | | 20:26 | Jo Mart: longtime handmade chocolate shop | | 21:32 | Teamwrk: Brooklyn running club (not a store) | | 22:18 | Seed: concept store for cool teens | | 23:58 | Tangerine: Williamsburg-high fashion | | 25:26 | Peace and Riot, Mommy & Poppy: toy, gift shops | | 25:47 | Tools for Working Wood: artisan woodworking tools | | 28:07 | WonderMart: local maker gifts under $75 | | 28:58 | Leroy’s Place: quirky art/gift shop | | 30:35 | Mr. Friendly: Bed-Stuy pet shop | | 31:26 | Gone to the Dogs: handmade pet toys | | 32:04 | Art of Play (cards/games), Analog Stationer | | 32:44 | Bikeport: custom cargo bikes & books/records |

Final Highlights

This episode is a love letter to Brooklyn’s incredible diversity of retail and the community spirit found only in neighborhood shops. Caroline Weaver’s knowledge and enthusiasm, combined with lively caller participation, create a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to gift thoughtfully this season—and remind listeners of the unique value (and joy) to be found by shopping local in New York City.

Recommended for:

• Brooklyn residents hunting for unique gifts
• NYC visitors wanting to shop beyond big chains
• Anyone invested in community-building and local economies