The 40 Best Gifts for New Yorkers, According to Someone Who Was Born & Raised There

Whether they're making the big move to NYC or haven't lived here in years, one whiff of this scented candle will be the perfect housewarming gift to keep the bustling city alive in any setting. This chic, hand-poured number boasts 60 to 80 hours of burn time and contains notes of “spring days in Central Park, fine department stores and concrete,” which is code for nutmeg, cinnamon and musk. (And this is one time I'm thankful they didn’t get too realistic with the scent.)

Win or lose, no one is as passionate about sports teams as New Yorkers. As a big fan of the Yankees myself, I can safely say that a hat is a city staple in the city your giftee would love. But let's face it, your sports fanatic friend probably already has a whole collection. So, surprise them with their very own reversible faux leather jacket for those chilly days in the city, especially if they were lucky enough to get a ticket to the World Series. 

Even though New York City's legendary bake shop launched its first-ever vegan and gluten-free cookies, they'll love a delivery of the TikTok-approved signature cookie assortment, which includes the shop's original flavors: chocolate chip walnut, dark chocolate chocolate chip, dark chocolate peanut butter chip and oatmeal raisin. Not to mention, the cookies themselves are some of the gooiest and chunkiest around, so it's no wonder New Yorkers are obsessed. Grab a 4-,8- and a 12-pack to give multiple people on your list—and trust me, I won’t judge if you buy one for yourself, too (I know I will). 

You can't walk the streets of New York without seeing statement bags in tow. And ICYMI, small handbags are in right now and Silver & Riley has you covered. Crafted in soft leather, it comes in a variety of shades that represent NYC neighborhoods including Cobble Hill, Tribeca and Astoria. It also comes with a removable and adjustable shoulder strap to complement any outfit. Bonus: You'll be supporting a New York-based fashion brand with your gift.

From the cronut to the rainbow bagel, the culinary minds of the Big Apple are always whipping up new (and interesting) food combos. Some of them are so popular that they require hours of waiting in line to get a taste, which most of us don't have the time for. Enter this cookbook, filled with over 50 recipes that include the city's craziest creations. From a mac & cheese burger to funfetti cookie cakes, your giftee can enjoy NYC's finest right from the comforts of their own kitchen.

You know what? Forget everything else on this list. This is the perfect gift for the busy New Yorker. Truly, there is nothing better than having dinner from your favorite local restaurant delivered to your door after a long day at work. (FYI, there's no expiration date.)

Surprise the whole family (or the massive theater fan) with tickets to a musical, play or off-Broadway performance. You might just find luck snagging prime seats to the biggest shows like Hamilton, Moulin Rouge! The Musical or Wicked, which will impress the theater fan in your life. Or, you take a chance and check out these editor-approved shows like &Juliet, Cabaretor The Great Gatsby. 

New Yorkers have at least one art piece inspired by the city on display in their home. Now, the regular old scenic pic of the Empire State Building or the Brooklyn Bridge is fine, but for a poster that is guaranteed to become a conversation starter should be in your bestie's new apartment. This Etsy find is an ode to the five boroughs with notable symbols like the Met, the Staten Island Ferry and yes, the caution sign to warn you about rats. All their guests will spend hours trying to point out their favorite spots and reminiscing about their craziest NYC experiences.

You know at least one person who’s turned their apartment into a makeshift greenhouse, so why not give them what they want? Support their green thumb with an Easy-Care Plant subscription box from The Sill. They’ll receive one new plant and a ceramic planter for the next three months. The fun part is the variety changes every month, so they’ll have a nice mix of greenery from sill to sill.

If your partner is always nose-deep in a great read on the subway, they'll love immersing themselves in this collection of poems written by local writers. The 334-page book features various NYC poets detailing their experiences of living in New York City, especially The Bronx. As the anthology's editor writes, "We write from the fire, flames, and fumes we inherited from the Bronx, that instead of destroying us, built and raised us." Or, turn it into a book set and add Volume 2, filled with even more stories about resilience and perseverance in The Bronx. 

We all know “the city that never sleeps” is a myth. Give your favorite in-need-of-a-nap Gothamite some new bedding from the cult-fave local brand. The Luxe Hardcore sheet bundle includes one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, one duvet cover and four pillowcases. It also comes in 13 colors and patterns to match their aesthetic. The 480 thread count will have them snuggling into their sheets and forgetting about all the noise outside of their window.

Look, a subway ride is way cheaper than a cab ride. But if the trains are delayed (again) and they're running late, give a commuter a backup option they'll definitely appreciate. An Uber gift card can assure that they'll get to their destination quicker. (Now, when it comes to New York traffic, I can't help you on that front.)

You always catch them completing the crossword in The Times or figuring out the daily Wordle, so it only makes sense to occupy their morning activity with two New York Times mini crossword books (that each holds 150 puzzles to last them until the next holiday). The set also comes with a crossword-inspired canvas bag and seven pencils (marked with each day of the week) so they'll always be prepared to tackle the clues of the day.

New York has the best pizza, bagels and you guessed it, dessert. Milk Bar is one of our favorite spots to grab a cookie (or two) in the city. Satisfy their sweet tooth with a sampler featuring the dessert company's top sellers. The pack includes a three-pack of birthday truffles, a three-pack of chocolate truffles, a Milk Bar pie slice and six assorted cookies. I can't promise your giftee will share with you, but it'll definitely put a smile on their face.

While we roll our eyes when out-of-towners ask us to pronounce "coffee," I can't deny how much I love the stuff. A nice gift card to their favorite coffee shop (that's right around the corner from their apartment) will make commuting anywhere easier to manage. A few favorites include Culture Espresso, Kinship Coffee and Sweetleaf.

NYC is filled with *so* much to do, so surprise your significant other with an adventure book that can spice up date night. The book has 50 ways to create new memories with your partner. All you have to do is scratch off a challenge and do a fun activity at home (or explore one of the five boroughs together). Maybe it means revisiting the restaurant where you had your first date or joining an art class to paint your beau. Once completed, the book encourages you to take a picture and write a few words about the day, so you can look back on it for years to come.

It turns out working from home with a roommate/partner/dog can be damn near impossible, but a pair of wireless, Bluetooth-enabled headphones can really help. I recommend this Sony pair that uses dual noise sensor technology to block out the noise. It has five built-in microphones and reduces volume when chatting on the phone. My favorite feature is it automatically pauses anything I’m playing once I place them down on my desk. BTW, the headphones have 30 hours of battery life with quick charging, so I never have to worry about them going dead during my long commute. 

Remind the friend who loves to run by the Hudson to stay hydrated with this chic water bottle. It has a leak-proof screw-on cap, plus a striking design of The New Yorker illustration done by Cari Vander Yacht. While the runner is keeping track of their PR, this bottle can hold 32 ounces of some good 'ol H20.

I love our city, but she’s not exactly known for her cleanliness. Enter this high-tech air purifier. You can take our word for it, or you can read through the more than 56,000 five-star reviews. Either way, this clever device is highly praised for its quiet air technology, which means it can run all night without interrupting anyone’s sleep. It’s also super effective at filtering out pet dander for those with allergies.

Help your friends stay acquainted with the cultural world with a membership to the Whitney, the New Museum, MoMA, the Brooklyn Museum, the Met, the Museum of the Moving Image—you get the idea. 

Got a friend who puts hot sauce on everything and doesn't fear spicy? Well, keep their pantry stocked with a bottle in collaboration with Small Axe Peppers and GrowNYC, along with help from The New York Botanical Garden. The hot sauce is inspired by the community gardens around The Bronx, using ingredients like serrano peppers, garlic, onion and apple cider vinegar. It has a sweet garlic flavor and a mild kick that will be great on any meal. 

This gift goes to the friend who *loves* brunch. Whether they still live in NY or have moved away, you can ship them this quintessential NYC treat to show that you're thinking about them. This Russ & Daughters brunch box set includes a pound of Nova smoked salmon, a pound of plain cream cheese, six bagels (made fresh before shipping), one chocolate babka, a pound of Private Blend coffee and a ceramic mug. 

FYI, tote bags are essential for a New Yorker. I never know when I’ll need to pop into the supermarket after work, bop over to a farmer's market for some produce or need somewhere to store my extra pair of shoes in case it rains. And the words written on the bag ("Late Nights & Bodegas & Drunk Texts") perfectly encapsulate city life.

If you were born and raised in NYC, you'll feel a wave of nostalgia for this coffee cup. While it's become a symbol of the past, you can cherish it forever. Now any cup of coffee you drink can be the world’s best cup of coffee. You're welcome.

Skip the typical ‘I love NY’ shirt in favor of this simple—and very cool—tee instead. It has bold blue lettering that reads ‘New York, New York’ and comes in unisex sizing so the whole family can rock it. Aside from celebrating the Big Apple, the shirt is also in support of Women In Need (WIN), the largest provider of shelter and services for homeless women and children of NYC. 

Your bestie spews out your daily horoscope before you’ve even said good morning, so you know they’ll appreciate this sweet gesture. Baked by Melissa, the NYC-based cupcake company, has a 25-pack dedicated to each zodiac sign. The flavors are hand-selected by astrologer Aliza Kelly, so you can celebrate your BFFs sun, moon or rising sign with these adorable—and delicious—bites. 

Look, I’ll be the first to scoff at wearing anything that’s flashy and says 'New York' all over. However, this dad hat just might change my mind. This lifestyle brand is all about offering stylish picks and taking pride in living in one of the most fashionable cities in the world (sorry, we don’t make the rules). Regardless of which color you choose, the cursive “New York or Nowhere” is a nice touch for any New Yorker in your life. 

There are so many fun and interactive activities to try out with your kiddo in every borough, but you’ll definitely win brownie points for taking them to The Color Factory, Museum of Ice Cream, CAMP 5th Avenue or the popular Sloomoo Institute. The latter offers the chance for kids to get slimed all over—so yeah, you should snag a ticket or gift card ASAP. 

If you always catch them starting a friendly game down in Union Square, they’ll be excited to have a new set to practice with at home. These chess pieces mimic iconic buildings around the Big Apple like the Freedom Tower, Empire State Building and the Guggenheim. 

As every New Yorker knows, winters are brutal, so I recommend gifting your city dweller a pair of these puffer boots to make the months ahead a little better. They're crafted with ThermoBall eco insulation, which helps keep my toes warm and comfy. The fabric is also water-repellent (in case they step into one of those dreadful puddles on the streets) and stylish enough to complement any coat.

If you haven’t heard, bag charms are back. I was ecstatic when I saw them all over New York Fashion Week and I couldn't stop decorating my bag accordingly. I know I said taxi cab decor is a bit cheesy, but of course Anthro makes it very chic and minimal, so I’m open to latching this one on my handbag. 

Created by our very own PureWow Executive Editor Dara Katz, Mamahleh Jewelry has timeless pieces that represent her New York Jewish background. The popular Yidderish collection features necklaces, bracelets and more with sayings like ‘Oy,’ ‘Chutzpah,’ and ‘Bubbe.’  

Did you know that black and white cookies are a staple in NYC? Craftspring has a bunch of NY-inspired ornaments, but this B&W one is too adorable not to hang up proudly. I’m loving this guy as a gift for grandma (or any cookie fanatic on your list). 

While the Big Apple consists mostly of OMNY and Apple Pay, there are still a ton of hole in the walls and delis that require some cash. Anthropologie offers this chic beaded wallet with a pic of the famous yellow taxi cab on one side and a delicious slice of pizza on the other. At a whopping 7.5 by 5.5 inches, your aunt can add her change, some gum and a lip balm. 

Your teen may not understand that before we tapped our phone on the subway, we needed to use a metrocard to get us everywhere. Although the staple item is close to being obsolete, Sony is collaborating with MTA to create a custom metrocard featuring Gen-Z fave Olivia Rodrigo. This can surely be a cute stocking stuffer and a cool gift for teens that will definitely win you points. 

A gift for the book lover, writer and/or artist rolled into one. The Kindle Scribe acts as a digital notebook, where you can type, draw and read at your leisure. It stands apart from other models for having one of the largest displays at around 10 inches wide and offering weeks of battery life. As fellow New Yorker and Associate Editor Sydney Meister shared in her review, “One of the standout features of the Kindle Scribe is its ability to convert handwritten notes to text. I often take handwritten notes during meetings or while brainstorming ideas, and with the Kindle, I can select a notebook, tap the ‘Share’ button, and choose ‘Convert to text and email.’ This feature is incredibly useful, because I can preview and edit the converted text before sharing it.” 

Here’s one for the coworker that needs to spice up their office space. This trash can pen holder is just the quirky gift you need that will surely get a laugh out of them. An authentic replica of the New York Department of Sanitation trash can, they can add all their go-to writing pens right inside thanks to the coolest White Elephant gift they got this year. 

Your fashionable friend will definitely make a statement with this pigeon (yes, pigeon) clutch. Most notably seen by Carrie Bradshaw in Just Like That Season 2, the accessory will have any SITC fan excited to have their very own. At only 8.3 x 8 inches, the clutch can store the necessities (and don’t worry it has a magnetic closure so nothing comes out while hailing a cab the Carrie way). 

Whether they’re a Giants or Jets fan, keep their favorite team’s memories alive in this custom football book. It has 97 pages of highlights from over the years through the lens of The New York Times articles. Each volume comes in a vegan leather binding and can be customized with the recipient’s name. And if they want to take a closer look at the words, you can request a magnifying glass to read aloud the newspaper’s content. 

If you’re looking for a statement-worthy gift to give the new parents in your life, consider this adorable NY-themed gift set. It comes with a few key items including a food critic bib, a cutout board book with facts about popular landmarks (like the Statue of Liberty and Times Square), bagel with lox teether (that can be used as a bath toy) and pizza booties great for 6-12 month olds. Consider it prep for the next generation of New Yorkers.