Blue Tree

For nearly 15 years - an eon in retail time - Blue Tree has been a whimsical, bohemian pocket of giftable delights on upper Madison Avenue. While the neighborhood it calls home may carry a somewhat stuffy reputation, Blue Tree belies this notion; the warm atmosphere and charming merchandise are anything but stale.

Upon entering the store, one is enticed with an impressive selection of jewelry at a considerate range of price points; Swarovski sparklers start at $75, while fine, one-of-a-kind pieces sell for four figures. Blue Tree’s array of unique accessories cover a scope of taste levels - luxurious Maria La Rosa metallic socks for statement-making ankles caught our eye, as did an impressive display of Blair Waldorf-esque headbands (certainly zip code-approved, as the IRL location for Gossip Girl’s infamous Constance Billard School is just steps away). On the kitschy, kid-friendly side of the spectrum: adorable shark gloves put a big smile on our face.

Speaking of the younger set - Blue Tree’s selection of unique toys is likewise noteworthy. Books, bath toys, and Russian nesting dolls are in the mix, as are Anne-Claire Petit’s delightful organic cotton, hand-crocheted stuffed animals.

           

Shopping for a husband, wife, or work-spouse? The boutique offers a witty, winsome assortment of novelties for just about everyone: gorilla slippers for your guy, cheeky desk plates for your colleague, and Spitfire Girl crystal bracelets for anyone who might be in need of calm, focus, or balance (all of us?).

Don’t forget to gift yourself while shopping at Blue Tree (after all, self-care is so on-trend right now); super-soft pajamas from All Things Fabulous and luscious Lollia body products - to you, from you - won’t require the store’s gift wrapping service.

Perhaps the only item missing from the shelves at Blue Tree is a perfect red bikini, a la the one famously worn by Blue Tree owner, actress Phoebe Cates, in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. The store’s second floor, which normally features women’s fashion, was unfortunately closed the day we stopped by, but maybe next time we visit, we’ll find our coveted little red halter-neck there. Given all the other treasures in stock at the boutique, we’ll let the omission slide.

           

Product photos courtesy of Blue Tree.