It is no surprise that, annually, millions of tourists from all over the world visit New York City. Given the history of New York and the hundreds of tourist attractions there, the Big Apple is one of the best places to visit in the USA. While you are having the experience of your lifetime, you might want to share that experience with your friends and family. Or maybe you want a reminder of your best time in NYC.
How do you do that? The answer is simple; through souvenirs. But what souvenirs should you buy in New York? Well, we have got you covered! We understand that as a tourist, you must not know what is the best souvenir to get. This is where we come in. In this blog, we will discuss 15 souvenirs you can buy in New York.
Souvenirs To Buy In New York
1.‘I Love NYC’ Merchandise
You must have seen those white T-shirts with a heart on them, mostly being worn by a movie character. This logo appears more than just on t-shirts. There are mugs, keychains, and certain photo-frames. These merchandise items are one of the cheap things to buy in New York. It makes total sense that you would want to get it for yourself, but if you want some cheap souvenirs for friends and family, that is totally fine.
2. NYC Snow Globe
NYC snow globes are on the list of unique gifts from New York. For sure, once you leave New York, you would want to give them things you can only buy in New York City. NYC Snow Globe is not very common. It can be a cute sentimental gift for your loved ones and relatives.
3. Official Yankee Baseball Cap
If one of your friends is a big baseball or sports fan, then buying a Yankee Baseball Cap or jersey might be the best thing to get them. Yankee Baseball is one of the most iconic things to come out of New York City, where annually, many people flock to the stadium to watch a game on their trips to New York.
4. Statue of Liberty Replica
One of the most iconic and historic landmarks in New York is the Statue of Liberty. It is one of the best places to go in New York. Most tourists come to New York only to view the copper statue that signifies the alliance between France and the USA.
It is such a bustling site that people make reservations years in advance to get a chance to go up to the observation deck, avoiding the queues. So, getting a replica of the Statue of Liberty might be a good idea as the memento of your trip or a gift for your friends.
5. Broadway Show Merch
Going to a Broadway show is one of the fun things to do in New York. Since it is known for the vibrant Broadway industry, taking something from the show you have just watched live is a way of sharing the experience with the people back home.
6. Yellow Cab Themed Trinkets
In New York, yellow cabs run the show. Whether you are a tourist in New York City or a resident, you must have taken a cab at some point. This is why taking something as iconic as Yellow Cab in the form of a small trinket is a sweet way of sharing the memories of your visit with your loved ones.
7. Empire State Building Merch
The Empire State Building is yet another landmark for what New York is known for. Taking small replicas and some merchandise as souvenirs might be a great idea. After all, everyone has heard of the Empire State Building and aspires to visit it at some point in their lives. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with this.
8. China Town Trinkets
Chinatown in New York City offers a lively cultural experience, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Its preppy and exciting atmosphere is complemented by a plethora of cute trinkets and ornaments that make for perfect souvenirs to take back home. One of the highlights of Chinatown is its excellent dining scene, with a wide range of authentic Chinese cuisine to indulge in.
As you explore the area, keep an eye out for unique NYC mementos like tea sets, plates, and vibrant decorative items, including the iconic Chinese New Year Dragon. However, living in New York City comes with its pros and cons. While Chinatown offers a lively and exciting environment, it can also be crowded and hectic, especially during peak tourist seasons.
9. Wall Street Bull Themed Merch
Wall Street Bull is an iconic landmark in New York. Many people come from far and wide to get a picture taken with the bull, and often, many vendors on the sidewalk can be found selling some Wall Street-themed merch. They have mugs, postcards, shirts, and even small replicas of the bull for tourists to grab. This is one such unique gift from New York that anyone from your loved ones would love to receive.
10. Central Park Postcards
Central Park is a beautiful natural park in the middle of New York. It is one of the hottest places to visit for people who are into yoga, cycling, jogging, or picnicking. Taking a Central Park postcard for your loved one will be an ideal gift.
11. A New York Photography Album
New York is home to amazing sites that have been captured by numerous artists in the form of photography. Most of these artists have these albums of New York scenery photography on sale around Time Square.
These books have pictures of all the historical and cultural landmarks of New York, are as big as a coffee table book, and are as small as a tiny 20-page picture book. Such books make for a great gift for someone who wasn’t able to accompany you on the trip.
12. Art Pieces
New York City is renowned for its colorful street art scene, attracting both local talent and artists from around the world. You’ll often find NYC influencers exploring the streets of Times Square and other tourist hotspots, where talented street artists display their creative works. These artists contribute to the city’s artistic charm, offering a brilliant array of paintings, murals, and portraits that captivate visitors and locals alike. Purchasing a piece of art or commissioning a portrait from these street artists can be a unique and meaningful gift, showcasing the city’s artistic diversity and creativity.
13. Iconic New York Bagel
Now, this one is for those foodies who yearn for New York’s food experience but haven’t got a chance to try it. Taking home some bagels for them is not a very bad idea. New York is known for its pizzas, sandwiches, and bagels; sharing such an iconic present with your friends and family will surely put a smile on their faces. Don’t worry; although bagels come under perishable items, you can freeze them and take them along.
14. Souvenirs From Brooklyn Brewery
For those interested in sampling booze from around the world, visiting a local brewery in New York can offer a unique gift opportunity. These breweries often feature limited-edition beers and offer merchandise like monogrammed glasses, bar coasters, t-shirts, and other items for sale. It’s a chance to pick up something special that you think your friends and family, including famous people who live in New York, would enjoy and talk about fondly.
15. NY Themed Lego Set
I’m not sure if this would come under acquired taste, but many adults still play Legos. Taking a New York-themed Lego set for such a friend or a family member might bring endless joy to them. This could also be a great gift for someone in their early to late teens.
Conclusion
If you’re wondering about the best time to visit New York, you’re in for a treat! New York City offers a myriad of attractions and experiences throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for travelers. From the iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building to the hidden gems in Brooklyn and Greenwich Village, there’s something for everyone in the Big Apple.
When exploring, be sure to shop in New York, a treasure trove of unique souvenirs and gifts. Whether you’re looking for memorabilia of your trip or searching for special items for loved ones, New York’s shops and markets have you covered. Additionally, budget tips for visiting New York can help you make the most of your trip without breaking the bank.
So, pack your bags, plan your itinerary, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in New York City. Discover the best places to visit, budget-friendly tips, and unique souvenirs that will capture the essence of this dynamic city and create lasting memories.
What is the most popular type of souvenir?
. Mass-produced goods like T-shirts and hats are examples of souvenirs as objects. Collectibles include postcards, fridge magnets, key chains, pins, keepsake coins and tokens, small bells, models, figurines, and statues. Household items include spoons, coffee cups, bowls, dishes, an ashtray, fudge, notepads, a coaster, and many more. For New York, in particular, anything New York-themed would do, or something bearing close associations to landmarks in New York City or the latest in trends you see at the souvenir stands in Time Square. From street art to monogrammed mugs and t-shirts, everything is the best idea to take as a souvenir from New York.
What to get someone who lives in New York?
People who live in New York wouldn’t mind receiving a gift from New York. There are still quite a few elite-quality gifts that not many people think of as a perfect present for a New York dweller. There are craft beers, bagels, pizzas, delis, and indie artists willing to make small custom art, jewelry, or enamel pins. You just need to know what your friend is into. Some people really appreciate ceramics and street art. You can definitely take one of those for them. Other than that, you can indulge in looking for some custom-made small indie art pieces that involve more thought and sentiment.
Is New York cheap for shopping?
Unless you have an extreme aversion to shopping, you should try to do some while visiting New York. You’ll be happy to hear that New York offers plenty of affordable shopping options, even though you’ll undoubtedly want to visit the upscale retailers—if only to say you did. When it comes to variety and price points, you can find anything within your price range in New York.
What street food is New York famous for?
There are many different street food options in New York that can satisfy a variety of palates. The most well-liked foods are pizza slices, pretzels, and hot dogs. Tacos, shawarmas, and other ethnic dishes are also very well-liked.
