From Soho To Sweets: NYC's Best Teen And Tween Spots

Forbes

30-04-2025

Edikted Store in Soho, NYC
As the weather warms up, millions of visitors descend upon NYC keen to take in the latest Broadway show in Time Square or wait in line for the best bagel in the West Village. If you are planning a trip and have a Gen Z (or Alpha) trendsetter in tow, these are the places to explore for must-have summer clothes and Instagrammable treats.
From a pastel mecca of makeup, to decadent chocolate dim sum-and even where to score coveted Sonny Angels-these are the spots sure to please the hard-to-shop-for tween in your life. Hint, start in Soho.
Edikted
If there's one can't-miss spot on this list, it's this one. Head to the SoHo location right at 10 a.m. when the doors open for the best selection. While some pieces may lean slightly mature, the Y2K-inspired styles—think lace-trimmed tank tops, statement jeans with bows, and adorable heart-shaped pockets—are tween gold. With only six freestanding locations in the U.S., carrying one of Edikted's iconic pink-and-blue shopping bags is basically a badge of honor.
Princess Polly
This Australian-based chain has just opened a Soho outpost and spans approximately 8,000 square feet. This is the place to go for special occasion dresses for end-of year dances or camp socials. The store is currently stocked with playful, ultra-girlish styles especially the mini dresses tweens and teens prefer with interesting embellishments such as criss-cross back-detailng and pastel hues for spring. The brand offers a wide range of sizing including plus, petite and tall options
PacSun
Located right across the street from Edikted and Princess Polly is PacSun where you can find a very laid-back California vibe think flip flops, jean shorts and crop tops. Here you can snag Brandi Melville and Edikted styles that have sold out at the flagship stores. PacSun also has a robust selection of accessories to finish off that tween ensemble.
Garage
Down the street from Princess Polly is Garage. This Canadian retailer is coveted for its trendy feminine streetware-inspired aesthetic featuring fitted crewneck tops, camisoles and cargo pants. Tweens and teens love to pair the form-fitting tops with the brand's fleece sweatpants.
Brandi Melville
Moms will approve most of Bandy Melville's classic style. Come here to stock up on tees, floral sundresses and cable knit sweaters in neutral hues. Located in Soho, of course.
Stele is a perfume apothecary with two locations in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and Nolita, NYC.
Stèle
The boys behind Stele offer niche hard-to-find perfume brands in an uber-stylish setting that still feels warm and inviting and so much fun. Help your tween branch out from her Sol de Janeiro fixation with niche brands such as Marissa Zappas, Arquiste, Matiere Premiere to name but a very few.
Posman Books
If you have a tween, you know the Sonny Angel obsession is real. Posman Books located in Chelsea Market always has the most updated versions including the brand's new adorable carrying pouches. Posman also carries a nice selection of JellyCats another favorite among the demographic and the latest book series like the duology of If He Had Been With Me and the most recent Hunger Games prequel Sunrise of the Reaping.
PIQ
Check out this fun emporium in Hudson Yards for original NYC souvenirs and globally- sourced novelties. This is also another great spot to find Sonny Angels. Afterwards, head to Taiwanese boba tea stand Xing Fu Tang for made-to-order Brown Sugar Boba Milk.
The miso-glazed salmon bowl at This Bowl.
This Bowl
For a fresh take on fast-casual dining in Nolita, This Bowl stands out. The miso-glazed salmon bowl is a highlight—packed with vibrant vegetables, sushi rice, and a tangy tamarind-ponzu sauce. The menu is filled with healthy, customizable options perfect for picky eaters, all just steps from Levain Bakery, home to one of the city's best chocolate chip cookies. After all, you're on vacation—treat yourself.
Glossier
While you can find Glossier at Sephora these days, visiting the flagship store feels special. It's a great opportunity to explore the brand's chic accessories such as high-quality sweatshirts, makeup pouches and hats. When you are done, grab a pastry from Balthazar's bakery next door.
Taylor Swift Keychain from Boyar Gifts
Boyar Gifts
Located in the West Village along Bleeker Street in the cutest neighborhood in the city, this cheeky shop features lots of Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo and Pedro Pascal paraphernalia, fun birthday cards and lots of candles and decor that pay homage to NYC. A great place to shop for unique souvenirs that feel one-of-a kind. We especially like the illustrated key chains featuring icons like Chapelle Roan and Alexis from Schitt's Creek
Molly's Cupcakes
New Yorkers in-the-know order their birthday cakes from this unassuming bakery in the West Village named after the founder's third grade teacher who made cupcakes for her students' birthdays! They offer creative concoctions such as Cookie Monster, Peanut Butter Nutella and Creme Brûlée among many many others.
Din Thai Fung
While hitting up Dim Sum GoGo in Chinatown is more authentic, this spot in Midtown will impress your discerning young tourist. A great lively restaurant to take a group, the soup dumplings are fantastic as are the garlic-flecked green beans but the kids go crazy for the dessert dumplings oozing with chocolate.