10 Perfect Gifts for the New Yorker in Your Life

Life in New York can be incredibly exciting — it is the city that never sleeps, after all. However, it can also get a bit lonely, especially for people who recently moved to NYC and may not have any close friends or co-workers yet. The holidays can be especially tough. That’s why sending the New Yorker in your life a unique, thoughtful gift is a great way to help them get into the spirit of the season — even if they’re far away from “home.”

Whether your friend or family member recently relocated to the Big Apple or has been living there for years, here are 10 gift ideas that are perfect for any New Yorker.

1. Seamless Gift Card

A gift card might seem like a lame gift at first, but to a New Yorker, a Seamless gift card is just as exciting as cold, hard cash. As New York’s No. 1 delivery service, it’s the perfect simple present for anyone, whether it’s your sibling, best friend or parent.

2. A Good Pair of Headphones

If there’s one defining characteristic of New York, it’s noise. That’s why every New Yorker needs a solid pair of headphones. Opt for the over-the-head kind for the best sound and noise-blocking abilities. Some reputable brands to consider are Bose, Sony and Beats by Dre.

3. Travel Umbrella

Most New Yorkers do their fair share of walking the city streets — but many don’t have a travel umbrella for those unexpected sprinkles. Make sure your friend or loved one is always ready, even when the weatherman isn’t.

4. Necklace from Rock That Gem

If your friend is interested in gems, a necklace from Rock That Gem is the perfect gift. Based in Brooklyn, a professional gemologist handcrafts each one of Rock That Gem’s pieces, so you know the one you purchase is unique and made with top-of-the-line materials. Whether the recipient enjoys chunky statement pieces or more subtle ones, you can find the perfect necklace for the New Yorker in your life from this high-quality brand.

image from Outer Layer on Instagram 

5. Ticket Stub Diary

Are you shopping for a concert-going, festival-loving New Yorker? A ticket stub diary is a perfect gift. Help them keep their ticket stubs organized and accessible in a cute book, so they can always look back on some of their favorite memories and experiences.

6. Museum Membership

If your NYC-based buddy is also a huge history buff, a museum membership is a fun, practical gift. From the MoMA and the Met to the Brooklyn Museum and the Museum of the Moving Image, you have several options to choose from. To make it even more unique, try finding a museum that focuses on your recipient’s specific hobby or interest.

7. Citi Bike Annual Membership

Even though New York City has plenty of public transportation options, they can be crowded, expensive or time-consuming. A membership to Citi Bike — NYC’s best bike-share program — is the perfect solution. At only $169 for an annual plan, you get an unlimited amount of 45-minute bike rides anywhere in the city.

8. Texting Gloves

Like elsewhere in the Northeast, winter in New York City can be frigid. Surprise your recipient with a pair of texting gloves to help them stay warm without having to keep their hands — or their phones — in their pockets.

image from Time Out

9. New York Helicopter Tour

Show your New Yorker the city from a new perspective — a bird’s-eye view. A helicopter tour of New York is an exciting gift for thrill-seeking city dwellers. On a 30-minute after-dark flight, they’ll see the skyline in a whole new way. From the Chrysler Building to the Empire State Building — and, of course, the Statue of Liberty — your friend or family member will gain a whole new sense of NYC pride after this aerial tour.

10. Broadway Tickets

You can’t go wrong with a pair of Broadway tickets as a classic gift for New Yorkers. Whether you’re planning on being their plus-one, or you know they have someone who can tag along, anyone who can appreciate art, music and performance will certainly love this gift.

Your Presence Is Their Present

If all else fails, your presence is one of the best gifts you can give your friends or family members in NYC. Use the holidays as an opportunity to travel to the city to surprise the New Yorker in your life with your fantastic company — and perhaps some fun ideas for activities you can do together while you’re in town.