This post covers some of the best places to find souvenirs in New York that you could bring home from your trip.
We include a few locations under each type of souvenir shop, a description of what they focus on, their location, and links to examples of the items they carry.
What Are People Looking to Buy
Some of the most popular items people look for when buying souvenirs are: ornaments, magnets, postcards, local handmade craft items, mugs and branded merchandise.
Also popular are tea towels, menus, cookbooks, shot glasses, playbills, keychains, tote bags, snow globes, throw blankets, figurines, and “I Love NY” items.
Basically anything that fits into a suitcase and transports well proves to be popular with visitors.
To help you in your search for quality souvenirs, we’ve listed some locations you might want to either visit or, in some cases, order from online.
Where To Find Souvenirs
Below are a few locations in which you might find some memorable souvenirs.
Also, for general information on what to do in New York, you might enjoy our NYC Travel Guide, our post on NYC Walking Tours, or our post on Things to Do in NYC.
The Tenement Museum Gift Shop
This museum on the Lower East Side is the place to find colorful items such as totes and socks, jewelry, books and home decor.
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Items we liked:
The New York Historical Society Gift Shop
This museum and gift shop is just south of the American Museum of Natural History.
You’ll find everything from exhibition-related items like catalogs and prints, to toys and books for kids, to stunning accessories.
Items we liked:
The New York Transit Museum Store
This store has art, items for the desk, puzzles, New York City themed items, and much more.
You can even purchase t-shirts and hats with your favorite subway line on them.
Items we liked:
The Museum of the City of New York Shop
This shop in Brooklyn celebrates New York, from its music to its architecture and everything in between.
You’ll find apparel, gifts, exhibition related materials, and more.
Items we liked:
Some other places to consider visiting: The Moma Design Store and The Met Store.
The NY Public Library Shop
Both the 5th Avenue and Harlem locations get good buzz.
They have a “Signature and Wise Words Collection” of branded stock, loads of items for children, and of course book-related finds.
Items we liked:
The Morgan Library
This Manhattan research library and museum is truly stunning.
Although they have fewer items than museum gift shops, some of it is quite attractive, especially their William Morris Collection of pillows and many of the items listed under “Morgan Exclusives”
Items we liked:
The Strand Bookstore
This independent bookstore just south of Gramercy Park is a landmark NYC institution, one started back in 1927.
It has themed apparel, collectibles, and miles and miles of books (18 miles, to be specific).
Items we liked:
The NBC Store
You’ve hit the mother lode here at NBC Studios at Rockefeller Plaza when it comes to TV related materials.
Branded items from both current shows to beloved shows of the past can be found.
Want a “Michael Scott Dunder Mifflin Scranton Meredith Palmer Memorial Celebrity Rabies Awareness Pro-Am Fund Run Race for The Cure” t-shirt”? You can find it here.
Items we liked:
The Broadway Store
This is the place to find posters, t-shirts, and recordings from some of your favorite Broadway shows.
Currently only their online store is selling products.
Items we liked:
Met Opera Shop
This shop on the upper west side, within the Lincoln Center complex, has some truly exceptional and at times expensive items.
You can find elegant attire and jewelry, perfect for wearing to the opera, CDs, DVDs and Blue-Rays, games and playsets, paperweights, stationary and more.
Items we liked:
1. Magpie
This store on the Upper West side carries items you won’t often find elsewhere.
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If you like soaps and organic items, candles and non-fussy but attractive jewelry and accessories, you might like Magpie.
Items we liked:
Fishs Eddy
This homegoods store south of the Flatiron building is THE place to find dishware and kitchenware.
The store has endless choices, some of which can be found on the website and much of it reasonably priced.
Check out their instagram for examples of items you might find in store.
Items we liked:
Christmas Cottage
This shop found near the Wellington hotel is a place to find Christmas related decorations.
They have figurines, nutrackers, stockings, snow globes, and more.
Items we liked:
Some other spots to consider: Memories of New York and Grand Slam New York.
1. Fulton Stall Market
This farmers market, across from Pier 16 at the South Street Seaport, offers local fresh and artisanal foods.
It all comes from small-batch producers and family farms.
You could return home with bread, cheese, pasta, honey, cider, and more.
Union Square GreenMarket
140 regional farmers, fishers, and bakers sell their products here.
Perhaps you’ll want to take home some pickles, wine, maple syrup, or honey? Perhaps more bread and cheese?
Aside from Union Square, they have many other locations throughout the city.
Zabar’s
This food store on the Upper West Side is a great place to find some of New York’s best foods; think bagels, babka, pastrami, smoked fish, chocaalte, and more.
Their website has gift baskets , cookbooks, housewares, and even a recipe blog.
Some other spots to consider: Hershey’s Chocolate World, Eataly New York Downtown, Fraunces Tavern.
1. Holiday Markets at Bryant Park and at Union Square
With hundreds of vendors setting up around these locations near the end of November, you can find just about anything you’re looking for.
There are dozens of other holiday markets popping up as well, ones bringing local crafts and foods to the New York City area.
The Renegade Craft Fair
This fair, lasting a few days, a few times a year, brings the work of artists and crafters to the public.
One can find special items covering everything from clothing and beauty, to artwork and homegoods, at locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn or in their online shop.
The Brooklyn Flea Market
If you’re looking for tchotchkes, antiques, and one of a kind items, you might find it at one of the most popular flea markets in the city.
Vintage clothes, jewelry, furniture, hand crafted items, and more can be found at one of two locations in DUMBO and Chelsea.
Also consider visiting: Williamsburg Artists and Fleas, Grand Bazaar NYC, and Chelsea Flea.
An Addition
Be sure to collect one of our postcards from your walking tour guide as well and let the folks back home know you’ve had loads of fun in New York City!
