80 items in this article
2 items on sale!
Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers
New York merch may seem like something just for tourists, but those who live in the city know that a certain restaurant hat or grocery-store T-shirt can carry real prestige. Big Apple souvenirs also make great gifts — whether for homesick ex–New Yorkers who regret that big move to L.A., longtime residents who are undyingly loyal to their local spots, or newbies who are still excited to buy coffee from a street cart. Here, I’ve rounded up some standout items for everyone on your list, from the frequent Frick-goer to the friend who hasn’t left Ridgewood in three years. You’ll find baseball caps for bagel lovers, subway tees for straphangers, and even a Mister Softee beach towel. Shopping for a non–New Yorker? Check out the rest of our holiday-season gift guides here.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
LES-specific Christmas-tree decoration.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Photo: Retailer
A souvenir from a trip to New York that doesn’t exist yet, from the New Museum.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
A winter-ready beanie that references everyone’s favorite blue whale.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Basketball socks worthy of Andy Warhol.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Photo: Retailer
Celebrate this year’s grand reopening with a round of golf.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
A Neue planner for the new year.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
For the kid who commutes to school.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
A crewneck to wear around the house that will look even better once it’s broken in.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
The Schomburg Center’s art installation Rivers can now prevent coffee rings.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
The likes of Paul Mescal and Ramy Youssef have been spotted in Montague Diner merch.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Clean socks featuring dirty martinis.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Save them the trek out to Red Hook.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Zabar’s merch is the best priced in the city, so you may as well add some bagels to your cart alongside this cheerful apron.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
For the co-worker who unapologetically shops at Manhattan’s Erewhon imitator.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
For the roommate who always gets into Nightmoves.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
A tee to help them remember the time they lined up for 45 minutes in the cold.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
There’s an unexpected pastry-themed tribute to Clueless on the back of this one.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
For the friend who rarely leaves Ridgewood.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
That same friend may also enjoy this pin.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Photo: STARRDIGITAL.COM/
A keychain for Bemelmans barflies.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
A cozy zip-up hoodie from New York City’s oldest candy store.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
A beanie for anyone who takes their coffee with condensed milk.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
For the DJ who has everything.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
As far as white-tablecloth New York–restaurant merch goes, it’s hard to top the Odeon’s baseball cap.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
As far as Bed-Stuy chicken-bar merch goes, it’s hard to top the Fly’s wine key.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Easier to snag than a table.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Sadly doesn’t seem to come with a free hot dog.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Ready to be piled high with homemade latkes.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
This throwback tee will appeal to anybody who was a regular at the old location.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
For very casual cabaret fans.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
For the tiki-drink lovers on your list.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
For the chocolate-dip lovers on your list.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Hopefully they don’t spill their big tray chicken on it.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
They can store all their old Playbills in this tote from the 92-year-old Theater District spot.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
For the friend who lives for those disco fries.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
For the friend who actually enjoys the San Gennaro festival.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
For the friend who always steals the restaurant pen when the check comes.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
This candle, appropriately, smells of freshly baked cookies.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
For the most Upper West Side person you know.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
For the most Williamsburg person you know.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
For the dad who really, really loved A Complete Unknown.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Pastrami on rye not included (though you could, in fact, buy some pastrami — Katz’s ships).
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
You’ll be their hero if you get them this Italian-sandwich T-shirt.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Neighborhood Spot’s eye-catching tribute to a Greenwich Village institution.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Other director designs include John Cassavetes, David Lynch, and Werner Herzog.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
For that person who has been complaining about OMNY a lot.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
For the longtime local who still loves exploring.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
A reissue of a 1981 Film Forum T-shirt designed by animator Robert Breer that could easily pass for authentic vintage.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Photo: Retailer
This cap design from 1991 has also recently reemerged.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
The official cigarette lighter of John Wilson’s Ridgewood cinema.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
If they’re more of an Anthology fan, try this tote.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
A reusable bag with a hint of ’80s Manhattan glamour.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Surely the most delightful T-shirt in the five boroughs.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
A big red mug adorned with Pearl River Mart’s iconic lucky koi fish logo.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
The oldest apothecary in America, which happens to be in the West Village, sells some discreet and classy merch.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
A painted apron for cookbook collectors.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Gloves for the hands of young Saarinen fans.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
For the recent transplant who somehow knows the history of every station.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Keep the memory of these sadly disappearing trash cans alive.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Bert and Ernie Yankees poster, featuring the hat sundaes you can get at the stadium.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Strategist writer Dominique Pariso highly recommends gifting this pigeon, pointing out that “at just six bucks, the delight-to-price ratio is very high.”
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
For that SNL nerd who obsessively tracks the cast-member stats each season.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Photo: Retailer
The most niche cap, from a store on the Lower East Side that specializes in them.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Fingers crossed for next season.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
For the friend you do Seinfeld night with every year.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
We pulled this playful 1982 design straight from our archives.
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Want to be emailed when products you’ve saved are over 20% off?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
And, of course, the classic.
get the strategist newsletter
Actually good deals, smart shopping advice, and exclusive discounts.
Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.