9 Unique Souvenirs To Bring Home From New York City
Even though NYC is a major shopping destination, finding unique New York City souvenirs can be a struggle. The best souvenirs immediately transport you back to a specific place and time. If they are things that you can actually use in your daily life, rather than gathering dust in the back of a closet, that’s even better. Whether you’re looking for a special keepsake from your trip or a gift for someone else, this New York City shopping guide includes options that range from broadly appealing to more niche. There’s something for everyone, from foodies to stationery nerds to sports fans.
1. Stationery, knickknacks, homewares, and ceramics
Head to New York City’s local knick-knack shops for creative gifts.
Find quirky gifts from New York City at several local shops that specialize in beautiful, tasteful things at a range of price points. At the John Derian Company, browse through vintage-inspired stationery and postcards, or splurge on 19th-century antiques. Get a custom handmade stamp from Casey Rubber Stamps, or head to Wing On Wo & Co. in Chinatown for whimsical food-shaped chopstick rests and stunning ceramics.
Best for: Anyone who loves to host or identifies as an aesthete
Where: Fishs Eddy, Coming Soon, Goods For The Study, Front General Store
2. Niche books from an independent store
New York’s independent bookstores house literary gifts customized to your interests.
A world of niche bookstores awaits you in New York. If you have a particular passion, you can likely find a bookshop that specializes in the subject. Dashwood Books is a must-visit for any photography fan and has many rare, hard-to-find titles. Home cooks should check out Kitchen Arts and Letters, which is devoted to books about food and drink, while fans of romance novels will love The Ripped Bodice. You can also buy stylish merchandise, including New Yorker–staple tote bags, at many of these shops.
Best for: Bookworms of all ages
Where: Albertine Books, Strand Book Store (aka the Strand), Mysterious Bookshop
3. New York bagels
New York’s bagels are the city's most famous food for a reason.
One of the best souvenirs from New York City is the humble bagel. They’re affordable, a great last-minute gift, and easy to find in just about any neighborhood in the city. You can transport them home in a resealable bag—and some shops may even vacuum-seal them if you ask nicely—and freeze them. For a gift that’s even easier to get home, try “everything bagel” seasoning, which you can find at most grocery stores or at Trader Joe’s.
Best for: Foodies, family, and friends
Where: Ess-A-Bagel, Tompkins Square Bagels, Utopia Bagels, BO’s Bagels—the options are endless
4. Local coffee
Pair a fresh cup of coffee with your New York bagels.
Switch up your morning brew and take a piece of New York’s thriving coffee scene home with you. You can pick up a bag of coffee beans for you or a loved one from any local café or roastery that you liked during your stay. Grind the coffee at the shop or keep them as whole beans to stay fresh for longer.
Best for: Coffee snobs, your sleep-deprived friend
Where: SEY Coffee, Partners Coffee, Joe Coffee Company, Irving Farm New York, Devoción, Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Porto Rico Importing Co.
5. Snacks or merchandise from a local institution
Visit an old-school specialty shop for fun New York City gift ideas.
If you have a favorite local dining establishment, chances are you can take a piece of it home with you, whether in edible form or via nonperishable merchandise such as a hat or T-shirt. A chocolate egg cream-scented candle from Katz’s Deli is a lot easier to transport than a pastrami sandwich. This gift can be tailored to your recipient’s tastes: Anyone with a sweet tooth, for example, will love a bag of goodies from Economy Candy or a babka from Zabar’s.
Best for: Someone with taste buds or a love of novelty merch
Where: Barney Greengrass, Kalustyan's, the Donut Pub, Gray's Papaya
6. New York City MetroCard
A MetroCard is New York City keepsake that’s as affordable—and soon-to-be-vintage—as it gets.
You may already have one of these handy after your trip. With the M.T.A. planning to phase out the MetroCard, these cards will soon be relics. Preserve your memento by framing or laminating your card. There are sometimes limited edition cards available at select stations, too, for an even more unique keepsake. For more subway-themed merchandise, head to the New York Transit Museum gift shop, where you can find posters, maps, model subway cars, and more.
Best for: Public transit enthusiasts and history nerds
Where: Most subway stations and some bodegas
7. Classic New York memorabilia
Head to Times Square for crowd-pleasing souvenirs for all ages.
A NY Yankees baseball cap, an “I Heart New York” T-shirt, a tiny keychain of the Statue of Liberty—these staples of New York City souvenir culture are classics for a reason. Maybe there’s someone on your list who is hard to shop for, or you don’t know their tastes all that well. These gifts are great for when you’re truly stumped and want to go for a safer option that appeals to a wide variety of people.
Best for: A spare gift in case you forget someone
8. Local art
Take some of New York City’s art scene home with you.
Head to the streets of Lower Manhattan and you’ll see firsthand where to buy unique souvenirs in New York. Most weekends, you can find artists lining downtown streets and selling their wares. There’s usually a variety of different art styles to suit different tastes, and you’ll be supporting local artists in the process by purchasing a print or original piece.
Best for: Anyone who loves art or wants something truly unique
Where: Soho, Washington Square Park, Union Square
9. Museum-worthy art and design objects
Snag unique souvenirs that will enhance your space from New York’s top museums.
Museum gift shops are often well-curated and home to some of the most unusual souvenirs in New York City. Design fans should head to the Noguchi Museum shop to purchase Akari light sculptures, and regardless of your taste, it's worth setting aside some time to roam around the MoMA Design Store in downtown Manhattan. There are options for every budget, including a fun ceramic version of the iconic New York takeout coffee cup.
Best for: Your most cultured friend, art school graduates, design enthusiasts
Where: The Met Store, the MoMA Design Store, the Museum Shop at the American Museum of Natural History
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