43 perfect gifts for every type of New Yorker

December 15, 2022

New Yorkers are a picky bunch. Our 2022 gift guide is up to the challenge, with unique–or just amazingly useful–goods, gadgets, and experiences that will make your gift list shorter–and your stockings fuller.

All of these products have been hand-selected by team 6sqft. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these affiliate links. All prices reflect those at the time of publishing.

For the modern design lover

Photo courtesy of AREA.	This all-cotton blanket has a soft velvety hand and whip-stitched finish, with a soft geometric pattern and a soothing palette that works with any neutral as well as all blush lilac tones. India blanket, $290 at AREA.
Photo courtesy of Coming Soon New York	Family favorite stacking tower game reimagined in a spectrum of acrylic blocks. Beautiful living room centerpiece that offers hours of fun. The set comes in a clear acrylic box to keep your tower organized. Lucite stacking tower game, $190 from Coming Soon New York.
Photo: © Jessi Frederick	A borosilicate glass pitcher, for pouring water, juice, watering plants, holding flowers, or any other use you can think of. Wave Pitcher, $225 from Sophie Lou Jacobsen.
Photo courtesy of SFMOMA Store	This desktop mobile has a Calderesque modernist vibe. Standing Circles desktop mobile, $78 at SFMOMA store.

For the foodie

	Jody Williams, the owner of the celebrated New York French bistro Buvette, shows the home cook how to create casual, polished meals without spending a lot of money or time; the book showcases sophisticated taste combinations prepared in simple and unforgettable ways. “Buvette: The Pleasure of Good Food,” $27 at Amazon.
Photo courtesy of Momofuku	Chili crunch is one of the many Asian condiments that has recently been enjoying culinary cult status. Local sensation Momofuku’s versions of the salty-hot-crunchy spread are instant winners in recipes or on just about everything. Chili crunch sampler pack, $45 from Momofuku.
Photo via Pixabay	Cooking classes can make a good chef a master and an aspiring chef feel like a pro. Cooking classes at the Institute of Culinary Education.
	This isn’t your ordinary cookbook, but then again Noma isn’t your ordinary Restaurant. Noma 2.0: Vegetable, Forest, Ocean, $55 at Amazon

For the perpetual party host

Photo credit: Rocky Luten/Food52	This Brooklyn-made unglazed terracotta coiled double candlestick looks perfect in the middle of the dining table or just about anywhere. SIN handmade candlestick holder $42–$64 at Food52.
Photo credit: MJ Kroeger/Food52	This roomy, pro-grade stainless steel cocktail shaker lets you craft four drinks at once, and you can take it on the go. Elevated Craft hybrid cocktail shaker, $70 at Food52
Photo courtesy of SFMOMA Store	These Fair Trade hand-poured dinner candles by British Colour Standard add bold stripes to your tablescape. Striped non-drip candles, $48 for a box of six at SFMOMA Store
Photo courtesy of Coming Soon New York	This colorful collection of hand-made-in NYC glass plates can be used on their own as serving dishes or combined as dinner plates. Petal plates, $220 for a pair, Coming Soon New York.

For the cozy cocoon-er

	This book will have you dreaming about a cabin by the fire. “Cabin Fever: Enchanting Cabins, Shacks, and Hideaways,” $39 at Amazon.
	These soft slippers are shearling-lined and rubber-soled for indoors or out. Minnetonka Women’s Alpine Sheepskin Slippers, $40-$134 at Amazon.
	Toss these lambskin throws on anything you’d like to make a little toastier. Lalo lambskin throw, $149 at France and Son.
	Once you get used to this app-controlled coffee mug, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without having your coffee or tea at your exact preferred temperature. Ember temperature-controlled smart mug, $150 at Amazon

For the modern hippie

Photo courtesy of Michele Varian	This handy “smoke kit” includes a tiny carry canister and lighter case with inlaid opal, a dainty joint holder, and more. Brass key ring set with opal, $380 at Michele Varian
	Throw rainbows all around the room for a pick-me-up anytime. Kikkerland Solar-Powered Rainbow Maker, $37.50 at Amazon.
	These cozy clogs will keep your tootsies warm while looking stylish and earthy. Birkenstocks shearling-lined Boston clogs, about $292 at Amazon.
	We’re pretty sure this multi-color app-controlled light bulb would go well with the “smoke kit” above; But it’s a handy way to change the mood or control the light level in the room–and a fun stocking stuffer. Wyze Smart Bulb, $14.61 at Amazon.
Photo courtesy of SFMOMA Store	This pretty mug takes your beverage of choice wherever you go. Ayca Kilicoglu Otomi Inspired Everywhere Mug, $38 at SFMOMA Store

For the grown-up goth

Photo courtesy of NightmareRealm on Etsy	This pretty hair clip will help tame the most raven of locks. Moon barrette, $16.95 from NightmareRealm on Etsy
	Fridge poets, leave your perky affirmations at the door. Edgar Allan Poet Kit refrigerator poetry kit, $14.95 at Amazon.
	Use this gothy daily 5-minute journal to log your sins, your worries, and your phobias–and get them off your mind. Sinbook by Rogue + Wolf for Anime, $17 at Amazon.
	Classic Docs get the dark floral treatment. Dr. Martens 1460 Bloom 8-eye boots. $160 at Amazon.
Photo courtesy of HauntedHumans on Etsy	These dangerous dish towels include poison ivy, hemlock, deadly nightshade, wolfbane, and more. Poisonous herbs tea towels, $20 from HauntedHumans on Etsy.
Photo by Sheila Barabad; courtesy of Brooklyn Taxidermy	We’re spending more on experiences, and we’re guessing this would be a memorable one. Taxidermy classes at Brooklyn Taxidermy, $350 and up

For the fitness buff

	Keep your flow in alignment with the Cadillac of yoga mats. Liforme yoga mat, $110 at Amazon.
	The second-generation Apple Watch SE keeps the price low and has all the fitness-tracking features of pricier models. Apple Watch, from $249 at Amazon.
	The BEAST blender lets you make your smoothie and take it with you. BEAST blender, $165 at Amazon.
	These earbuds stay in your ears while running, without cumbersome headgear. Apple Beats Fit Pro true wireless noise canceling earbuds, $159 at Amazon.
Photo via Pixabay	If you’d rather the object of your generosity be able to up their actual fitness level in a manner of their choosing, gym-disruptor Classpass offers gift certificates that open the door to top classes at gyms and studios (and now, beauty spas and salons) all over the city. Classpass gift certificate, any amount you choose, from Classpass

For the old-school low-techie

Photo credit: Ren Fuller/Food52	It doesn’t get more old-school than a tree swing. Peg and Awl handmade wooden tree swing, several sizes, $150-$250 at Food52
	Remember Scrabble? We bet you’re still great at it. This set comes in a vintage storage tin, so it’s easy to bring along. WS Game Company Scrabble Nostalgia Edition in Collectible Tin, $29.95 at Amazon.
	Rhodia notepads and notebooks are loved for their quality–and cool bright orange covers– by writers, creatives, and designers around the world. This “treasure box” collection comes with a selection of notepads–and a pair of matching pencils. Rhodia Rhodia Treasure Box, orange, $23.26 at Amazon.
	Play your vinyl collection via Bluetooth. This vintage-inspired portable turntable comes in a huge variety of colors, too. Crosley vintage portable turntable with Bluetooth and built-in speakers, $79 at Amazon.
Image by Martine from Pixabay	It’s almost surprising how many people still love a good book. This curated monthly lit fix has lots of flexibility to accommodate your reading pace and preferences. Book of the Month subscription, $16.99/month

For the dedicated New Yorker

	Deli nostalgia is having a moment, and Katz’s is the connoisseur’s favorite; if you don’t live near a Jewish deli, you can whip up your own egg creams with a mixer and the right ingredients, or just buy the candle and pretend. Katz’s Deli Chocolate Egg Cream Scented Candle, $40 at Amazon.
Photo courtesy of New York Transit Museum	This classic watch is handcrafted from an authentic ’70s-era New York Transit Token. The dial is made from a “revenue bag” that was used to transfer tokens throughout the system. NYC Subway token and revenue bag watch, $265 at New York Transit Museum.
Photo courtesy of Peralta Project	Every bodega needs a kitty. And every New Yorker just might need a bodega kitty pillow. Peralta Project bodega kitty throw pillow, $40.
	If you fantasize about a clean, people-free NYC subway that goes exactly where you want it to, this miniature train set could be just the thing. 20-piece wooden NYC subway set, $33 at Amazon.
	Philip Ashforth Coppola has meticulously documented the fine details of the New York City subway in a series of extraordinary drawings, which are accompanied by meticulously researched anecdotes about what has been called New York’s largest public artwork. “One-Track Mind: Drawing the New York Subway,” $25 at Amazon.
	This bamboo cutting and serving board in the shape of the borough of Brooklyn calls out all of the neighborhoods within. Totally Bamboo Brooklyn neighborhood cutting board, $30 at Amazon.