INSIDE: Don’t bother with the boring stuff. These are the best souvenirs from New York that will delight your friends and family. Updated 2024.
We’ve gathered a list of:
- ALL the best places to shop in NYC for iconic souvenirs and gifts (think Tiffany & Co jewelry, and New York Skyline LEGO sets!)
- where to buy American candy in New York
- where to buy chocolate in New York
- bargain shopping in New York city andthe best places to shop in NYC on a budget
- the famous shops in New York
- where to buy all the delicious New York food gifts
- quirky shopping in Manhattan – where to find board games, and Halloween costumes and so much more!
Don’t bother going elsewhere until you’ve read all the way to the bottom.
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WHERE TO GO NEW YORK SOUVENIR SHOPPING?
Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome. Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in US dollars, unless otherwise stated
Here’s our tips on the best New York shopping destinations including our favourite unique and classy shops, Department stores, artisan shopping destinations, craft fairs and markets in New York.
Image credit: JJBersvia Flickr CC BY 2.0
BEST NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT STORES
These are the New York department stores to put on your New York shopping itinerary.
No.1: Macy’s New York
Macys New York on Herald Square in New York is one of the biggest Department stores in America.
There’s something for everyone at Macys, including:
- designer clothes by Burberry, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein
- makeup and beauty by Clinique and Estee Lauder, and
- everyday wear by Levis.
Wondering what to buy in New York souvenirs for those who love designer threads?
Pick up a new handbag, a new winter coat, a new swimsuit, or a new pair of sunglasses from Macy’s.
They’ve got it all.
Check the schedule in store for current Macy’s events too, including Breakfast with Santa!
Find the entrance on 151 West 34th Street, New York
Image credit: Indah Nuria Savitri
No.2: Bergdorf Goodman
Bergdorf Goodman Department Store on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan in New York City is another luxury goods store in New York that has been around since 1899.
It’s the spot to buy:
- Manolo Blahnik shoes
- Prada handbags
- Ralph Lauren polo shirts
- Carolina Herrera dresses, and all the best designer brands.
Luckily, there’s regular sales so even the most conservative shopper can find a ‘bargain’ every now and then.
Take a peek at the Bergdorf Goodman 5th Avenue store at 754 5th Ave, New York.
Image credit: John Eichenberg
No.3: Barneys New York
Barneys New York is a speciality retailer in the luxe market.
Find elegant clothing and ready-to-wear men’s and women’s apparel from the world’s top designers plus all the best accessories.
Shop for:
- shoes
- jewelry
- cosmetics
- fragrances, and
- gifts for the home too.
Visit at Christmas in New York to see the original holiday themed decor, and celebrated window displays.
Find Barney’s Madison Avenue at 660 Madison Avenue, New York.
Image credit: Rob Young via Flickr CC BY 2.0
No.4: Bloomingdales SoHo
Plan for at least two to three hours of browsing at Bloomingdale’s in SoHo.
This store is home to distinctive one-of-a-kind products, many of which you won’t find anywhere else.
The Bloomingdale’s motto of creativity, quality and uniqueness guides the store buyers in making sure all their gifts and souvenirs will be cherished for years to come.
Bloomingdale’s SoHo is at 504 Broadway, New York.
Image credit: Dongin C
No.5: Century 21 Downtown Manhattan store
This downtown Manhattan icon has been a NYC retail icon since 1961. Century 21 Department Store is a seven-storey shop for designer brands at budget prices.
There’s:
- designer clothing
- ready to wear clothing
- handbags, totes, backpacks, and clutches,
- hardside and softside luggage
- shoes, sunglasses and umbrellas.
Plus kids wear, home decor, tech gadgets AND a toy shop!
Visit the original store (rebuilt after 9/11) at 22 Cortlandt Street, New York NY 10007.
Image credit: Ajay Suresh via Flickr CC BY 2.0
No.6: Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue main flagship store is located on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
Be sure to check out the elegant building, home of clothing and goods for “fashionable, gracious living” since 1924.
You may not have the cash to buy the Hooded Sable Fur Coat (at over $100,000 USD), but there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying a browse through their collection of beautiful clothing and home decor.
Don’t miss their Christmas Holiday tabletop collections, gourmet food, and Christmas ornaments.
Pop on your shopping shoes and head to 611 Fifth Avenue, New York
Image credit: Jason McCann
No.7: ABC Carpet & Home
It’s strange to believe a shop called ABC carpet and home could be a treasure trove for New York souvenir hunting.
There’s six floors, full of beautiful New York inspired:
- bedding
- glassware
- towels
- bathroom accessories
- cushions
- fabulous kitchenware
- makeup and skincare
- plush toys
- books
- puzzles,
- and a range of HANDMADE goods in New York.
ABC Carpet and Home is at 888 Broadway, New York.
Image credit: Mike Licht via Flickr CC BY 2.0
BEST CLOTHES SHOPPING IN NEW YORK
No.1: New York Sports Apparel/ New York Yankees Clothing
Try Grand Slam New York New York City souvenirs shop at 1557 Broadway, New York, NY 10036 for authentic New York Yankees apparel and memorabilia.
Or Yankees Clubhouse Shop Times Square at 245 W 42nd Street SP1, Yankees Clubhouse 9040, New York,NY10036, the official vendor for New York Yankees apparel, souvenirs and baseball gloves, bats and balls.
No.2: Best NYC Clothes Shopping Tours
Our hot tip is to book a tour that will show you how to shop like a local in New York for clothes.
The best New York tours for shopping are:
No.1: Sex and the City Hotspots Tour
- See the bar owned by Steve and Aidan
- Visit the church where Samantha meets “The Friar”
- See the furniture store where Aidan designed his pieces
- Stop at the store where Charlotte bought her Rabbit
- Visit Buddakan, where Carrie and Big’s wedding rehearsal dinner took place
- See locations from the Sex and the City movies
- Get some retail therapy like Carrie at Greenwich Village boutiques
No.2: Brooklyn shopping tour – 2.5 hour tour of Williamsburg
- Discover 4-5 unique boutiques and take advantage of shopping discounts
- Meet designers and boutique shop owners
- Get advice from your guide, a sustainable fashion designer
- Sip on a happy hour drink, or two!
No.3: New York’s Garment Center – 3 hour insider shopping tour with Get your Guide
Here’s a non-traditional shopping experience in NYC
- Visit the famous Garment District for an insider tour of 6 private Designer Showrooms
- Shop at wholesale prices
- See historical landmarks in the area, and hot NYC sights too
- Spend time with fashion knowledgable bargain hunters
Image credit: Bruce Berrian via Flickr CC BY-2.0
THE BEST NEW YORK MUSEUM SHOPS FOR UNIQUE NEW YORK SOUVENIRS!
No.1: MoMA gift shop souvenirs
MoMA Design Store next to the lobby of MoMA museum in New York has over 2,000 publications representing each of the Museum’s curatorial departments.
Plus an unbelievable range of curated New York gifts and souvenirs including:
- clocks
- candleholders
- pillows
- throws
- rugs
- flatware
- kids arts and crafts
- kids toys
- New York prints
- scarves
- gloves
- umbrellas, AND
- a range of MoMA exclusives such as MoMA & Vans collaboration, and
- a cool sweatshirt designed in conjunction with Yoko Ono.
Keep an eye on the MoMA events.
You can meet the Design store buyers to hear first hand how they do what they do, there’s book signings, monogramming events, story times, and more.
Find it at 11 West 53 Street, NY, between 5th and 6th Ave (Reopens on October 21st 2019)
No.2: New York Public Library Gift shop souvenirs
Find quirky authentic New York souvenirs at our favorite shop in New York.
Pick up a NYPL library card enamel pin, a hoodie, a stainless steel water bottle, or a library tote bag.
There’s:
- quote bookmarks
- desk caddies for all your New York stationery
- world globes
- design NYC t-shirts
- funky ties
- silk printed scarves
- fabulous socks
- hand crafted jewelry
This shop is the place to go to find ALL the New York books for adults and kids, New York travel guides, and New York coffee table books.
Open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm, at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, New York, NY 10018
Image credit: Jimmy Roche
No.3: New York Transit Museum Store souvenirs
This is another cool museum shop in New York selling all kinds of New York souvenirs and memorabilia.
Find:
- Back To School gifts
- New York bus toys
- New York subway toys
- model trains
- jewelry
- totes and backpacks
- desk accessories
- NYC home decor, and tableware
All of the above feature famous New York transport icons including:
- the subway
- Grand Central Station
- metro cards,
- subway maps
- subway tokens etc.
The NY Transit Museum & Store can be located at 99 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, New York.
Image credit: Shinya Suzuki via Flickr CC BY-ND 2.0
BEST NEW YORK MARKETS
Visit any of these New York markets to find that one-of-a-kind New York gift for friends and family, eat up big at the food trucks, and soak up the locals-only atmosphere.
No.1: Chelsea Market souvenirs
An enclosed urban food court and shopping mall in the Meatpacking District of New York, the Chelsea market attracts over 6 million visitors a year to this gourmet indoor food hall.
The Chelsea market is housed in a building, not far from the Hudson river greenway.
It covers an area that is a block wide, and a block long.
Chelsea food vendors sell:
- hot bread and soup
- fresh crepes and baked goods
- nuts, spices
- artisan chocolates
- fruit and vegetables
- sausages
- sushi
- Italian food
- classic American ice cream
- smoked meats
- doughnuts
- wine
- coffee and tea
- cheese
- flowers
- desserts and cheesecake.
You’ll also find the Artists and Fleas market, Anthropologie, and Neighbourhood goods variety store.
It’s open 7 days a week from early till late.
Find Chelsea Market at 75 9th Ave, New York.
Image credit: Smorgasboard
No.2: Smorgasboard Markets gifts
A fun atmospheric seasonal outdoor foodie market on Saturdays in Williamsburg Brooklyn.
There’s 100+ vendors and views of the NYC skyline as a bonus!
Find it at East River State Park, 90 Kent Ave. (at N. 7 St.) Brooklyn
Hot tip: You’ll also find a smaller Smorgasboard market at the World Trade Center on Fridays from 11-7pm at Oculus Plaza, Manhattan.
On Sundays, head to Prospect Park, Breeze Hill on East Drive at Lincoln Rd. Brooklyn, NY.
Shop from over 100+ vendors here.
Image credit: Edsel Little via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0
No.3: Union Square Green Market souvenirs
The Union Square Greenmarket is a farmer’s market in New York that has been in place since 1976!
Find:
- just-picked fresh fruits and vegetables
- heritage meats
- award-winning farmstead cheeses
- artisan breads
- jams
- pickles
- cut flowers and plants
- wine
- ciders
- maple syrup and more.
There’s cooking and tasting demos, book signings, pop ups and interactive displays.
Join the 60,000 odd strong crowd to experience this green market in New York.
Hot tip: Go early to get the best stuff.
Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday all year round from 8am to 6pm at North and West sides of Union Square Park .
Image credit: Neo Lan
BEST FLEA MARKETS IN NEW YORK
No.1: Green Flea Market souvenirs
Do not miss the Green Flea markets, the best indoor and outdoor market in Manhattan. Open Sundays 10am to 5.30pm, rain or shine.
30 years strong, you’ll find a huge selection of antique, vintage and artisan vendors selling everything from handmade and vintage clothing , home decor, jewelry, fashion accessories, and imported goods from Nepal, Tibet, India, China, Burma, and Thailand.
The collectibles vendors are the best!
Look out for:
- stamps
- comics
- baseball cards
- vintage tea cups
- American bric-a-brac
- enamel pins
- antique prints
- miniature collectibles
- shells and stones
- vintage American college banners
- rare coins
- artefacts and glass bottles.
If you love to shop for cool and crazy souvenirs in New York, head to 100 West 77th St, New York. 10024.
Image credit: Artists & Fleas Chelsea market
No.2: Artists and Fleas New York Markets
Artists and Fleas is a marketplace of makers including “tastemakers, experience creators, designers, collectors and curators”.
It’s THE place in New York for handmade goods and things of good design in Manhattan.
Shop for:
- hand-crafted jewelry
- soaps and beauty goods
- fun hats and caps
- handmade shoes and boots
- fabulous clothing and shirts
- maps, prints
- laser cards
- puzzles
- cushions
- handbags, and
- very cute New York souvenir stationery, souvenir prints and canvases.
There’s an Artists and Fleas market inChelsea and SoHo in Manhattan, and another in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
The Chelsea Artists and Fleas market is at 88 10th Avenue at West 15th Street.
Image credit: Nick Amoscatovia Flickr CC BY-ND 2.0
BEST CRAFT FAIRS IN NEW YORK CITY
Check out the Renegade Craft Fair.
Image credit: Mack Male via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0
NEW YORK CHRISTMAS MARKETS
No.1: New York Christmas souvenirs
The best Christmas markets in New York City for shopping and a jolly Christmas atmosphere are:
- Bryant Park Holiday Market
- Union Square Holiday market
- Manhattan Christmas Markets
- Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair
- Columbus Circle Holiday Market
You can also visit theChristmas in New York shop in Little Italy for Christmas decor, ornaments & collectibles, with personalization available.
The Aladdin’s cave that is the Christmas Cottage in the Wellington Hotel on 871 7th Ave, New York is said to be the oldest Chrismas decor store in New York.
They’ve been in business for over 32 years, selling unique Christmas goods you won’t find anywhere else.
Image credit: Norbert Tai
MORE FUN STORES IN NYC FOR NEW YORK GIFTS & SOUVENIRS
Wondering where to buy souvenirs in New York with a difference? Not your run of the mill trashy souvenir.
Try these New York souvenir shops.
No.1: The Evolution Store New York
This is the place to buy New York souvenirs with a difference!
The Evolution Store in New York is a museum-style shop full to the brim of science & natural history-related collectibles, gifts & furnishings.
Their signature souvenir is one of their preserved specimens in resin or clear fluid in a jar.
These are just like the ones you see in the Natural History museum.
There’s:
- a real Shark in a Jar
- flower beetles in resin
- framed insects
- freeze-dried living fossils including a crocodile head, or a rattlesnake head.
Plus:
- crystals and agate slices
- meteorites
- minerals
- anatomical models, and
- replica skeletons.
Look for the range of homewares including world globes, posters, prints, puzzles, models, candy and snacks.
Visit in person at 687 Broadway, New York.
Image credit: Brooklyn Super Hero Supply Co
No.2: Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co
Stop in at the Brooklyn headquarters to pick up all the:
- Superhero costumes
- Superhero books
- cards
- t-shirts
- unique maps
- fun posters
- fabulous gifts & toys,
- AND a whole lot of SUPERPOWERS!
(Including one-quart tins of Chutzpah!)
Say hello from Tuesday to Sunday 12pm to 6pm at 372 5th ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Image credit: Catbird boutique
No.3: Catbird Brooklyn
Catbird is a much-loved jewelry store selling trademark fine, personal jewelry.
They also stock a range of curated gifts and souvenirs including:
- nail polish
- after dinner playing cards
- soy candles
- incense and incense holders
- illustrated cards
- New York stationery
- stylish kitchenware including dishes, plates and saucers.
Take a trip to the main boutique at 219 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn.
Image credit: Lockwood
No.4: Lockwood
Looking for local souvenirs with a design edge?
This is the spot for:
- gorgeous handbags and tote bag
- colorful pens and stationery
- super cute kitchenware (the marble and wood cheeseboards are divine!)
- an elegant range of beauty and wellness gifts.
Make a beeline for Lockwood at 32-15 33rd St Astoria, NY 11106, just over the bridge from Manhattan.
No.5: Chess Forum New York souvenirs
The best shop in New York for strategists who LOVE a good chess game.
Find chess boards, chess pieces, plus computer games & backgammon gear at 219 Thompson St, New York.
Image credit: TCSBGS on Facebook
No.6: The Compleat Strategist Board Game Shop souvenirs
The Compleat Strategist in New York City has been in business for four decades.
This gaming headquarters stocks a gigantic collection of:
- board games
- role-playing games
- family and party games
- dice and dice games
- collectibles
- toys
- collectible card games
- miniatures, and
- chess sets too.
Visit in store at 11 E 33rd St, New York.
Image credit: Peculiar Planet
No.7: The Peculiar Planet Brooklyn New York souvenirs (formerly Planet Cute)
Their motto is ‘where the weirdos shop’ but it’s really the home of:
- CUTE and wacky enamel pins
- apparel
- home decor
- stationery
- stickers and
- plush toys.
Find brands including Tokidoki, Sourpuss, Pusheen, Irregular Choice shoes, and Aluminium Bunny cards, pins and stationery.
Visit the store in person at 704 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Image credit: Joshua Bernstein
WHERE TO SHOP FOR HALLOWEEN IN NEW YORK
No.1: Abracadabra NYC dress up costumes
If you have a budding magician or a kid who loves to dress up, (or perhaps YOU love to dress up), visit Abracadabra in New York City.
It’s a mega-store full of:
- hand-crafted costumes
- masquerade masks
- makeup
- accessories
- wigs
- props, &
- magician’s supplies.
Find both cute and grotesque costumes for Halloween, events, and dress up costume parties too.
They have a prop and costume rental service, or one of their seamstresses can whip you up a custom outfit of your choice.
Get your spook on at 19 West 21st Street, between 5th and 6th Ave, New York.
No.2: New York Costumes
Another costume shop in New York, this one, alternatively referred to as Halloween Adventure in the East Village, is often called the BEST costume shop in the world.
The two-storey shop is an entire city block long!
Warning: This is not a shop for babies, toddlers or small children unless you want to frighten them for life!
Find the best costumes in New York for:
- Mardi Gras
- Dress Up Birthday Parties
- Themed Events
- Independence Day
- St Patricks Day
- Valentine’s Day
- Purim
- Christmas parties, and
- Halloween too.
Enter at 104 4th Ave at 11th street and 808 Broadway at 11th street. Open 7 days.
Also visitGothic Renaissance, New York City’s most renowned Gothic Boutique, located 108 4th Ave, right next door to New York Costumes.
Image credit: Evie Tang
BEST PLACES TO BUY BOOKS IN NEW YORK
No.1: The Strand -18 miles of books
This is the best community book store in New York.
Over 90 years old, this store has:
- all the best sellers
- new releases
- young adult books
- books for kids, and
- rare and collectible books.
Look for the Staff Picks.
Scour the fabulous range of New York gifts in stock including:
- cards and wrap
- totes and bags
- New York themed stationery
- fun kitchenware
- NYC chocolate,
- and gifts for kids themed around this iconic city
Events are a regular feature, and there’s FREE storytelling and crafts for kids weekly.
Shop for all the books at 828 Broadway at 12th Street, New York, NY 10003
Image credit: Loren Javier via Flickr CC BY-ND 2.0
BEST PLACES TO BUY TOYS IN NEW YORK
No.1: Disney Store Times Square
How could you not stop by the DISNEY Store in Times Square?
If are a Disney fan, pop this giant Disney shop on your itinerary to find:
- official Disney character toys
- Disney clothes
- Disney collectibles
- Disney theme park merchandise
- Disney dress up costumes,
- plus all the Mickey Mouse goods.
Disney Times Square is located at 1540 Broadway, New York.
RELATED: ULTIMATE List of the Best Disney Souvenirs for Disney Fans!
Image credit: Marco Togni
BEST NEW YORK SOUVENIR SHOPS
No.1: I Love Souvenirs gift shop
Saving money is the reason to visit this New York shop.
There’s all of the same NY souvenirs, but at better prices than anywhere else.
It’s worth a look.
Dig deep to get past the junk to find the odd treasure here and there.
Go shopping at 377 5th Ave, between 35th & 36th and between 32nd & 33rd, New York City, NY
No.2: Memories of New York
Find all the officially licensed New York City souvenirs including:
- I Heart New York” t-shirts
- New York snow globes
- wallets and backpacks
- picture frames
- postcards of New York
- NYC coffee mugs
- Statue of Liberty statues
- NYC baseball hats
- Christmas ornaments of New York
- funny money
- kitsch aprons
- kitchenware
- New York magnets & keychains
- handbags,
- plus unique and hard to find pop culture merch.
Memories of New York is located right down the street from the world-famous Flatiron Building and near Madison Square Park.
Call into the store at 206 5th Ave, New York 10010 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m, 7 days a week.
