10 perfect gifts from NYC museums

If you want to know what to buy a New Yorker, our NYC gifts for the holidays are a good place to fill out your list. Of course, the ultimate gift would be an in-unit washing machine and dryer (a New Yorker can dream!), but that's a pipe dream. Sure, an envelope comprising a gift card for them to blow at either one of the best restaurants in town or on a pair of tickets to see one of the hottest shows on Broadway would slay this holiday, but our NYC-themed suggestions are a bit more creative than that. Anyway, here’s our NYC shopping list including items that show off some of the best New York attractions.

RECOMMENDED: The full holiday gift guide

Holiday shopping in NYC can be downright enjoyable (see: Holiday markets) and sometimes overwhelming (see: department stores). But once Thanksgiving dinner is over, it's time to start checking off your holiday shopping list. You may have already scored presents for your mom, your significant other and your kid sister. But what about these out-of-the-ordinary but just-as-indispensable NYC giftees in your life? In the spirit of giving, gift these important but often overlooked New Yorkers a present they will surely appreciate this holiday.

RECOMMENDED: The full holiday gift guide 2020

When themed socks and evergreen-scented candles just aren't cutting it for gifts this holiday season, an experience you can only have in New York City is key to a memorable gift exchange. Giving an experience is more personalized and fulfilling and caters to your loved ones' interests. Book a tour that offer behind-the-scenes access to the top New York attractions for your history buff dad or snag tickets to the new Fotografiska museum for your art-loving bestie. Better yet: join them and share the experience together! And if you really can't resist wrapping something up, you can always pick up a few stocking stuffers.

RECOMMENDED: See the full holiday gift guide 2020

In the wake of Covid-19, it’d be a gamble to take your sweetie to the best movies out right now this holiday season. Besides, as of November, only a few select theaters outside of the city are operating at 25 percent capacity. And since Dune has been delayed until next year, don’t risk it. Instead, consult our handy guide of gifts for movie lovers and create the perfect home theater experience for the little Kubrick in your life this Christmas in New York. Then you can fire up one of the best holiday movies in peace, knowing that you’ve got the final cut and all your cinephile’s film needs are met.

Regardless of the season, New York offers endless gifts for music lovers: While we can't snag tickets to great NYC concerts right now, the city boasts the best music stores and best record stores to keep any audiophile toe-tapping. Around the holidays, sorting through gift options for the music aficionado on your list can be a pretty daunting task. Fortunately, we've saved you some time by collecting our favorite music-related present ideas—from the best portable-speaker bargains to the coolest new box sets.

RECOMMENDED: The full holiday gift guide 2020

Searching for Christmas gift ideas for someone who’s one of a kind? Luckily, so are the NYC gifts from New York’s brick-and-mortar shops. Before you start pinning through your BFF’s Amazon wish list, take a moment to sift through the unique gifts that can be found at the best places to go shopping in NYC. To get you started, we’ve curated a list of home decor stores with stunning antiques, the best bookstores with cute-as-hell merchandise, and more only-in-New-York gift shops with extraordinary presents.  

Whether you get your Christmas shopping done in October or you’re a Christmas Eve procrastinator, we know exactly where you should go in NYC. From major department stores and big-name brands to specialty shops and home goods stores, here are the best places for purchasing holiday gifts. Check off everything on your shopping list with ease, then buy yourself a gift—you deserve it.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Christmas in NYC

Shopping for holiday gifts for your clan can be stressful, so you might as well enjoy yourself while hiking up that credit card balance. And you will, as long as you nab presents from vendors at the best holiday markets in NYC. While fancy Christmas window displays may entice you, these winter bazaars offer many perks such as free-admission ice-skating, mouthwatering treats for purchase, supporting local small businesses this year and more in addition to one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Christmas in New York