This post is all about the best gift shops in NYC.
I’m a huge sucker for unique souvenirs. While choosing a mug or magnet during vacation is fun, I love finding something interesting that doesn’t scream “souvenir” and actually gets used after the trip. In my opinion, the best souvenirs are the ones that become part of your daily life.
Luckily, New York has no shortage of incredible gift shops. Whether you’re searching for a thoughtful present or just want to bring a little piece of the city home, there’s a shop for that. So today, I’m sharing some of the best places to pick up memorable and unique gifts in NYC—whether you’re visiting, shopping for a New York lover, or simply treating yourself.
Read on for the best NYC gift shops where you can count on finding something special!
8 Best Gifts Shops in NYC
1. MoMA Design Store
Starting strong with one of my favorites! This is not your typical museum gift shop. The MoMA Design store is an extension of the Museum of Modern Art and celebrates art and good design. Here you’ll find everything from books and souvenirs to clothing, jewelry, furniture, home goods, and more. This little bit of everything shop has a common thread of good design. In fact, curators have a set of eight criteria they measure each product against before considering it for the shop! There are multiple locations in the city, including at the MoMA Museum in Midtown, in SoHo, and at Nordstrom in Columbus Circle.
2. The Locavore Variety Store
Whenever I travel, I’m always on the hunt for a way to discover local artists and brands. That’s what the recently opened Locavore Variety Store is all about! The Greenwich Village storefront stocks only items made within a 100-mile radius of New York City! It’s a lovely way to discover local brands and support independent businesses. They stock stationery, books, kitchenware, gardening tools, and snacks – truly a smattering of cool and interesting things.
Also worth checking out is The Locavore Guide to Shopping NYC, which is a directory of 14,000+ independent stores across the five boroughs of NYC.
3. John Derian
Stepping into John Derian’s shop in the East Village feels like entering a beautifully curated and whimsical art gallery. John Derian is known for his decoupage plates and trays, but you’ll find all sorts of treasures like ceramics, home goods, and one-of-a-kind trinkets. It’s definitely not your typical tourist shop – in fact, it spans three adjoining shops. It’s a place I bring all of my guests but it’s especially worth visiting during the holidays for unique Christmas ornaments.
4. Fishs Eddy
This quirky shop is a treasure trove for unique NYC-themed kitchenware and home goods. Fishs Eddy is known for its vintage-style diner mugs, dishware featuring New York landmarks, and cheeky souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else. This is the perfect place to grab a functional souvenir that will actually get some use back home. And I love that everything is very affordable here!
5. New York or Nowhere
This emerging brand is one of New York’s coolest merch brands. You’ll often find local New Yorkers sporting a hoodie with the iconic “New York or Nowhere” tagline. Their sweatshirts, joggers, totes, tees, hats, and posters are great souvenirs to bring home or gift to a New York lover. If you’re in New York, be sure to visit their storefront in SoHo!
6. Greenwich Letterpress
Don’t miss this darling stationery store! Tucked into a little brownstone in West Village, Greenwich Letterpress is bright and cheery and filled with treasures. Browse through their cards and knick-knacks, and you’ll be sure to find something that will remind you of the Big Apple.
7. Zabar’s
If you want to bring a bite of New York home with you, this one’s for you! Zabar’s is a classic New York grocery store famous for bagels, fish, olives, and cheeses. They also have bagel shops throughout the city. You can purchase assorted gift boxes in their store or online, which include bagels, spreads, and other grocery items. Zabar’s also offers overnight shipping on bagels and spread so you can have a taste of New York delivered straight to your door.
8. Levain
Who can say no to NYC’s famous chocolate chip cookies? Levain cookies are perfect every time: crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. The two chip and chocolate walnut are classics, but they have other flavors (and pastries) as well. I love to grab a box of these for a party or as a hostess gift. But if you’re traveling and want to share these with someone back home, Levain conveniently offers nationwide delivery.
That wraps up this post about the best gift shops in NYC.
There you have it – all of my go-to spots for gifts and souvenirs in New York City. Happy shopping!
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