Top 15 Gift Shops in New York City (Ranked)

While pricier than typical NYC gift shops, the Met store offers stunning 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.

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.

The New York Transit Museum Store is a spot most people miss, 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.

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 tons 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

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.

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.

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.

My advice 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).

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!