City Guides

29 Uniquely New York Gifts for 2025

by: Kelsey Opel

Last Updated on Jul 24th 2025

The problem with New York gifts is not that they're hard to find; it's that there's an overwhelming number to choose from. We're here to help you cut through the noise and find something that your loved ones will love and keep.

But not so fast. The Scientific American argues that the ultimate ambition of gift-giving is sometimes lost in its process. Gifts communicated shared value and care, but can only truly do so when given with consideration and thought. So don't just fall into the trap of giving a cheap trinket; take a moment to consider what your loved one will enjoy and cherish.

With that in mind, whether you’re looking for traditional or unique New York gifts, there’s sure to be more than a few things on this list that they will love.

Creative New York Gifts

1. Pottery Classes

pottery class as new york gift — *Give them the oppurtunity to learn from NYC artisans (via Classpop!)*

Pottery classes may not seem like an obvious New York gift, but consider the thriving ceramics scene in NYC and things start to make sense. Give the gift of a pottery for beginners course in NYC with one of the best potters in the country. They'll learn how to use a pottery wheel and many other fundamental techniques as they progress.

With classes available for all skill levels, they'll return from this fun indoor activity in NYC with bowls, plates, vases or whatever else they can imagine. Schedule a pottery class for a creative and unique NYC gift.

2. Broadway Tickets

If you have a little more money to spend, your friend will love Broadway tickets for one of the best New York gifts. From timeless classics to modern retellings, this gift is perfect for any native New Yorker or a friend who just moved to the Big Apple.

3. Museum Membership

A membership to one of the many beautiful museums might be one of the most expensive gifts from New York, but it’s also one of the best.

From experiencing opening night at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to exclusive access to curated lectures at the American Museum of Natural History, your scholarly friend will love this as one of the best experience gifts.

Foodie New York Gifts

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4. Bagel Making Class

Group cooking class as NYC gift — *Master the NYC bagel (via Classpop!)*

Give the full NYC experience with a hands-on bagel-making class. In a city filled with some of the best food on the planet, your loved one will love learning to recreate this classic local staple.

A local chef will demonstrate the dough-making process, offering tips and tricks for obtaining the best results. When the bagels come out of the oven, they'll get to experiment with toppings and enjoy their delicious creations. What better way to get a taste of NYC?

5. Levain Bakery Cookie Assortment

Purchase delicious cookies from the iconic Levain Bakery for one of the best New York gifts. If your homesick friend just moved out of the Big Apple, you can purchase a signature cookie assortment for a unique housewarming gift.

6. Chelsea Market Cookbook

Grab a classic cookbook from the renowned New York gift shop if your friend is a major foodie. Your friend will love drawing inspiration from traditional recipes and gorgeous food photos for a delicious meal they can make from the comfort of their own home.

The Chelsea Market Shop is definitely worth a visit, offering an array of delicious treats and interesting goods.

7. Milk Bar Sample Box

milk bar sample box New York gifts — *Milk Bar sample box (via Milk Bar)*

Add some sweetness to your friend’s day with a delicious sample box of Milk Bar cookies for one of the best New York gifts. With flavors including Blueberry & Cream and Chocolate Confetti cookie, your New York friend will love this box of brightness as an authentic gift from the East Village.

8. Russ & Daughters Bagel Package

Start your friend’s day off right with one of the best New York gifts. No matter where they're located, they’ll love having a Russ & Daughters care package delivered to their front door. Filled with fresh bagels for an iconic taste of NYC, this will be one gift they’ll never forget!

9. Katz’s Delicatessen Care Package

Gift your loved one another New York favorite with a Katz Delicatessen gift basket. Offering a classic taste of New York, this thoughtful idea is also one of the best care packages for any New Yorker needing an excellent pick-me-up.

10. Box of Cronuts

box of fluffy cronuts covered in sugar — *The best of both worlds (via Canva)*

You can never go wrong with a box of flaky cronuts for excellent New York gifts. A cross between a donut and a croissant, this NYC special is the perfect gift to bring back from a trip to the big city and is sure to brighten their day.

Unique New York Gifts

11. Homesick New York Candle

Homesick candle New York gifts — *Recreate that NYC feeling (via Homesick)*

Help them re-live their favorite moments in the big city with hints of bergamot, lemon and grapefruit. These all-natural, soy-based Homesick candles are a perfect way to brighten their day.

You can also opt to make your own bespoke candles, bringing any scents you associate with the Big Apple. For a more hands-on gift, book them into a candle-making class in NYC where they can craft their own candles by hand.

12. New York Skyline Chess

Gift them a chic New York Skyline Chess Set for one of the most unique gifts from New York. With traditional pieces replaced with iconic buildings, such as the Empire State Building and the Guggenheim, they’ll love adding this unique game to their home.

13. Iconic Coffee Cup

Wander into any New York gift shop to find an iconic coffee cup. Whether you go for a classic “I Heart New York” mug or something less familiar, this is one of the best New York gifts to bring home as a token of NYC.

14. New York Times Crossword Book Set

If your friend loves crosswords, they’ll love the New York Times Classic Crossword Puzzles Book. With 100 easy-to-hard puzzles, this fun New York gift for friends is the perfect activity to keep them entertained when they're on the move or relaxing on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

15. Custom NYC Illustration

Are you wondering what to bring a friend from New York? NYC Illustrations for one of the most unique gifts from New York. From hand-painted pop art of iconic spots to custom sketches of the beautiful city skyline, they’ll love this sweet and sentimental gift for their space.

There is no shortage of beautiful art in the city that inspired so many Warhol paintings. You can also contact the artists who painted the top Brooklyn Street Art murals and the Bushwick Street Art murals and ask if they have any works for sale for a truly unique New York gift.

New York Gifts for Her

16. Classic Tote Bag

Grab a classic New York or Nowhere tote bag for one of the best NYC gifts for best friends. Whether she likes to work out or spend her time at a bookstore, she’ll love taking this NYC gift with her everywhere she goes.

17. Souvenir Jewelry

Add to her jewelry collection with a fun NYC charm bracelet. With charms showcasing everything from beautiful NYC architecture to the iconic taxi cabs, she'll love repping the Big Apple on her wrist.

18. NYC-Inspired Phone Case

Find a custom phone case for one of the best New York gifts. With phrases such as “I Heart NY” to photos of Lady Liberty, this sweet gift will protect her phone and provide a beautiful reminder of her favorite city.

19. Statement Bag

Modern Handbag as New York Gift Idea — *Go bold or go home (via Canva)*

Purchase a stunning statement bag as one of the best New York gift ideas for her. This luxurious and expensive gift from New York can be taken to the next level by presenting it to her as part of a birthday dinner in NYC. With classy or bold colors, a sleek statement bag will be her new favorite addition to her closet.

20. I Heart NY T-Shirt

Purchase a classic “I Heart NY” t-shirt as one of the best New York gift ideas for her. You can never go wrong with this shirt as one of the most iconic New York gifts to bring home. As a favorite souvenir, even the most stubborn of New Yorkers will agree that this is the best way to represent the big city.

New York Gifts for Him

21. Yankees Baseball Cap

New York Yankees Cap — *An all time classic (via MLB Shop)*

Grab him a classic Yankees cap for one of the best New York gifts for him. Whether he’s an avid fan or just loves the big city, every New Yorker at heart needs one of these hats in their closet.

22. NYU Gear

Purchase festive NYU gear for one of the best graduation gift ideas. From classic sweatshirts to sporty baseball caps, this gift is great for aspiring students or just to rep the iconic college.

23. NYC Subway Token Watch

Gift him a classy watch as one of the best New York gifts for him. The NYC Subway Token Watch is crafted from a real 70's New York Transit Token with a dial made from a leather revenue bag used to carry the tokens. With a sleek, stylish look, this watch will perfectly round out his outfit and keep him on time throughout the day.

Best Gift Cards for New Yorkers

24. Creative Classpop! Gift Card

Painting class as new york gift — *Encourage their creative side (via Classpop!)*

If you're looking for the perfect NYC gift for a New Yorker, look no further than a Classpop! gift card. With activities like creative paint and sip classes to thrilling dance classes, this gift card also opens them up to some of the best ways to meet people in a new city.

Whatever their interests, there’s bound to be a class that aligns with their hobbies and skills.

25. Rideshare Gift Card

Are you wondering what to get someone who lives in New York? Why not give them a gift card to a rideshare service? As one of the best gift cards from New Yorkers, anyone in the city will appreciate the gift of free transportation.

26. Classic Harbor Cruise Gift Card

Help them experience the beautiful NYC skyline from the water with a Classic Harbor Line gift card. Whether your friend is visiting or a local New Yorker, they’ll love taking a cruise around Manhattan and exploring the city in a new way.

27. Coffee Shop Gift Card

young man and woman drinking coffee in coffee shop — *Keep them going (via Canva)*

Give them a gift card to their favorite coffee shop as one of the best New York gifts. In the city that never sleeps, having a quality cup of coffee is essential. Keep them caffeinated with this thoughtful gift.

28. Food Delivery Gift Card

Save them from a night of cooking with a gift card for a delicious food delivery. Whether you choose UberEats or a gift card from their favorite restaurant, they’ll appreciate a night of takeout from one of their favorite eats.

29. Entertainment Gift Card

Give them an experience gift card for one of the best gift cards from New Yorkers. Whether they enjoy sports, Broadway, or concerts, this gift is perfect for anyone looking for a fun night on the town. Maybe they’ll even ask you to join in on the fun too!

From iconic merch to creative art classes, there are tons of fun New York gifts you can give to your friends or loved ones. Whether you're bringing back a thoughtful token from your trip or have a loved one enchanted by the city that never sleeps, everyone will appreciate the thoughtfulness of a true New York gift.

For even more fun gift ideas, check out other events happening on Classpop!