Post Overview: Best gift shops in New York City
The best gifts are often the most unique, there’s only so many times you can gift mugs or candles before you stop getting an invite. Luckily, in this article I’m going to give you a rundown on the best gift shops in New York City.
Quirky and full of eclectic arrays of goodies, these NYC gift shops will help put you at the top of a guest list. Your friends will be happy you found them something special, and you’ll be happy you only had to visit one store!
So without further ado, why don’t we jump right in to the best gift shops in New York City!
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +2 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Best Gift Shops in New York City
The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store (The Met)
Admittedly, the souvenirs sold at the Met store are more expensive than a typical NYC gift shop, but if budget isn’t a concern — this store has you covered. You’ll find some of the most beautiful items that are sure to delight your family and friends.
The memorable New York City gift shop is brimming with exquisite artwork that appears on everyday products like notebooks and pens along with timeless pieces like jewelry and home decor.
And if you don’t want to spend a fortune on a gift, no worries! The Met Store has an online presence too with a website full of ideas. There’s a section with gifts under $25, so no matter how tight your budget is, you can still find something wonderful for a loved one.
Address: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
CityStore
Those with an affinity for New York City need to make a beeline to CityStore, one of the best gift shops in NYC.
The entire store is dedicated to the beloved Big Apple, selling New York related merchandise. In fact, it’s the only official city store for New York. The shop is operated by the New York City Department of Citywide.
CityStore is a hub for tourist information, gifts and souvenirs. It’s a fun spot to pick up priceless keepsakes (especially if it’s your first trip). Expect to find items related to the NYPD, NYFD, Subway and Taxis.
Locals Tip: This NYC gift shop is a short 5 minute walk from the Brooklyn Bridge entrance. Make sure to swing by before crossing the Brooklyn Bridge for some epic views of the skyline.
Address: 1 Centre St, New York, NY 10007
Pink Olive
One of the most amusing gift shops in New York City is Pink Olive, located in the charming West Village. Popping into the adorable shop and perusing down each aisle is sure to spark creativity.
The shelves are filled with handmade candles, fun totes and exciting prints.
Not to mention, the local NYC gift shop is chockfull of trendy souvenirs. There are several pop culture parallels in the merchandise offered here, a large number of them are Taylor Swift-related.
I love getting fun cards here for birthdays and holidays, the intricately designed cards are always a crowd favorite!
P.S; If you have an upcoming baby shower you’re shopping for, Pink Olive sells some of the cutest baby clothes I’ve ever seen.
Address: 30 Charles St, New York, NY 10014
New York Transit Museum Store
The New York Transit Museum Store is an underrated gem and I’m hesitant to write about it because I want it to stay that way. But I’d be doing you a disservice by keeping it a secret because it really is one of the best gift stores in NYC.
Expect to find everything from epic subways maps, transit toys and other iconic metro-inspired garb.
I find that little kids especially love receiving some transit-inspired gift, so I make an effort to stop by during the holiday season. The ornaments and small items make great stocking stuffer presents.
And since the New York Transit Museum is an actual museum, grabbing something from the gift shop becomes more special after having experienced the exhibits. It’s a nice way to remember your time, especially if you did it with your little.
Address: 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10001
Holiday Markets (Seasonal)
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting NYC during the holidays (it’s magical, everyone should do this at lease once), then you’re in for a treat. There’s a plethora of great holiday markets overflowing with fantastic NYC gift shops.
There is something for everyone at each holiday market, no matter who you are shopping for. You’ll find stall after stall selling cute holiday trinkets, including a few edible options too.
Here is a short round-up of holiday markets to check out of you’re looking for great gift shops in New York City:
- Union Square Holiday Market
- Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
- Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Artists & Fleas
Attached to the famed Chelsea Market is Artists & Fleas, one of the best gift stores in NYC.
The market is open daily, from 11AM to 7PM.
Vendors sell everything from art and vintage clothing to hand-made jewelry and crafts. Shopping at Artists & Fleas is one of the best things to do in Chelsea, and as a bonus you’ll be helping small businesses bloom.
This NYC gift shop is a nice change of pace compared to the touristy spots you’ll find sprinkled around the city (specifically Times Square). The gifts purchased here will be far more unique and special.
Address: 88 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011
The Strand Bookstore
When searching for the best gift shops in NYC, I bet bookstores aren’t the first place that come to mind… but they absolutely should! Especially The Strand which has a handful of locations peppered around the city.
The Strand Bookstore has an entire section devoted to interesting souvenirs like mugs (I’ve had mine for 8 years), journals, key chains, totes and photo books.
Not only will you find some of the best souvenirs here, but you will also be visiting one of the most iconic bookstores in NYC. Hard not to love that.
Address: 450 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
NBC Store (Rockefeller Center)
Gift shops in New York City are a dime a dozen but some shine brighter than others. On the bottom floor of the Rockefeller center you’ll find an NBC studios gift shop with has some of the best souvenirs for TV lovers.
You can sit on a mock set of the Today show and shop for all the traditional NYC-inspired merch. You’ll find trinkets of your favorite NBC shows like Friends and The Office.
Local’s Tip: If you plan your trip with enough time in advance you can sign up to attend a filming of the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. You might be lucky enough to catch a t-shirt they throw into the audience or even shake his hand. (I did and they were very soft).
Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
Fishs Eddy
Opened in 1986, Fishs Eddy got its start by selling unwanted dishes, some of which dated back to the 1900’s. Soon after that, Fishs Eddy began creating their own timeless pieces of vintage dishes and have since become one of the best gift shops in NYC.
Even if you don’t intend on buying anything, sometimes it’s fun to go to a store and look at pretty things. Walking up and down the aisles of the stunning vintage dishes and oddities is worth the visit alone.
This is one of the best gift shops in New York City if you’re searching for a house warming gift. You can buy items in sets or individually.
Locals Tip: There is a museum located inside this NYC gift shop. Tours are personally led by the owner of the store, Julie who goes over the history of the company. She shares stories while folks gawk at the historic pieces that made them one of the best gift shops in New York City.
Address: 889 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
Lockwood
Every now and then you stumble into a store that is a true gem, one that is inspiring, enjoyable to browse, and a treasure trove of unusual finds. For me, that store is Lockwood which is located in Brooklyn.
They have two locations right across the street from each other, one is a fashion store and the other is one of the best gift shops in NYC. If you only have time for one though, I’d choose the gift shop.
It’s similar to a market where small businesses and vendors sell artisanal candles, mugs, throw blankets, postcards and books but instead there’s no booths and they’re all under one roof.
Lockwood is my go-to store when I’m gift-shopping for someone and don’t know what to get them. The store is brimming with eclectic and quirky items and it won’t take long to be inspired.
Address: 32-15 33rd St, Astoria, NY 11106
Books (Chelsea Market)
One of New York City’s greatest gift shops, Books, is tucked away inside Chelsea Market, close to the Artist & Fleas portion of the hall.
The shop is overflowing with colorful souvenirs and New York City themed trinkets. Offering a great selection of books, magnets, totes and so much more — you won’t struggle finding a souvenir at this NYC gift shop.
This is also one of the more affordable gift shops in New York City, you can pick up a poster or tote for around $20 or something small like a pin of magnet for less than $5. It’s both better quality and simply cuter than anything you’d find at a touristy shop.
Address: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
MoMA Design Store
The MoMA Design Store is one of the best gift shops in NYC for unique souvenirs. Trinkets won’t come cheap but my goodness, the pieces you pick up here will be memorable.
The one of a kind items sold here are magnificent and can’t be replicated. Expect to find a wide scale of souvenirs, everything from mugs to creative pieces of furniture.
Although it may not be deemed a traditional NYC gift shop, the treasures you find here will last a lifetime and have whoever you’re shopping for feeling special for years to come. I especially love visiting the SoHo location, it’s hard to beat!
Address: 44 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019 & 81 Spring St A, New York, NY 10012
Honorable Mentions:
Incidentally, some of the top gift shops in NYC are also bakeries. Let’s be honest would you complain if you received an edible souvenir? Didn’t think so! Here is a quick round-up of treats that I can attest (from first hand experience) travel well.
Levain Bakery:
Arguably the most famous cookie in New York City, Levain Bakery is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. The cookies here have gained a cult-like following for a reason. Whenever I fly back home for the holidays the first thing my family requests from me is a box of walnut chocolate chip cookies from Levain.
Breads Bakery:
The reason I feel confident calling Breads Bakery one of the best gift shops in NYC is thanks to the pre-packaged goods.
The babka is hands-down some of the best in the city and what makes it even better is the fact that you can walk in, pick up an already packed loaf and be on your way. It’s a no-fuss gift that everyone loves and tastes so good.
Magnolia Bakery:
No trip to the Big Apple can be deemed complete without trying the world famous banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery. I mean, it’s world famous for crying out loud!
However, not many folks know you can actually buy a banana pudding kit from the famed bakery and make your own batch at home. The kit is easy to travel with and since it doesn’t come with bananas (you purchase those yourself) it won’t go bad during your travels.
Gift Shops in NYC (Post Summary)
- MoMA Design Store
- Books (Chelsea Market)
- Lockwood
- Fishs Eddy
- NBC Store (Rockefeller Center)
- The Strand Bookstore
- Artists & Fleas
- Holiday Markets (Seasonal)
- New York Transit Museum Store
- Pink Olive
- CityStore
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store
- Levain Bakery
- Breads Bakery
- Magnolia Bakery
Map of the Best Gift Stores in New York City
And there you have it folks, our list of the best gift shops in New York City! Let us know if you think we missed a spot — we love to hear from you.
Cheers!
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