So chances are, you’re visiting New York City. How exciting! Or maybe you just love NYC and are searching for the best gifts from New York. 

Either way, you’ll find unique Manhattan-themed gift ideas in this post. These go beyond the touristy souvenirs and trinkets from a random NYC gift shop.

I remember moving to NYC at 17 years old to go to college at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). That first night, I felt all starry-eyed over the city lights and couldn’t believe it. To this day, I still wouldn’t want to be living anywhere else! New York is the place where I’ve found once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and met some of the best people.

Over the past decade plus, I’ve come across so many special items worthy of gifting loved ones.

Read on for the very best gifts from New York ahead.

11 Best Gifts From New York City

The Met x Lele Sadoughi Printed Bow Barette

One of the most famous works by Van Gogh ‘Wheat Field with Cypresses” at The Met was the inspiration behind this hair accessory. Made by Lele Sadoughi (known for her whimsical headbands and beyond), this piece is perfect for art lovers. 

The hand-embellished piece has 14K gold-plated prong settings and a non-slip barrette closure. It’s such an easy way to dress up a hairstyle in a cinch.

On the bottom left, you’ll find a golden ‘The Met’ charm, an ode to the iconic museum on Fifth Avenue. This collaboration between The Met Store x Lele Sadoughi also includes more hair accessories, jewelry, and handbags. 

Mackenzie-Childs: Wonderful Life Shopper Holiday Ornament

There’s no place in the world quite like Bergdorf Goodman. The department store on 57th Street & 5th Ave is a fashion wonderland. It’s known their mesmerizing store windows, especially during the holiday season.

Here, you’ll find the most unique souvenirs and stylish gift options approved by New Yorkers. Since last year, my boyfriend Dex and I started a tradition of buying Christmas ornaments from BG. During the holiday season, the 7th floor is decked out in sparkling trees and unique gifts.

This ornament perfectly captures the spirit of shopping at Bergdorf’s.

Sullivan Street Tea & Spice Company Gifts

One day during a walk in Greenwich Village, Dex and I came across Sullivan Street Tea & Spice Company. We stopped in to get an iced tea and were happily surprised to find all the unique teas and spices.

This magical place has been around for over a decade. It’s one of the best places to find special gifts for the food lover in your life. 

Like New York City, it’s filled with diverse items from all over the world. Think spices from Morocco, teas from Japan, and more.

Many items also come in gift boxes or you can create your own bundle of unique items.

Shop at 208 Sullivan Street, New York, NY 10012, or on their website here.

Bond No. 9: TriBeca Fragrance

Over the years, TriBeca (aka the triangle below Canal Street) has become one of the chicest neighborhoods in NYC. So much so that luxury fragrance brand Bond No. 9 created a scent dedicated to it. 

TriBeca is filled with upscale lofts, art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques, and this unisex scent encapsulates that essence. 

It’s sweet and floral, made with notes of cacao absolute, green hazelnut, jasmine sambac absolute, cedarwood, ambroxan, moss, and caramel.

Also, check out Bond No. 9’s other fragrances including Greenwich Village and Chelsea Nights that also make great NY gifts.

Baked by Melissa: Assorted Bite-Size Cupcakes

If you’ve visited New York City, you’ve likely seen Baked by Melissa storefronts (and a long line to get them). These bite-sized cupcakes are one-bite wonders that are also aesthetically pleasing. 

Founded in NYC, these sweet treats are the best souvenirs and best birthday gifts for foodies. 

My best friend Arielle gifted me a box for my birthday and I absolutely loved it. This box of 25 cupcakes includes their best sellers including tie-dye, mint cookie, cookie dough, red velvet, and more. 

Harney & Sons: New York Blend Tea

This collab between Harney & Sons and The Met features a ‘New York Blend’ tea that makes an excellent choice. 

The packaging is artfully done with details from Adolf Dehn’s (American, 1895–1968) Spring in Central Park (1941). As for the tea, it’s a calming blend of chamomile, ginger root, and peppermint. Just like the freshness of a spring day on the Upper East Side. 

This loose-leaf herbal tea brews 10-15 cups and is caffeine-free. Find it at The Met Store or shop below.

Bloomingdale’s: Little NYC Bag

To New Yorkers, tote bags are saviors. There’s always something to carry while going out, whether that be an umbrella, sunglasses case, sunscreen, or other necessities. This cute Little NYC Bag is an ode to Bloomingdale’s classic Little Brown Bag. 

Gift this alone or use it as New York gift bags and include Bloomie’s gift card for something extra. 

With a price point under $40, these make great gifts for anyone in your life who loves NYC. 

abc carpet & home: NYC Silver Snow Globe

Wondering what to bring back from New York during the holidays? The whimsical home store abc carpet & home near Union Square is filled with great souvenirs to decorate spaces. 

Besides their unique carpets, abc home also has plenty of New York City souvenirs, like this silver snow globe. It features the city skyline with elements of gold throughout. 

Literie: Brunch In The West Village Candle

One of the most common NYC activities is brunch, of course. To capture that feel wherever you are, bring home this ‘Brunch In The West Village’ candle.

I found this candle in a little bookstore one day actually after brunch on a Sunday. It’s sweet and fruity with notes of citrus and champagne. 

This makes the perfect gift for that friend who has everything. You can never have enough candles! 

Verrier: New York City Girl Folded Card

Adding a hand-written card to these best gifts from New York make it so much more special.

This pretty paper card features original artwork by Verrier and is hand-embellished with paint and glitter. 

It’s blank inside, so you can add a personal note or love letter to go with unique souvenirs. 

Pick this one up at Bergdorf Goodman or shop below!

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