Locally made gifts at Ridgewood boutique 

If you’ve walked down Cypress Avenue in Ridgewood lately, you might have noticed a cute little storefront between Putnam Avenue and Madison Street.

Saint Seneca, an aptly named verbal sandwich of the two trendy Ridgewood Avenues Cypress lays in between (St. Nicholas and Seneca), is the neighborhood’s newest and best maker’s boutique, featuring handcrafted goods from artists in Ridgewood and beyond.

Saint Seneca is the brainchild of Yuka Anziano, a longtime Ridgewood resident who dreamed of being able to share the treasures of the neighborhood’s artists in a curated space.

Saint Seneca opened in November, adding to the list of new businesses that make Ridgewood a place to visit.

“I’m excited [the neighborhood] is growing up, and growing out,” Anziano said. “It’s becoming a destination.” A men’s boutique Madison is the Saint Seneca’s closest neighbor. And while not everyone is happy about all the new attention the neighborhood is getting, businesses like Saint Seneca funnel the money back into the community with sales of affordable, hand-crafted goods made by Ridgewood residents.

As for Yuka’s goal with her store, she says, “Our mission is to sell hand-selected, carefully curated items for your home, your babies, your friends, mothers, fathers, lovers and furry children. The store features handmade, locally made ceramics, jewelry, apothecary, pillows, throws, leather goods, books, toys, handmade pet products and so much more.”

Of the 40+ makers whose work is featured in the boutique, some have studios and rent apartments in Ridgewood. There are a few exceptions: Bonnie K’s pottery from Philadelphiaand some imported pottery from Italy, and Marvis Toothpaste and Nell & Mary tote bags are both national brands. Around the store you can find glass cases of minimalist metal jewelry, like engraved heart-shaped necklaces for $38, and delicate copper foil confetti detailed earrings from Pebble + Fred ($20), and bracelet cuffs adorned with druzies ($40).

Along the walls are shelves stacked with things to make your home beautiful: rustic, hand-thrown pottery ($20-40) and porcelain vases ($90) and beautiful textile blankets, throw pillows with clever designs, and 3-D printed sculptures. There is a wall dedicated to prints and posters, including an iconic Ridgewood screen print from designer Krzysztof Poluchowicz. And we can’t forget about the cute rear of the store, overflowing with unique and tasteful children’s toys and doggie accessories.

So, even if you didn’t know you were looking for a gift for yourself or others, find a Ridgewoodapproved treasure at Saint Seneca.

Saint Seneca is open Friday 1 to 7 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday noon to 6 p.m., and is located at 799 Cypress Ave., Ridgewood, New York, 11385.

RIDGEWOOD TIMES/Photos by Maria Gotay