We know it may be hard to believe, but some people say Kafi Dublin's Gooey On the Inside cookies rival a certain other cookie with a cult following in NYC. (Starts with an "L"...) Named for their distinct, some would argue ideal, texture, these cookies come in classic and creative flavors that include chocolate chip, s'mores and Cap'n Crunch peanut butter. (Or get a molten cookie in a jar. Yum.) Good to know: cookie Happy Hour runs from 4-6 p.m., when $5 cookies are $3.

DA SPOT NYC, a unique fashion boutique in City Point, Brooklyn, not only features 25-plus independent creative brands by people of color but it also houses C.A.N.V.A.S. Art Gallery, featuring the work of local artists. Co-owner Michelle Cadore's goal is to create a unique space to amplify the voices of Black and POC creatives.

When you stop in for coffee at one of the three Bean & Bean Coffee Roasters in NYC, you’re supporting a mother-daughter business that’s all about giving back. The goal of these two coffee sommeliers: To bridge the gender gap in the coffee world by supporting women farmers and helping out the environment by donating part of their profits towards helping injured sloths in coffee-producing countries.

Since 2005, Let’s Dress Up has been the Upper East Side spot for fairytale-themed tea and birthday parties. Since COVID-19, this beloved space has kept is super safe, reopening with small format and private events as well as some virtual offerings.

Lucy Yu is not even 30 yet, but she's opened NYC's first female-owned Asian American bookstore in Chinatown. The shop, which is also a cafe and bar debuted in late 2021. It highlights works by Asian authors and books that feature the stories of immigrants. Closed Mondays.

Cricket Azima is clearly always cooking up something (she's founder of Kids Food Festival, The Creative Kitchen and author of Everybody Eats Lunch & Everybody Can Cook) but her latest project is Cricket’s Candy Creations in Tribeca. Kids (and parents) can create and play with candy of all kinds (edible slime, candy jewelry, delicious fingerpaint, etc.), enjoy candy-themed films in the screening room, marvel at Wonka-esque installations and more. And of course, you can host a birthday party here.

At Saskia, a jewelry studio in Industry City, every bead tells a story and every beaded necklace or bracelet (whether you make it using a DIY kit or purchase one that owner Saskia de Vries has created) is as unique as you are.

At Awesome Brooklyn, a gift shop in Prospect Lefferts Gardens that opened in 2017, the specialty is gifts that are so awesome you’ll want them for yourself. Last year brought the introduction of Awesome Home store, located next door. Keep an eye on the Awesome Brooklyn Instagram for the latest products coming into the shop, and the creative window displays owner Vanessa Raptopoulos designs.

Love Adorned is fine jewelry and lifestyle store (and experience) founded by Lori Leven. Head here for unique and vintage jewelry pieces, curated housewares, dried flowers, good-smelling stuff (soap, incense, candles), fun things for kids and more. Visit them in the Village or in Amagansett.

At Clever Alice, a Nolita shop that hosts multi-brand women’s designer sample sales, it’s always an adventure to browse the racks for dresses, jumpsuits and handbags. Owner Tamara Chaponot is curator in chief, sharing both bargains, fashion forecasts, and thoughts on sustainability.