Guides

Coolstuff.nyc’s Favorite New York Brands

IN THIS GUIDE

Bold Home Goods

Authentic Asian Flavors

Organic Chocolate Bars and Spreads

Cool Glassware

Bead-At-Home Kits

Artful Puzzles

Our favorite couple shares authentic brands with a fun, quirky aesthetic

Coolstuff.nyc’s Favorite New York Brands

By Anna & Garrett Albury

Last updated 2 months ago

coolstuff.nyc is a weekly design-forward newsletter by Anna & Garrett Albury dedicated to sharing cool stuff in New York City.

We’ve put together a list of our favorite Designed-in-NY brands that are featured on Marmalade. These founder-led companies all encompass one often-overlooked aspect of what makes New York City so great: FUN! All of these brands have been spotlighted in our newsletter in some form or another, and many of these founders have been interviewed for our website. Happy shopping!

Anna & Garrett

Photo credit: Rachel Leiner

For cozy spaces

New York City is often recognized for its iconic exterior moments—famous buildings and statues take all the attention! For those of us who live here, though, our tight and old apartments take center stage. Maybe that’s the reason why there are SO many fantastic independent home brands designed in New York. Here is a selection of some of our favorites to support.

Dusen Dusen

Bold Home Goods

Founder Ellen Van Dusen was one of our very first Cool Friends back in 2020. We’ve long admired her architectural and joyful use of color and pattern.

Female-founded

Made in Brooklyn, NY

1 / 3

Embroidered cotton pillow with sun face design.

No longer available

1 / 5

Luxurious bedding in Wingdings print, featuring smooth cotton sateen.

Cold Picnic

Abstract Textiles

The textiles from Cool Friend Brooklyn couple, Cold Picnic, are striking, original, and bring energy to any space.

Made in New Jersey

Handcrafted

1 / 5

Luxurious wool blend rug with varied texture. Best seller.

No longer available

1 / 3

A nostalgic and soothing fragrance that captures the essence of mall culture.

Jiu Jie

Plush Knot Pillows

The interactive knotted pillows made by Jiu Jie founder and Cool Friend Jeanette are all stitched by hand in Manhattan's East Village. The unique fabrics and hand finishing make these one-of-a-kind pieces a wonderful gift (including to yourself!)

Female-founded

Handcrafted

Made in New York, NY

1 / 5

Perfect Blue Knot Cushion

$110

Experience pure comfort with a customizable cushion.

1 / 5

Pink Lurex Baby Knot Cushion

$150

A limited edition, luxurious cushion made from exquisite dead stock metallic fabric, adding elegance to any space with its customizable knot design.

Areaware

Functional and Fun Home Accessories

This brand offers something for everyone by partnering with independent designers (including a few on this list!) to create an eclectic collection of home accessories.

Made in Brooklyn, NY

No longer available

1 / 3

2 / 3

3 / 3

Serving Friends Board

$55

A versatile and playful wooden serving board.

1 / 5

Everything Nice Bowls

$50

A charming bowl for any seasoning or condiment. Best seller.

For snack time

Taking this moment to say it: our city is about WAY more than just pizza! From sister-led sauce brands to viral olive oil, New York City is home to many exciting new culinary brands. Whether you love to cook, or just like a piece of chocolate, these are some of our favorite places to stock up for snack time.

Omsom

Authentic Asian Flavors

Not only do we love how Omson’s delicious products make a quick dinner flavorful, but we also love how Cool Friend founders of Omsom, Kim & Vanessa, add their personality to everything the brand does.

AAPI-founded

Made in the USA

Woman-owned

1 / 5

Spicy Mala Sauce 3-Pack

$36 for 3

麻辣凉菜: a bold, savory salad with a tingly Sichuan kick.

1 / 5

It's all in the name - cop our most popular dishes all in one value set! Best seller.

Graza

Olive Oil

You've likely seen this classic squeezy bottle all over your Instagram and now the green gold should be yours! Cool Friend Andrew Benin founded Graza to create olive oil that was intentionally not fancy but still great.

Made in Spain

1 / 5

Extra-virgin olive oil designed for cooking with a mellow flavor. Best seller.

1 / 5

Enhance your meal with a flavorful finishing oil.

Fine & Raw

Organic Chocolate Bars and Spreads

Brooklyn-based Fine & Raw makes some amazing (and irreverent) chocolates. We're so glad you can snag a bar—or ten—outside of their Bushwick flagship!

Sustainably-made

Made in Brooklyn, NY

1 / 5

Hazelnut Chocolate Spread

$14

Indulgent, organic hazelnut and cacao spread. Best seller.

Anti-Stir Crazy Kit

$62

Indulgent chocolate set for ultimate cravings.

Sophie Lou Jacobsen

Cool Glassware

If you're trying to impress your friends, there is no better glassware than that of Brooklyn-based designer Sophie Lou Jacobsen. This Cool Friend's glassware line expands far beyond her iconic squiggle cups to bring joy to any evening.

Female-founded

Earth-friendly

Made in Brooklyn, NY

1 / 5

Versatile and chic glassware for any beverage or decor.

No longer available

1 / 5

Handmade colorful plates for serving or decor.

For game night

Okay, so maybe we’ve accidentally been curating the perfect night in… A cozy apartment, great snacks… Let’s take it all the way with some of our favorite indoor pastimes! Once again, there are so many fantastic NYC-based brands making products that bring the fun to a night inside.

Susan Alexandra

Beaded Handbags and Jewelry

It's easy to make any night festive with the right accessories. Downtown jewelry & accessory designer (and Cool Friend) Susan Alexandra brings child-like joy to her creations which we think are perfect for going out AND staying in. We also love her bead-at-home kit!

Sustainably-made

Made in New York, NY