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 (10 Best Neighborhoods +3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Best Gift Shops in New York City
Table of Contents: New York City Gift Shops
Table of Contents: Gift Stores in NYC
The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store (The Met)
Website: The Met Store
Neighborhood: Upper East Side
Location: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
While pricier than typical NYC gift shops, the Met store offers exquisite souvenirs for those unconstrained by budget. Featuring beautiful artwork on everyday items and timeless pieces like jewelry and home decor, it’s a memorable destination for unique gifts. For more budget-friendly options, the Met Store has an online presence with a section dedicated to gifts under $25, ensuring there’s something wonderful for every budget.
Pink Olive
Website: Pink Olive
Neighborhood: West Village
Location: 30 Charles St, New York, NY 10014
Located in the lovely West Village, Pink Olive is one of the most amusing gift stores in New York City. 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.
New York Transit Museum Store
Website: New York Transit Museum Store
Neighborhood: Midtown
Location: 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10001
The New York Transit Museum Store is a hidden gem, and while I’m hesitant to reveal it, it’s truly one of the best gift stores in NYC. Offering epic subway maps, transit toys, and metro-inspired items, it’s a perfect spot for unique presents. Kids particularly enjoy these gifts, making it an ideal stop during the holiday season for stocking stuffers like ornaments and small items.
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 one.
Holiday Markets (Seasonal)
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting NYC during the holidays (it’s magical, everyone should do this at least 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
Website: Artists & Fleas
Neighborhood: Chelsea
Location: 88 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Attached to the famed Chelsea Market is Artists & Fleas, one of the best gift stores in NYC. The market is open daily, from 11 AM to 7 PM. 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.
The Strand Bookstore
Website: The Strand
Neighborhood: East Village
Location: 450 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
When searching for the best gift shops in NYC, I bet bookstores aren’t the first place that comes 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.
NBC Store (Rockefeller Center)
Website: NBC Store
Neighborhood: Midtown
Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
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).
Fishs Eddy
Website: Fishs Eddy
Neighborhood: Flatiron District
Location: 889 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
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 has since become one of the best gift shops in NYC.
Even if you don’t intend to buy 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 housewarming 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.
Lockwood
Website: Lockwood Shop
Neighborhood: Astoria, Queens
Location: 32-15 33rd St, Astoria, NY 11106
Discovering a true gem of a store is a rare delight, and for me, that spot is Lockwood in Queens. With two locations across the street from each other—one a fashion store and the other among the best gift shops in NYC—the gift shop steals the spotlight.
Functioning like a market under one roof, it showcases artisanal candles, mugs, throw blankets, postcards, and books from various small businesses and vendors. When in need of a unique and quirky gift, Lockwood is my go-to store, brimming with eclectic finds that quickly inspire the perfect choice.
Posman Books (Chelsea Market)
Website: Posman Books
Neighborhood: Chelsea
Location: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Nestled within Chelsea Market, near the Artist & Fleas section, Posman Books stands out as one of New York City’s premier gift shops. Bursting with vibrant souvenirs and NYC-themed trinkets, it offers a diverse range of books, magnets, totes, and more. Known for its affordability, you can snag a poster or tote for around $20, or opt for smaller items like pins or magnets for less than $5. Posman Books sets itself apart with better quality and irresistibly cute finds compared to typical touristy shops.
CityStore
Website: CityStore NYC
Neighborhood: Financial District
Location: 1 Centre St, New York, NY 10007
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 in 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.
MoMA Design Store
Website: MoMA Design Store
Neighborhood: Midtown & SoHo
Location: 44 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019 & 81 Spring St A, New York, NY 10012
Trinkets won’t come cheap but my goodness, the pieces you pick up here will be memorable. The one-of-a-kind items sold at the MoMA Design Store are magnificent and can’t be replicated. Expect to find a wide scale of souvenirs, everything from mugs to creative pieces of furniture. The MoMA Design Store is simply one of the best gift shops in NYC for unique souvenirs.
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!
Honorable Mentions – NYC Souvenirs
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
Further Reading for Gifting Guides in NYC
Souvenir Ideas: 10 Foolproof New York City Souvenir Ideas
Best Gifts for New Yorkers: Ultimate New York Christmas Gift Guide | For New Yorkers & Die-Hard NYC Lovers
Fun New York City Books: 25 PREMIER New York City Books (For All Interests)
Exploring New York City
Unique Things to Do: 25 Unique (Non-Touristy) Things to Do in New York City
Free Things to Do: 20 Unique Free Things to Do in New York City to Keep Your Wallet Happy!
Best Things to Do in NYC: 30 Best Things to Do in New York City
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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