16 Best Souvenirs from New York to Remember Your Trip By
New York might be one of the most well-known and fascinating cities in the world – if you’re wondering what to buy in the Big Apple, my list of the best souvenirs from New York can help you out.
The Big Apple, the City That Never Sleeps, Empire City, the City of Dreams… there are so many nicknames for New York because it’s that iconic. There are so many reasons why people love New York – including me – which is probably why everyone wants to take a piece of it home. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the best souvenirs in New York to choose from.
New York City has so many great shopping areas, from the luxurious Fifth Avenue, to the hipster Williamsburg in Brooklyn, boutiquey Meatpacking District, and trendy Soho. You can definitely spend your whole holiday just shopping, although you’d miss out on all the great things to do in New York if you did.
1. Music from independent record stores
New York is probably the most famous city for churning out singers. Alicia Keys, 50 Cent, Lady Gaga, Jay Z, Billy Joel, Ella Fitzgerald, Debbie Harry were all just little nobodies wandering the fierce streets of New York once upon a time. So given the city is synonymous with all kinds of great music, it makes sense that one of the best things to buy is local music.
You can find vinyls, CDs and more in independent record stores across the city, which in itself is one of the most authentic but iconic experiences to have in New York.
2. New Yorker magazine cover print
Condé Nast’s world-famous New Yorker magazine covers all sorts of stories and has some of the most memorable covers of all time. They depict cultural and social moments, such as Jack Hunter’s ‘Moment of Joy’ that has Bert and Ernie from Sesame Street celebrating marriage equality.
You can easily find one to put up in your home as a great souvenir from the place that made it. There are ones (such as above) that are more newsworthy, and others that show different New York imagery like streets, landmarks and more.
3. NYC Taxi Toy Car
Yellow taxi cabs are as famous as New York’s landmarks. They’re always featured in TV shows and films set in New York or photographs and artwork showing the city landscape. So why not get a little toy yellow taxi?
If you’re looking for a generic or kid-friendly gift idea, this works here too. It’s also a very easy souvenir to pick up last minute at the airport if you find yourself suddenly remembering a loved one back home you didn’t buy an NYC present for.
4. Times Square snowflake ornament
If you’re going to New York at Christmas (and you’ll know from my blog of the 5 days spent in New York in December that I highly recommend doing this), getting a Times Square snowflake ornament is a great NYC keepsake to take home.
They’re typically hand-painted and hand-blown, so they’re quite delicate and require care when travelling home.
5. Handmade jewellery from Greenwich Village
Greenwich Village has so many great bars and restaurants to go to at night, but it’s also got some of the coolest shops for exploring in the day too. It’s got a bohemian vibe, so it’s the one of the best places to pick up a craft or artsy trinket.
If you’re looking for jewellery, you’ll definitely find some here. Some of the best shops include Beads of Paradise, Mure + Grand, Art Smith and The Greenwich Village Wire & Metal Collection. They’re all really different, with some using metal or freshwater pearls, and others using beads.
6. Manhattan skyline canvas print
Finding artwork of New York City is pretty easy to do from anywhere. But there’s some special about getting it from the City of Dreams itself. Every time you look at it in your home you’ll be reminded of your trip to New York, which is what makes for the best souvenirs.
One of the most iconic art pieces you can find is the Manhattan skyline, which features all the famous landmarks like The Empire State Building. You can typically find canvas’ in all different kinds of colour, from pop art to classic black and white.
7. Big Apple fridge magnet
An easy one to get hold of; a fridge magnet of New York is a typical tourist souvenir from the city. They usually feature images of landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge, Chrysler Building, Statue of Liberty, and more, and come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.
You’ll be able to find these pretty much anywhere – even at the airport as a last-minute NYC gift idea. They’re a great way to remember your trip if you’re short of space in your luggage, or if you’re one of those people building up a collection of fridge magnets from all the places you’ve travelled to.
8. Broadway playbill
If you’re lucky enough to go to Broadway, which is undeniably a must if you love theatre and are in New York, then keeping some of the merchandise is one of the best souvenirs from New York to take away.
Including items like keychains, magnets, coffee mugs, programs, plush toys, and other memorabilia featuring designs and themes from specific Broadway productions. You can buy official merchandise in various places, including the Playbill Store or Times Square NYC Broadway’s Exclusive Gift Shop.
9. Yankees baseball cap
Sporting the NY logo, the Yankees baseball cap is well-known everywhere. They’ve even become fashionable with people who have no interest in the sport, where they’re generally seen in urban fashion.
The New York Yankees caps are typically blue or black with a white logo, but you can find them in a variety of colours. It’s a nice keepsake if you want something that you’ll actually use again back home.
10. Statue of Liberty memorabilia
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world, and it’s no surprise that it’s also one of the most popular souvenirs. From miniature replicas to t-shirts and keychains, there are plenty of options to choose from.
If you’re looking for something more unique, consider a replica of the statue’s torch or a framed photo of the statue at sunset.
11. I Love NY T-Shirt
It’s an iconic t-shirt that admittedly screams ‘tourist’, but actually has more depth to it. Apparently, it was designed by graphic designer Milton Glaser in 1976, while he was in the back of a taxi (probably the yellow NYC ones). He drew it with red crayon on a bit of scrap paper, which is now visible to all at the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan.
Now you can find the iconic I Love NY as a t-shirt or other forms of souvenirs like magnets, keyrings and more.
12. New York roasted coffee
Bring back some locally-roasted coffee – even if it’s just to be able to practice saying caw-fee.
There are over 30 roasteries and countless counters catering to the city’s vast legion of coffee aficionados. So it’s fairly easy to pick up some to take back home too. This also makes for a nice gift idea if you’re stuck on what to buy, but know that they drink coffee.
Again, it’s a souvenir that you could just order online at home. But getting it from New York itself just makes it even more special.
Where to find the best souvenirs from New York?
New York City is one of the most iconic and exciting cities in the world. From the towering skyscrapers to the bustling streets, there’s always something new to see (and buy). When it comes to souvenirs, New York City has a lot to offer. Whether you’re looking for something to remember your trip by or a gift for a loved one, you’ll easily be able to pick something up.
However, if you’re looking for more unique and artisanal offerings, neighbourhoods like Soho and Greenwich Village host numerous boutique stores and local markets. Here, you can find handcrafted jewellery, local art, and vintage memorabilia that truly capture the city’s spirit. Over in Brooklyn, especially areas like Williamsburg and DUMBO, you’ll be able to find more quirky and unique souvenirs. It’s home to many independent artists and creators, so there’s always something different to dig up.
One of the most iconic spots is Times Square, where several shops overflow with New York-themed T-shirts, snow globes, postcards, and miniature replicas of famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty. Though it can be touristy and a bit on the pricier side, the bustling energy and sheer variety make it a must-visit.
For bibliophiles, The Strand Bookstore near Union Square is a treasure trove. With its tagline ’18 miles of books’, this legendary bookstore offers not just an extensive collection of books but also quirky New York-centric gifts and stationery.
And of course, don’t forget the city’s renowned museums.
Establishments like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art have upscale gift shops with elegant souvenirs ranging from prints of famous artworks to designer items that scream sophistication.