Shop the Brooklyn Women’s Exchange by Maker

If you want a meaningful, makers-first shopping experience, the Brooklyn Women’s Exchange in Brooklyn Heights helps you find unique gifts while supporting independent crafters. The nonprofit, operating since 1854, offers goods made across the United States, with categories ranging from textiles to custom keepsakes.

For the best experience, come with recipient, material preference, budget, and timeframe in mind. The shop’s volunteers can guide you through options by actual maker, explain origins, and discuss possible commissions—just be sure to confirm key details like hours, custom order timelines, and returns before heading over.

A Mission Rooted in Women’s Work

The Brooklyn Women’s Exchange is among Brooklyn’s longest-running charitable enterprises, operating out of 137 Montague Street in the heart of Brooklyn Heights since 2022. The nonprofit traces its roots to the Brooklyn Female Employment Society of 1854 and the Women’s Work Exchange (established 1888), which merged and took on the current name in 1936. Its core mission remains simple: support crafters—traditionally women—by offering a selling platform for handmade goods and creative labor.

Today, the Exchange represents around 250 crafters from across the United States. Items are handpicked by a volunteer board, and the organization itself is entirely nonprofit. Proceeds support the makers, and volunteers provide much of the shop’s staffing and personal guidance. While not every item is locally made, and not every piece is one of a kind, you’ll find many objects with maker stories attached.

Getting Started: Plan Your Visit

The Brooklyn Women’s Exchange welcomes shoppers Tuesday through Sunday, but posted hours vary—typically 12 to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. Some online references list longer open times; since shop hours can change seasonally or for special events, it’s smart to check the Exchange’s website or call ahead before your visit.

The shop is located at street level at 137 Montague Street, conveniently near Borough Hall and multiple subway lines. The Exchange has not published detailed accessibility information online, so visitors with mobility needs should contact staff ahead of time to confirm doorway width, step-free entry, and restroom access.

Shopping by Recipient, Category, or Maker

Start your shopping plan by considering the recipient and occasion. Major categories on offer include:

• Baby items (blankets, toys, apparel)
• Textiles (scarves, tea towels, aprons)
• Jewelry and accessories
• Toys and games
• Home goods (ceramics, candles, decor)
• Stationery and cards
• Brooklyn gifts (themed to local neighborhoods or landmarks)
• Provisions (jams, honeys, and other edibles)
• Custom silhouettes and keepsakes

If you have a material preference—for example, wanting only natural fibers, hand-thrown ceramics, or recycled materials—mention this to volunteers. They can help sort merchandise by composition, discuss options for sensitive recipients (such as for babies or anyone with allergies), and identify vegan or animal-product-free selections where available.

Beyond product type, the Exchange maintains information about many participating makers. If you seek a gift that highlights a particular artisan, or if you prefer women-led or New York-based making, staff can help you shop by provenance, explain the process behind various pieces, and sometimes even facilitate contact for custom requests.

Custom and One-of-a-Kind Orders

In addition to ready-to-purchase goods, the Exchange is a resource for custom work. Examples include personalized stockings, heirloom baby blankets, or hand-cut silhouette portraits. Custom orders require lead time, sometimes several weeks, so it’s best to ask about maker timelines and holiday cutoffs.

Not every commission is possible, as each maker sets their own parameters and availability. Guidance on pricing, materials, and proof approval will vary. Volunteers can clarify which artisans accept custom work, what order forms or deposits are needed, and when to expect delivery or pickup. Expect prices for custom and one-of-a-kind work to reflect the labor involved.

Prices, Returns, and Your Budget

Prices at the Brooklyn Women’s Exchange range from small, affordable finds such as greeting cards or soaps (under $10) to more substantial investments like handcrafted jewelry, large textiles, or original art. Since prices are set by each maker and depend on material and complexity, it’s a good idea to share your budget range early in the process; volunteers are used to guiding customers at every price point.

The Exchange’s return and exchange policies are determined by the nonprofit and may differ from mass retailers. Details are not fully outlined online; if you’re concerned about gift suitability, ask staff about returns, exchanges, or store credits before making your purchase—especially for custom or special-order items.

What Sets the Shop Apart

Unlike many gift stores, the Brooklyn Women’s Exchange operates with a clear nonprofit mission—channeling proceeds to makers and relying on community volunteers rather than paid retail staff. Shopping here directly supports a network of independent crafters, with an emphasis on creative process and sustainable production over mass manufacturing.

While many customers seek Brooklyn-themed gifts, it’s important to distinguish between locally inspired designs and true locally made goods. Not every item is produced in Brooklyn, but staff can explain origins and, when possible, connect you to the story behind the object. Educational events and maker demonstrations occasionally take place—check the website for upcoming activities.

Before you go

The Brooklyn Women’s Exchange is a neighborhood resource for thoughtful shoppers interested in origin stories, process, and supporting independent makers. It suits buyers looking for handmade gifts across ages and occasions, as well as those open to custom collaborations. Before visiting, confirm current hours, accessibility, return terms, and available stock, as these details can shift seasonally or with individual makers’ schedules. For the most personalized experience, share your recipient, material preferences, budget, and any deadlines with staff or volunteers, and always ask about who made the piece. Whether you’re shopping a Brooklyn-themed memento or a one-of-a-kind textile, shopping by maker at this historic Exchange serves both your gift list and the wider creative community.