9 gifts for the true New Yorkers on your list
Have a die-hard New Yorker in your life? These gifts will let them show off their true hometown pride and even support some local organizations.
Jet Set Candy Charms
You may recognize this brand if you travel through Grand Central or have taken a taxi this fall with the TV on. Celebrating 10 years in business in 2024, Jet Set Candy creates stylish, wearable emblems of major travel destinations. New Yorkers might like the MetroCard ($149 for solid gold, $68 for sterling silver) or classic Anthora coffee cup ($186 for solid gold) mini charms.
“Good Night Central Park”
For little New Yorkers on your list, this children’s book will open their imagination to the beauty right in their backyard. The illustrated book, available from the Central Park Conservancy for $9.95, depicts scenes of the whole park and the zoo. Proceeds help support the conservancy.
Brooklyn Museum Sweatshirt
The Brooklyn Museum is celebrating its 200th anniversary with a new line of swag featuring a new logo “inspired by our archives and iconic building architecture.” The line includes a coffee mug, baseball cap, T-shirts, tote bags, and more. This hoodie in “brownstone” with pink lettering is the perfect unisex gift for hip Brooklynites who value comfort and style. It’s $85 at the Brooklyn Museum Shop, which prioritizes showcasing Brooklyn artists.
The Met Art Socks Box Set
The people on your list can wear elegance from head to toe by adding these artful socks to their wardrobe. The socks are made from recycled bottles and feature Katsushika Hokusai’s “The Great Wave” (1830–32); “The Unicorn Rests in a Garden” (1495–1505) and “Composition” (1921) by Piet Mondrian. They come in both men’s and women’s sizes for $50 a set at The Met store. Proceeds help support the museum.
Baked by Melissa Cupcakes
If someone on our list has a sweet tooth, these quintessentially New York mini cupcakes will hit the spot — and they make a great host gift for a holiday party. The holiday variety pack features multiple flavors and is also available gluten-free or vegan. Prices start at $47 for the 25-pack at Baked by Melissa.
Yayoi Kusama Pumpkin
Bring the modern art home. This pumpkin is artist Yayoi Kusama’s most recognized piece of work. In desktop size, this replica will bring sophistication to any New York art lover’s office. It’s $325 at the MoMA Design Store (in both yellow and red) where each “proposed product is evaluated by MoMA’s curatorial department.” Proceeds support MoMA’s educational programs.
Vintage 1950s Menorah
Give a truly one-of-a-kind Hanukkah gift with this vintage Pal-Bell menorah from the Jewish Museum. It was made in Israel in the 1950s using verdigris plating and brass and is available for $524 ($471.60 for members) from the Jewish Museum. There is only one of these available, but if it’s sold out by the time you get there, the museum has a number of other unique menorahs.
Jonathan Adler Menorah
For a more approachable price point without sacrificing style, Jonatha Adler (with its flagship store in New York City) offers fun, modern takes on the classic menorah. Dog lovers will appreciate the adorable Dachshund menorah ($132) and those with a pension for modern art will love the Mustique menorah ($375).
New York Assouline Coffee Table Book
No New York City apartment is complete without a chic coffee table book. Gift the classic Assouline “New York by New York” book featuring 300 beautiful photographs and illustrations of the city. It’s $250 at Assouline.
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