Holiday Shopping in the Hamptons

When it comes to holiday shopping in the Hamptons, many will head to the usual places along the main drags of East Hampton, Southampton, Sag Harbor, Westhampton and Bridgehampton. If you’re looking for high fashion — think Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Balenciaga, John Varvatos — head for East Hampton; Southampton also offers a number of luxe options including Michael Kors, Akris, Intermix and Christian Louboutin. Westhampton staple Jimmy’s Boutique on Main Street has been a long-time purveyor of high fashion west of the canal. You can also find any number of small, independent fashion boutiques, art galleries, bookshops and gourmet gift stores in these well-known Hamptons shopping districts. But what about other options for the intrepid shopper looking for interesting and unique gift options off the beaten path? We recommend the following:

Nellie’s of Amagansett
230 Main Street, Amagansett

Chock full of antique furniture, unique gifts and decor items for designers, stylists and homeowners alike, Nellie’s has been owned and operated for almost 30 years by Connie Dankmyer, who chooses each piece in her delightful shop with the eye of an artist and the passion of an ardent collector. A treasure trove of one-of-a-kind items packed into an historic house on Main Street, you’ll find such singular items as hand-forged iron candelabras, antique maps and prints of Long Island and handmade textiles. Browse through a warren of adjoining rooms for majolica, sterling silver service pieces, hand-crafted glassware, jewelry and antique toys, head to the backyard for garden furniture and statuary. (Open Thursday – Monday, 11am-5pm)

il Buco Vita Shop
225 Main Street, Amagansett

Located right next to il Buco al Mare, the Hamptons outpost of famed NYC eatery iI Buco, you’ll find a beautifully curated shop of antiques and homewares from local artists and designers — including the exclusive Umbrian-made terracotta tabletop collection used in the family of il Buco restaurants. Store manager Natalie Donghia has a tip for those holiday shoppers looking to acquire striking gifts: don’t go “matchy-matchy.” Natalie explains that mixed color sets are trending — and not just in dishes and plates but in serving bowls, platters and other service pieces. And let’s not forget cookware! Natalie predicts that given the interest in all things culinary, il Buco’s line of terracotta casseroles are sure to be best sellers. In the meantime, if you get a little peckish, the front of the shop is occupied by a cafe offering coffee, house-made pastries and small bites to-go, and artisan pantry products. (Open daily)

Loaves & Fishes Cookshop
2266 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton

Find that perfect saute pan, tagine or dutch oven at this sister shop to the renowned Sagaponack food store of the same name, owned by longtime 

Hampton habitués Sybille and Gerrit van Kempen. A veritable bazaar of all things kitchen, choose from the best the culinary market has to offer in pots and pans, cutlery, knives, glassware, china and linens. Cookbooks and necessary kitchen accessories (peelers, graters, etc.) round out the offerings. (Open daily)

Torch’d Shoppe by Isaac Boots
352 Montauk Highway, Wainscott

Famous choreographer, celebrity workout guru and influencer Isaac Calpito (“Isaac Boots”) has opened a combination workout studio/boutique/event space in Wainscott. The only New York retailer for famed Los Angeles clothing line, Fred Segal, Torch’d Shoppe features curated collections of exclusive womenswear and menswear lines, accessories and shoes. Peruse the retail offerings while attending a fundraiser for a local charity, a book launch or after one of Isaac’s grueling “Torch’d” workouts. Or just wander in to look at the murals and artwork while picking up a few stocking stuffers from the various skin care/cosmetic lines on offer. This is feel good shopping at its best: known for his penchant for giving back to the community, Isaac and his partners have earmarked a portion of the Shoppe’s sales proceeds to benefit the East End Fund for Children, a basket of 7 charities which includes the Children’s Museum of the East End. (Open daily)

Hampton Motorsports/Vespa Southampton
938 Montauk Highway, Water Mill

For the scooter enthusiast on your gift list, or that person who has everything — how about a Vespa? Factory-authorized dealer for such brands as Apollo, Vespa, Genuine Scooter Company, and E-Z-GO (golf carts), Hampton Motorsports offers sales, leasing and financing of scooters, motorbikes, quads and golf carts. Choose from a large selection of helmets, gloves and other moto-gear accessories by THOR, Moose Racing, Troy Lee Designs and much, much more. Gift certificates available. (Open daily) 

Little Q Quogue Shop
114 Jessup Avenue, Quogue

Tucked away on Jessup Avenue next to the Quogue Market, you’ll find a trove of all things Quogue-y. Choose from housewares, stationery, pillows, candles and drinkware emblazoned with “Quogue”. Select from an array of embroidered belts and shoes as well as sweatshirts, hoodies, tees, flip flops for men, women, children and infants. Or maybe someone on your holiday list wants a bike? Beach cruisers are available in pink, blue and black. (Open Thursday – Monday)

Fandango
46 A Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays

A Hamptons’ perennial since 1982, Fandango offers comfortable and affordable clothing and accessories for women in sizes ranging from petites through 3X. Find the perfect scarf, shawl, glove set or sweater for that special mom, aunt or sister on your list; stocking stuffers also include earrings, bracelets and beaded bags. (Open daily)