Making a choice of present options in New York City may pose a problem especially since tourists are flooded with overpriced products being sold everywhere. Instead of buying a regular T-shirt that says “I love New York,” visitors to the city may turn to local shops, independent markets, and time-honored businesses for less dull souvenirs.
New York City is a great place to search for everything from funky home accessories and handicrafts to fashion wear and food specialty items.
6 Not-So-Good Places to Shop in NYC
Before looking for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, it is important to know where not to spend your money. Fifth Avenue is mostly occupied with expensive designer brands, which are available in many other cities and airports. Times Square gift shops are another place where tourists should proceed with extreme caution as they tend to have much higher prices on almost identical items offered in Chinatown shops.
Gift souvenir shops are located in the main tourist attractions such as the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock, where prices are higher than normal prices found on the market.
Travelers need to be careful while dealing with sidewalk sellers, especially if they are selling items from sheets spread on the Canal Street. There is a high chance that the items sold in those areas are counterfeit. Furthermore, ordinary “I Love New York” items are not unique and could easily be exchanged with better local souvenirs.
Unique Gifts and Home Items
An interesting place to visit is Fishs Eddy. The store is well-known for its utensils and other home goods since 1986. The store offers plates that feature well-known, New York locations, old microdesign MetroCard designs, and pictures of restaurants and other symbols of the city. The store also has towels, cards, tote bags, mugs, and items related to pigeons.
If one is looking for local-produced crafts and seasonal presents, Union Square would be another great option. In Union Square, independent sellers operate their markets. They sell clothes, candles, handmade crafts, and food produced locally. The market, called Union Square Greenmarket, operates all year round on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
If people love books, they should visit The Strand. This bookstore is one of the oldest in the city, founded in 1927.
Culinary Delights and Retail Therapy on Bleecker Street
For foodies, Murray’s Cheese is a must-visit location. Founded back in 1962, the store is known for its over 250 types of cheese available to enthusiastic shoppers in categories such as blue cheese, bloomy cheese, fresh cheese as well as hard cheese and semi-soft cheese. There are also cheese lectures and cheese caves at the store which make for some fascinating gifting ideas for food lovers.
The independent shops and some of the local favorites can be found all over Bleecker Street. Bleecker Street Pizza is an excellent solution for pizza lovers after which they may visit some of the most interesting boutiques and shops in the area.
Fashion with a New York twist is what Morgen Grand specializes in, the shop also features a number of New York-inspired items in its collections. The elegant fragrances crafted at Olfactory are developed specifically for individual shoppers.
Brooklinen is the go-to spot for bedding, blankets, robes, and towels. Feminine clothes that incorporate lace, embroidery, and sometimes jewelry.
Interesting Shopping Places To Explore
Artists & Fleas at Chelsea Market is known for the fashion, jewelry, and accessories created by designers who work independently. In Lower Manhattan Century 21 is a well-known shop to buy branded designer clothes at discounted prices.
People looking for some interesting New York-based souvenirs from New York can visit Bowery Gifts which features novelty candles, luggage tags, illustrated pictures, key chains, bags, and other unique gifts inspired by daily New York experience.
Lastly, the most interesting place to stop by before heading home is Magnolia Bakery, which is very famous for its cupcakes as well as for being featured in different films and shows.
Ultimately, it’s important to realize that some of the best New York souvenirs can be inexpensive. By going to different independent shops, community markets, and other respectable local businesses, travelers can get something more personal and special than regular tourist gifts.
